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Show New low-kick saw chain reduces risk of injury Consumers with older model chain saws now can buy a low-kick chain to reduce the risks of injury from chain saw kickback, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Commis-sion (CPSC). Kickback is the sudden and potentially violent rearward and or upward movement of the chain saw often caused by interference with the chain moving around the tip of the guide bar. This sudden movement can propel the chain saw in to contact with the operator, often with serious results Government safety experts say that recent improvements in the design of saw chains have brought about the lou kickback consumer replacement chain. CPSC said owners of older model chain saws can take them to dealers and have them equipped with one of the new chains now on the market; the cost is comparable to th;it of conventional chains. CPSC said some 120.000 persons need medical attention each year for chain saw related injuries; of these, some 60.000 receive emergency treatment at the hospital. Chain saw kickback was associated with one in five of these injuries The government safety agency offered the Inllowing tips to improve operator safety and to reduce the chances of an accident while using the chain saw: Always operate the saw with both hands gripping the handles. Avoid situations that could cause chain saw kickback. Do not allow the tip of the guide bar to touch any object during chain saw operation. Refer to the owner's manual for the proper grip of the saw; check for the proper placement of the thumb and fingers on the forward handle. If necessary, adjust the throttle speed so that the chain does not move when the engine idles. If adjustments do not stop the chain, the saw should not be used until it has been repaired by the dealer. Carry the saw carefully: the engine stopped. ..guide bar and chain pointed behind you. ..the muffler away from the body. Keep all safety features (chain brake, tip guard, etc. ) operational at all times. Keep the chain sharpened and under proper tension. Refer to the owner's manual for recommendations covering the use. maintenance and storage of the chain saw. Consumers wanting detailed information infor-mation from the U.S. Consumer IVodiu't Safety Commission on chain saw safety should write Saws, Washington. D C. 20207. |