Owner's Manual

reduce the hand’s ability to feel and
regulate temperature, produce numb-
ness and burning sensations and may
cause nerve and circulation damage and
tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to whitefinger
disease are not known, but cold weather,
smoking and diseases or physical condi-
tions 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 develop-
ment of whitefinger disease. In order to
reduce the risk of whitefinger disease
and carpal tunnel syndrome, please
note the following:
– Many STIHL models are available
with an anti-vibration (“AV”) system
designed to reduce the transmission
of vibrations created by the engine
and cutting attachment to the
operator’s hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using chainsaws on a regular or
sustained basis.
– Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm. Heated handles, which are
available on most STIHL power-
heads, are recommended for cold
weather use.
– Keep the saw chain sharp and the
saw, including the AV system, well
maintained. A dull chain will in-
crease cutting time, and pressing a
dull chain through wood will in-
crease the vibrations transmitted to
your hands. A saw with loose com-
ponents or with damaged or worn
AV buffers will also tend to have
higher vibration levels.
– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressures.
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 monitor closely the
condition of their hands and fingers.
If any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
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To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Avoid loose-
fitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants,
unconfined long hair or anything that
could become entangled with the saw or
brush. Wear overalls or jeans with a
reinforced cut retardant insert or cut
retardant chaps.
Protect your hands with
gloves when handling
saw and saw chain.
Heavyduty, nonslip
gloves improve your grip
and protect your hands.
Good footing is most
important in chainsaw
work. Wear sturdy boots
with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.
To reduce the risk of injury to your eyes
never operate a chainsaw unless
wearing goggles or properly fitted safety
glasses with adequate top and side
protection complying with your national
standard.
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