Personal Protective Equipment; Protection Against Electric Shock; Safe Working Practices - Makita UC3551A Instruction Manual

Personal protective equipment

1. Clothing must be close-fitting, but must not
obstruct mobility.
2. Wear the following protective clothing during work:
• A tested safety helmet, if a hazard is pre-
sented by falling branches or similar;
• A face mask or goggles;
• Suitable ear protection (ear muffs, custom or
mouldable ear plugs). Octave brand analysis
upon request.
• Firm leather safety gloves;
• Long trousers manufactured from strong
fabric;
• Protective dungarees of cut-resistant fabric;
• Safety shoes or boots with non-slip soles,
steel toes, and cut-resistant fabric lining;
• A breathing mask, when carrying out work
which produces dust (e.g. sawing dry wood).

Protection against electric shock

The chain saw must not be used in wet
weather or damp environments, as the
electric motor is not waterproof.
1. Only plug the saw into sockets in tested electrical
circuits. Check that the system voltage matches
that on the rating plate. Ensure that a 16 A line
fuse is fitted. Saws used in the open air must
be connected to a residual current-operated cir-
cuit-breaker with an operating current no higher
than 30 mA.
Should the connecting cable be damaged,
withdraw the mains plug immediately.

Safe working practices

1. Before starting work, check that the chain saw
is in proper working order and that its condition
complies with the safety regulations. Check in
particular that:
• The chain brake is working properly;
• The run-down brake is working properly;
• The bar and the sprocket cover are fitted
correctly;
• The chain has been sharpened and ten-
sioned in accordance with the regulations;
• The mains cable and mains plug are
undamaged;
Refer to the "CHECKS " section.
2. Always ensure in particular that the extension
cable used is of adequate cross-section (see
"SPECIFICATIONS"). When using a cable reel,
wind the cable completely off the reel. When using
the saw in the open air, ensure that the cable
employed is intended for open-air use and is rated
accordingly.
3. Keep the cord away from the cutting area and
to position cord so that it will not be caught on
branches, and the like, during cutting.
4. Do not operate the chain saw in the vicinity of
flammable dust or gases, as the motor generates
sparks and presents a risk of explosion.
5. Work only on firm ground and with a good footing.
Pay particular attention to obstacles (e.g. the
cable) in the working area. Take particular care
where moisture, ice, snow, freshly cut wood or
bark may make surfaces slippery. Do not stand on
ladders or trees when using the saw.
6. Take particular care when working on sloping
ground; rolling trunks and branches pose a poten-
tial hazard.
7. Never cut above shoulder height.
8. Hold the chain saw with both hands when
switching it on and using it. Hold the rear han-
dle with your right hand and the front handle with
your left. Hold the handles firmly with your thumbs.
The bar and the chain must not be in contact with
any objects when the saw is switched on.
9. Clean the area to be cut of foreign objects such
as sand, stones, nails, wire, etc. Foreign objects
damage the bar and chain, and can lead to dan-
gerous kickback.
10. Take particular care when cutting in the vicinity of
wire fences. Do nut cut into the fence, as the saw
may kick back.
11. Do not cut into the ground.
12. Cut pieces of wood singly, not in bunches or stacks.
13. Avoid using the saw to cut thin branches and
roots, as these can become entangled in the chain
saw. Loss of balance presents a hazard.
14. Use a secure support (trestle) when cutting sawn
timber.
15. Do not use the chain saw to prise off or brush
away pieces of wood and other objects.
16. Guide the chain saw such that no part of your
body is within the extended path of the saw chain
(see figure).
5 ENGLISH