Instruction Manual

6
English / USA
MS 290, 310, 390
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness 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 conditions 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 development 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
components 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.
!Warning!
The ignition system of your unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may inter-
fere with some pacemakers. To reduce
the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons
with pacemaker should consult their
physician and the pacemaker manu-
facturer before operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
!Warning!
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.
Heavy-duty, 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.
Never operate a chainsaw unless
wearing goggles or properly fitted safety
glasses with adequate top and side
protection complying with your national
standard.