4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
on.
• CAUTION — Blade coasts after being turned off.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, this product has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The plug will t into a
polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not t fully into the extension cord,
reverse the plug. If the plug still does not t, obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A
polarized extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will t into the
polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not t fully into the wall outlet, reverse the
plug. If the plug still does not t, contact a qualied electrician to install the proper wall outlet.
Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any
way.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the product or to disconnect the plug from
an outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace damaged
cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to
use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. A wire gauge size (A.W.G.)
of at least 14 is recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or less in length. If in doubt, use
the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. An undersized
cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or
outlet(s) to be used for the product. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection
and may be used for this measure of safety.
WARNING
Use outdoor extension cords marked SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJTW-A,
or SJTOW-A. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric
shock.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
• Kickback is a dangerous reaction that can lead to serious injury. Kickback may occur when
the moving chain contacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar or when
the wood closes in and pinches the chain in the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip of
the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into the object and stop the chain for an instant. The
result is a lightning-fast, reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the
operator. If the chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven
rapidly back toward the operator, which can cause loss of control and may result in serious
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the product. With a basic
understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden
surprise contributes to accidents.
• Use pole saw for cutting wood only. Do not use for cutting non-wood items.
• Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose
of the guide bar contact a log, branch, fence, or any other obstruction while you are operating
the unit. Have a planned retreat path.
• Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the
product.
• Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.