Stihl MS 212 Instruction Manual - Page 11

5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - When you pull the starter grip, do not wrap the starter rope around your hand. - Do not let the grip snap back. Guide the starter rope to rewind it properly. - Be sure that the guide bar and chain are clear of you and all other obstructions and objects, including the ground. Never attempt to start the chain saw when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf. - Always engage the chain brake before starting. 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. - Once the engine has started, immediately blip the throttle trigger, which should release the Master Control Lever to the run position and allow the engine to slow down to idle. ■ Accelerating the engine while the chain brake is engaged or the chain is otherwise blocked (i.e., not able to turn) increases the load and will cause the clutch to slip continuously. This may occur if the throttle is depressed for more than a few seconds when the chain is pinched in the cut or the chain brake is engaged. To reduce the risk of overheating and damage to important components (e.g., clutch, polymer housing components): - Always disengage chain brake before accelerating engine and before starting cutting work. The only exception to this rule is when you check operation of the chain brake. 5.6.3 Holding and Controlling the Chain Saw English ■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to the operator or bystanders from loss of con‐ trol: - Avoid contacting any object with the upper quadrant of the tip of the guide bar. It may cause kickback to occur. - Always hold the chain saw firmly with both hands when you are working. - Place your left hand on the front handle and your right hand on the rear handle (see illustration). Left-handers must follow these instructions too. - Wrap your fingers tightly around the han‐ dles, keeping the handles cradled between your thumb and forefinger. - Position the chain saw in such a way that all parts of your body are clear of the cut‐ ting attachment whenever the engine is running. Stand to the left of the cut while bucking, outside of the cutting plane (see illustration). - Read and follow all warnings and instruc‐ tions in the chapter Kickback and Other Reactive Forces, 6. ■ Operating the chain saw with one hand is extremely dangerous. One-handed operation makes it difficult to oppose and absorb reac‐ tive forces (pushback, pull-in, kickback) with‐ out losing control of the chain saw. It also makes it difficult to prevent the bar and chain from skating or bouncing along a limb or log. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury to the operator or bystanders from loss of con‐ trol: - Never attempt to operate the chain saw with one hand. 0000084055_002 WARNING ■ To maintain a firm grip and properly control your chain saw: - Keep the handles clean and dry at all times. Keep them free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease and resin. 0458-221-8621-A ■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut inju‐ ries to the operator or bystanders from loss of control, keep proper footing and balance at all times: - Take special care in overgrown or wet ter‐ rain and always watch for hidden obsta‐ cles such as tree stumps, roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid stumbling or falling. - Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or uneven ground. 11