Simple rules for safety

Press, 12 June 1987, Page 18

Simple rules for safety

• Always engage the inertia chainbrake before starting the saw to prevent accidental acceleration of the chain during the starting procedure. • Never drop-start the chainsaw. Start it on the ground with your foot in the rear handle. • Never carry the chainsaw around with the motor running. One trip in these circumstances could be your last • Never attempt to refuel a running chainsaw, always refuel in a well-ventilated area and move away from the fueling area before start-

ing the saw. • Never start or operate a chainsaw when other people are within five‘metres. • Always use a twohanded grip to operate the saw and do not overreach, particularly above your head. • Always position yourself to the side of the saw, so that a kickback reaction will miss your body. > • Reduce the risk of kickback by using the full length of the guide bar and avoiding the bore cut wherever possible. • Never attempt to complete your work us-

ing a blunt chain and forcing the saw, you increase the risk of accident to yourself and damage to your machine. • Always work in a clear area when dropping trees and ensure you have a planned escape route opposite the direction of fall. • Always exercise care when cutting limbs under tension to avoid springback. • Never stand on the felled trunk when limbing a tree. • Always work on the up-hill side of a felled tree and watch out for rolling logs.

• Never operate a chainsaw that is dam-; aged, Improperly adjusted or not completely or securely, assembled, y ; AU these common sense factors will make the use of your chainsaw, both safe and effective. Above all, you should exercise care and regard for the machine you are using and the environment in which you are working. ' Additional safety and usage information is available from your local dealer, your chainsaw supplier, or various Government agencies such as the Accident Compensation Corporation.