Warning!
Do not lend or rent your power tool with-
out the instruction manual. Be sure that
anyone using it understands the infor-
mation contained in this manual.
Warning!
The use of this machine may be hazard-
ous.The saw chain has many sharp
cutters. If the cutters contact your flesh,
they will cut you, even if the chain is not
moving. At full throttle, the chain speed
can reach 67 mph (30 m/s).
Use your chain saw only for cutting
wooden objects.
Warning!
Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the machine
Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury to bystand-
ers and damage to property, never let
your power tool run unattended. When it
is not in use (e.g. during a work break),
shut it off and make sure that unauthor-
ized persons do not use it.
MS 311, MS 391
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
chain saws. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your instruction
manual for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.
Safe use of a chain saw involves
1
the operator
2
the saw
3
the use of the saw.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this machine when you are fatigued.
Warning!
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition
that might be aggravated by strenuous
work, check with your doctor before
operating this machine.
Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger dis-
ease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
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 white-
finger 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:
–
Most STIHL power tools are
available with an anti-vibration
("AV") system designed to reduce
the transmission of vibrations
created by the machine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using power tools on a regular or
sustained basis.
–
Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm. Heated handles, which are
available on some STIHL
powerheads, are recommended for
cold weather use.
–
Keep the AV system well
maintained. A power tool with loose
components or with damaged or
worn AV elements will tend to have
higher vibration levels. Keep the
English
3