6Additional safety precautionsThe following additional safety precautions must be ob-served by all users of chain saws:. Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.2. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting clothing; protectivegloves; and eye, hearing, and head protection devi-ces.3. Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain sawat least 0 feet (3 m) from the fueling point beforestarting the engine.4. Do not allow other persons to be near the chain sawwhen starting or cutting with the chain saw. Keepbystanders and animals out of the work area.5. Do not start cutting until you have a clear workarea, secure footing, and a planned retreat path fromthe falling tree.6. Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chainwhen the engine is running.7. Before you start the engine, make sure that the sawchain is not contacting anything.8. Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, theguide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the muffleraway from your body.9. Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, is im-properly adjusted, or is not completely and securelyassembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops movingwhen the throttle control trigger is released.0. Shut off the engine before setting it down.. Use extreme caution when cutting small size brushand saplings because slender material may catchthe saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull youoff balance.2. When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert forspringback so that you will not be struck when thetension on the wood fibers is released.3. Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuelmixture.4. Operate the chain saw only in well-ventilatedareas.5. Do not operate a chain saw in a tree unless you havebeen specifically trained to do so.6. All chain saw service, other than the items listed inthe operator’s manual maintenance instructions,should be performed by MAKITA. (For example, ifimproper tools are used to remove the flywheel orif an improper tool is used to hold the flywheel inorder to remove the clutch structural damage to theflywheel could occur and could subsequently causethe flywheel to burst.)7. When transporting your chain saw, use the chainprotection cover.8. Low kickback bars and low kickback chains are desi-gned to reduce the risk of kickback injury. Ask yourMAKITA dealer about these devices.Safety precautions for chain saw operatorsWhile operating the chain saw please observe the follo-wing rules:a) Contact of the guide bar nose with any objectshould be avoided.b) Tip contact may cause the guide bar to movesuddenly upward and backward, which maycause serious or fatal injury.c) Always operate the chain saw with both hands.WARNING!Read and follow all safety precautions in the operator’smanual. Failure to follow instructions could result inserious injury. It is recommended to lend the chainsaw only to people who are experienced in workingwith chain saws. Always hand over the Operator’sand Safety Manual.WARNING!This chain saw is capable of severe kickback thatcould result in serious injury to the operator. Do notoperate this chain saw unless you have extraordinarycutting needs and experience in and special trainingfor dealing with kickback.Chain saws with significantly reduced kickback po-tential are available.WARNING!Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guidebar touches an object, or when the wood closes inand pinches the saw chain in the cut. This contactmay abruptly stop the saw chain and in some casesmay cause a lightning fast reverse reaction, kickingthe guide bar up and back towards the user, or pushthe guide bar back towards the operator.Kickback may cause you to lose control of thesaw.As a chain saw user, you can take several steps toreduce the risk of a kickback and potential injury.A. With a basic understanding of kickback, you canreduce or eliminate the element of surprise. It is asudden surprise that contributes to accidents.B. Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands,your right hand on the rear grip and your lefthand on the tubular handle, when the engine isrunning. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingersencircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip canneutralize kickback and help you maintain controlof the saw. Don’t let go!C. Make sure that the area in which you are cuttingis free from obstructions. Do not let the nose ofthe guide bar contact the log, branch, or anyother obstructions which could be hit while youare operating the saw.D. Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.E. Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and mainten-ance instructions for the saw chain.F. Only use replacement bars and chains specifiedby the manufacturer or the equivalent.