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Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
Contents
This manual contains the safety
Safety Precautions and Working
Techniques
precautions and recommended cutting
techniques outlined in STIHL instruction
manuals for gasoline-powered chain
saws. Even if you are an experienced
chain saw user, it is in your own interest
to familiarize yourself with the latest
instructions and safety precautions
regarding your chain saw.
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23
25
Maintenance and Care
Main Parts
Please note that the illustrations in the
chapter "Main Parts of the Saw" in this
manual show the chain saws STIHL
MS 171, 181, 211.
Other chain saw models may have
different parts and controls. You should
therefore always refer to the instruction
manual of your particular saw model.
Warning!
Avoid contact of bar tip with any object.
This can cause the guide bar to kick
suddenly up and back, which may result
in serious or fatal injury. To reduce the
risk of kickback injury STIHL recom-
mends the use of STIHL green labeled
reduced kickback bars and low kickback
chains and a STIHL Quickstop chain
brake.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.
{
Chain Saw Safety Manual
1
English
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
chain saws. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your instruction
manual for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Warning!
Do not lend or rent your power tool with-
out the instruction manual. Be sure that
anyone using it understands the infor-
mation contained in this manual.
Because a chain saw is a
high-speed, fast-cutting
power tool, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury.
Warning!
Safe use of a chain saw involves
The use of this machine may be hazard-
ous.The saw chain has many sharp
cutters. If the cutters contact your flesh,
they will cut you, even if the chain is not
moving. At full throttle, the chain speed
can reach 67 mph (30 m/s).
1
2
3
the operator
the saw
It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manual and
the safety instructions
periodically. Careless or
improper use may cause
serious or fatal injury.
the use of the saw.
THE OPERATOR
Use your chain saw only for cutting
wooden objects.
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this machine when you are fatigued.
Warning!
Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the machine
Warning!
Reactive forces, including kickback, can
be dangerous. Pay special attention to
the section on reactive forces.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your power tool. All safety
precautions that are generally observed
when working with an axe or a hand saw
also apply to the operation of chain
saws. Observe all applicable federal,
state and local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances. When using
a chain saw for logging purposes, for
instance, refer to the OSHA regulations
for "logging operations" at 29 Code of
Federal Regulations 1910.266.
Warning!
Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition
that might be aggravated by strenuous
work, check with your doctor before
operating this machine.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury to bystand-
ers and damage to property, never let
your power tool run unattended. When it
is not in use (e.g. during a work break),
shut it off and make sure that unauthor-
ized persons do not use it.
Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger dis-
ease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
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Clothing must be sturdy
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
saw chain sharp. A dull chain will
increase cutting time, and pressing
a dull chain through wood will
increase the vibrations transmitted
to your hands.
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear long
pants made of heavy
material to help protect
your legs from contact
with branches or brush.
To reduce the risk of cut
injuries, wear pants or
chaps that contain pads
of cut retardant material.
Avoid loose-fitting jack-
ets, scarfs, neckties,
jewelry, flared or cuffed
pants, unconfined long
hair or anything that
could become caught on
branches, brush or the
moving parts of the unit.
Secure hair so it is above
shoulder level.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
–
Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore, continual and
regular users should closely monitor the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
–
Most STIHL power tools are
available with an anti-vibration
(
"AV") system designed to reduce
Warning!
the transmission of vibrations
created by the machine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using power tools on a regular or
sustained basis.
The ignition system of the STIHL unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may inter-
fere with some pacemakers. To reduce
the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons
with a pacemaker should consult their
physician and the pacemaker manufac-
turer before operating this tool.
Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.
–
–
Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm. Heated handles, which are
available on some STIHL
powerheads, are recommended for
cold weather use.
Wear an approved safety
hard hat to reduce the
risk of injury to your head.
Chain saw noise may
damage your hearing.
Wear sound barriers (ear
plugs or ear mufflers) to
help protect your hearing.
Continual and regular
users should have their
hearing checked
Proper Clothing
Keep the AV system well
Warning!
maintained. A power tool with loose
components or with damaged or
worn AV elements will tend to have
higher vibration levels. Keep the
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
regularly.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
3
English
Be particularly alert and cautious when
wearing hearing protection because
your ability to hear warnings (shouts,
alarms, etc.) is restricted.
horizontally. Keep the hot muffler away
from your body and the cutting
attachment behind you.
Fuel
Never operate your power tool unless
wearing goggles or properly fitted
Your STIHL power tool uses an oil-
gasoline mixture for fuel (see the
chapter on "Fuel" of your instruction
manual).
protective glasses with adequate top
and side protection complying with ANSI
Z 87.1 (or your applicable national
standard). To reduce the risk of injury to
your face STIHL recommends that you
also wear a face shield or face screen
over your goggles or protective glasses.
the fuel system is tight (no leaks) and
that the controls and safety devices are
working properly. Do not continue
operating this machine if it is damaged.
In case of doubt, have it checked by your
STIHL servicing dealer.
Warning!
Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. If spilled
and ignited by a spark or
other ignition source, it
can cause fire and seri-
Always wear gloves
when handling the
machine and the cutting
tool. Heavy-duty, nonslip
gloves improve your grip
and help to protect your
hands.
THE USE OF THE POWER TOOL
ous burn injury or
property damage. Use extreme caution
when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do
not smoke or bring any fire or flame near
the fuel or the power tool. Note that
combustible fuel vapor may escape
from the fuel system.
Transporting the Power Tool
Warning!
THE POWER TOOL
To reduce the risk of injury from saw
chain contact, never carry or transport
your power tool with the saw chain mov-
ing. Always engage the chain brake
when taking more than a few steps.
For illustrations and definitions of the
power tool parts see the chapter on
Fueling Instructions
"
Main Parts and Controls."
Warning!
Warning!
Fuel your power tool in well-ventilated
areas, outdoors. Always shut off the
engine and allow it to cool before refu-
eling. Gasoline vapor pressure may
build up inside the fuel tank depending
on the fuel used, the weather conditions
and the tank venting system.
Warning!
Never modify this power tool in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL model are
authorized. Although certain unauthor-
ized attachments are useable with
STIHL power tools, their use may, in
fact, be extremely dangerous.
Always switch off the engine, and fit the
chain guard (scabbard) over the chain
and guide bar before transporting the
power tool over longer distances. When
transporting it in a vehicle, properly
secure it to prevent turnover, fuel spill-
age and damage to the unit.
In order to reduce the risk of burns and
other personal injury from escaping gas
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler
cap on your power tool carefully so as to
allow any pressure build-up in the tank
to release slowly. Never remove the fuel
filler cap while the engine is running.
If this tool is subjected to unusually high
loads for which it was not designed (e.g.
heavy impact or a fall), always check
that it is in good condition before
It may be carried only in a horizontal
position. Grip the front handle in a
manner that the machine is balanced
continuing work. Check in particular that
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
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Select bare ground for fueling and move
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling
spot before starting the engine. Wipe off
any spilled fuel before starting your
machine.
Fold the grip flush with
the top of the cap. If the
grip does not lie com-
pletely flush with the cap
and the detent on the grip
does not fit in the corre-
sponding recess in the
filler opening, the cap is
not properly seated and
tightened and you must
repeat the above steps.
Warning!
Always check your power tool for proper
condition and operation before starting,
particularly the throttle trigger, throttle
trigger lockout, stop switch and cutting
tool. The throttle trigger must move
freely and always spring back to the idle
position. Never attempt to modify the
controls or safety devices.
Warning!
Check for fuel leakage while refueling
and during operation. If fuel leakage is
found, do not start or run the engine until
the leak is fixed and any spilled fuel has
been wiped away. Take care not to get
fuel on your clothing. If this happens,
change your clothing immediately. Dif-
ferent models may be equipped with
different fuel caps.
Screw cap
Warning!
Never operate your power tool if it is
damaged, improperly adjusted or main-
tained, or not completely or securely
assembled.
Warning!
Unit vibrations can cause an improperly
tightened fuel filler cap to loosen or
come off and spill quantities of fuel. In
order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage
and fire, tighten the fuel filler cap by
hand as securely as possible.
Cap with grip
Warning!
Warning!
Check that the spark plug boot is
securely mounted on the spark plug – a
loose boot may cause arcing that could
ignite combustible fumes and cause a
fire.
In order to reduce the risk of fuel spill-
age and fire from an improperly
tightened fuel cap, correctly position
and tighten the fuel cap in the fuel tank
opening.
The screwdriver end of
the STIHL combination
wrench or other similar
tool can be used as an
aid in tightening slotted
fuel filler caps.
For proper assembly of the bar and
chain follow the procedure described in
the chapter "Mounting the Bar and
Chain" of your instruction manual.
STIHL Oilomatic chain, guide bar and
sprocket must match each other in
gauge and pitch. Before replacing any
bar and chain, see the chapter entitled
"Specifications" in the instruction
To do this with this STIHL
cap, raise the grip on the
top of the cap until it is
upright at a 90° angle.
Insert the cap in the fuel
tank opening with the tri-
angular marks on the grip
of the cap and on the fuel
tank opening lining up.
Using the grip, turn the
cap firmly clockwise as
far as it will go (approx. a
quarter turn).
See "Fueling" chapter in your instruction
manual.
Before Starting
Take off the chain guard (scabbard) and
inspect the saw for proper condition and
operation. (See the maintenance chart
near the end of the instruction manual.)
manual and the section "Kickback" and
the "ANSI B 175.1-2000 chain saw
chain saw kickback standard" below.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
5
English
Warning!
Warning!
Proper tension of the chain is extremely
important. In order to avoid improper
setting, the tensioning procedure must
be followed as described in your man-
ual. Always make sure the hexagonal
nut(s) for the sprocket cover is (are)
tightened securely after tensioning the
chain in order to secure the bar. Never
start the saw with the sprocket cover
loose. Check chain tension once more
after having tightened the nut(s) and
thereafter at regular intervals (whenever
the saw is shut off). If the chain
To reduce the risk of injury from chain
contact and/or reactive forces, the chain
brake must be engaged when starting
the saw.
Warning!
The second recommended method for
starting your chain saw allows you to
start the saw without placing it on the
ground. Make sure the chain brake is
engaged, grip the front handle of the
chain saw firmly with your left hand.
Keep your arm on the front handle in a
locked (straight) position. Hold the rear
handle of the saw tightly between your
legs just above the knees. Maintain
good balance and secure footing. Pull
the starting grip slowly with your right
hand until you feel a definite resistance
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
Do not drop start. This method is very
dangerous because you may lose con-
trol of the saw.
There are two recommended methods
for starting your chain saw.
becomes loose while cutting, shut off
the engine and then tighten. Never try to
adjust the chain while the engine is
running!
Keep the handles clean and dry at all
times; it is particularly important to keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, fuel mix,
grease or resin in order for you to
maintain a firm grip and properly control
your power tool.
With the first recommended method,
the chain saw is started on the ground.
Make sure the chain brake is engaged
Warning!
Be sure that the guide bar and chain are
clear of you and all other obstructions
andobjects, including the ground. When
the engine is started, the engine speed
with the starting throttle lock engaged
will be fast enough for the clutch to
engage the sprocket and, if the chain
brake is not activated, turn the chain. If
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar
touches any object, it may cause kick-
back to occur (see section on reactive
forces). To reduce this risk, always
engage the chain brake before starting.
Never attempt to start the chain saw
when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.
Starting
(
see "Chain Brake" chapter in your
instruction manual) and place the chain
saw on firm ground or other solid surface
in an open area. Maintain good balance
and secure footing.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn inju-
ries, start the engine at least 10 feet
(
3 meters) from the fueling spot, out-
Grip the front handlebar of the saw firmly
with your left hand and press down. For
saws with a rear handle level with the
ground, put the toe of your right foot into
the rear handle and press down. With
your right hand pull out the starter grip
slowly until you feel a definite resistance
and then give it a brisk, strong pull.
doors only.
Start and operate your saw without
assistance. For specific starting
instructions, see the appropriate section
of the instruction manual. Proper starting
methods reduce the risk of injury.
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Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
As soon as the engine is running,
immediately blip the throttle trigger,
which will disengage the starting throttle
lock and allow the engine to settle down
to idle.
Warning!
Keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Special care must be taken in
slippery conditions (wet ground, snow)
andin difficult, overgrownterrain. Watch
for hidden obstacles such as tree
stumps, roots, rocks, holes and ditches
to avoid stumbling. There is increased
danger of slipping on freshly debarked
logs. For better footing, clear away
fallen branches, scrub and cuttings. Be
extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground.
Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, do not
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not let the grip snap back, but guide
the starter rope to rewind it properly.
Failure to follow this procedure may
result in injury to your hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
Your right hand should grip the rear
handle. This also applies to left-handers.
With your hands in this position, you can
best oppose and absorb the push, pull
and kickback forces of your saw without
losing control (see section on reactive
forces).
mechanism.
Warning!
Important Adjustments
Take extreme care in wet and freezing
weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the
work when the weather is windy, stormy
or rainfall is heavy.
Warning!
Warning!
To reduce the risk
of serious or fatal
injury to the oper-
atororbystanders
from loss of con-
To reduce the risk of personal injury
from loss of control and/or contact with
the running cutting tool, do not use your
unit with incorrect idle adjustment. At
correct idle speed, the cutting tool
should not move. For directions on how
to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of your instruction manual.
trol, never use the saw with one hand. It
is more difficult for you to control reac-
tive forces and to prevent the bar and
chain from skating or bouncing along
the limb or log. Even for those compact
saws designed for use in confined
spaces, one-handed operation is dan-
gerous because the operator may lose
control.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
power tool and make proper
adjustments and repairs.
During Operation
Warning!
Holding and controlling the power
tool
To reduce the risk of cut injuries, keep
hands and feet away from the cutting
tool. Never touch a moving cutting tool
with your hand or any other part of your
body.
Always hold the unit firmly with both
hands on the handles while you are
working. Wrap your fingers and thumbs
around the handles.
Chain Saw Safety Manual
7
English
Warning!
Even though bystanders should be kept
away from the running saw, never work
alone. Keep within calling distance of
others in case help is needed.
Warning!
Position the chain saw in such a way
that your body is clear of the cutting
attachment whenever the engine is
running. Stand to the left of cut while
bucking.
As soon as the engine is
running, this product
generates toxic exhaust
fumes containing chemi-
cals, such as unburned
hydrocarbons (including
Never put pressure on the saw when
reaching the end of a cut. The pressure
may cause the bar and rotating chain to
pop out of the cut or kerf, go out of
control and strike the operator or some
other object. If the rotating chain strikes
some other object, a reactive force may
cause the moving chain to strike the
operator.
benzene) and carbon monoxide, that
are known to cause respiratory prob-
lems, cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Some of the gases
(
e.g. carbon monoxide) may be color-
Warning!
less and odorless. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injury/illness from inhal-
ing toxic fumes, never run the machine
indoors or in poorly ventilated locations.
If exhaust fumes become concentrated
due to insufficient ventilation, clear
obstructions from work area to permit
proper ventilation before proceeding
and/or take frequent breaks to allow
fumes to dissipate before they become
concentrated.
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, never work on a ladder or any
other insecure support. Never hold the
machine above shoulder height. Do not
overreach.
Working conditions
Operate and start your power tool only
outdoors in a well ventilated area.
Operate it under good visibility and
daylight conditions only. Work carefully.
Warning!
Never work in a tree unless you have
received specific, professional training
for such work, are properly secured
Warning!
Your chain saw is a one-person
machine. Do not allow other persons in
the general work area, even when start-
ing. Stop the engine immediately if you
are approached.
(such as tackle and harness system or a
lift bucket), have both hands free for
operating the chain saw in a cramped
environment and have taken proper pre-
cautions to avoid injury from falling
limbs or branches.
8
Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
housing components) – which can then
increase the risk of injury, e.g., from the
saw chain moving while the engine is
idling.
Warning!
Warning!
Inhalation of certain dusts, especially
organic dusts such as mold or pollen,
can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Sub-
stantial or repeated inhalation of dust
and other airborne contaminants, in par-
ticular those with a smaller particle size,
may cause respiratory or other ill-
Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous
and can cause severe or fatal injury,
respiratory illness or cancer. The use
and disposal of asbestos-containing
products have been strictly regulated by
OSHA and the Environmental Protec-
tion Agency. If you have any reason to
believe that you might be cutting asbes-
tos, immediately contact your employer
or a local OSHA representative.
Warning!
Your chain saw is equipped with a chain
catcher. It is designed to reduce the risk
of personal injury in the event of a
thrown or broken chain. From time to
time, the catcher may be damaged or
removed. To reduce the risk of personal
injury, do not operate a chain saw with a
damaged or missing chain catcher.
nesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also
from some softwoods such as Western
Red Cedar. Control dust at the source
where possible. Use good work prac-
tices, such as always cutting with a
properly sharpened chain (which pro-
duces wood chips rather than fine dust)
and operating the unit so that the wind
or operating process directs any dust
raised by the power tool away from the
operator. Follow the recommendations
of EPA/OSHA/NIOSH and occupational
and trade associations with respect to
dust ("particulate matter"). When the
inhalation of dust cannot be substan-
tially controlled, i.e., kept at or near the
ambient (background) level, the opera-
tor and any bystanders should wear a
respirator approved by NIOSH/MSHA
for the type of dust encountered.
Operating instructions
Warning!
Warning!
Do not operate your power tool using
the starting throttle lock, as you do not
have control of the engine speed.
Inspect antivibration elements periodi-
cally. Replace damaged, broken or
excessively worn antivibration elements
immediately, since they may result in
loss of control of the saw. A "spongi-
ness" in the feel of the saw, increased
vibration or increased "bottoming" dur-
ing normal operation may indicate
damage, breakage or excessive wear.
Antivibration elements should always
be replaced in sets. If you have any
questions as to whether the antivibra-
tion elements should be replaced,
consult your STIHL servicing dealer.
In the event of an emergency, switch off
the engine immediately – move the slide
control / stop switch to 0 or STOP.
Warning!
Always stop the engine before putting a
chain saw down.
Warning!
The saw chain continues to move for a
short period after the throttle trigger is
released (flywheel effect).
Warning!
Accelerating the engine while the saw
chain is blocked increases the load and
will cause the clutch to slip continuously.
This may occur if the throttle is
Your saw is not designed for prying or
shoveling away limbs, roots or other
objects. Such use could damage the
cutting attachment or AV system.
depressed for more than a few seconds
when the chain is pinched in the cut or
the chain brake is engaged. It can result
in overheating and damage to important
components (e.g. clutch, polymer
Chain Saw Safety Manual
9
English
Catalytic converter
Warning!
stay clean and need no service or
maintenance. If you experience loss of
performance and you suspect a clogged
screen, have your muffler maintained by
a STIHL servicing dealer.
Warning!
When sawing, make sure that the saw
chain does not touch any foreign mate-
rials such as rocks, fences, nails and the
like. Such objects may be flung off,
damage the saw chain or cause the saw
to kickback.
Some STIHL power tools
are equipped with a cata-
lytic converter, which is
designed to reduce the
exhaust emissions of the
Reactive forces including kickback
Warning!