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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

OPERATE YOUR CHAIN SAW SAFELY
You, Too, Can Prevent Accidents

Alexandria, VA, September, 2001-- Fall often brings wind and rain storms and heavy accumulations of yard debris. And this is a perfect time for consumers to purchase and/or fire up a chain saw for quick, efficient clean up. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is reminding these consumers to take all safety precautions when operating these extremely useful tools, this season.

First of all, OPEI reminds consumers that every chain saw comes with an owner's manual with operating instructions and safety precautions listed. Before turning on the chain saw, operators should read these manuals thoroughly and learn critical information such as how to avoid kickback.

Next, here are some overall safety tips that all consumers or occasional users of chain saws should follow:

• Do not operate a chain saw with one hand. A chain saw is intended for two-handed use;
• Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued;
• Use safety footwear, snug-fitting clothing; protective gloves; and eye, hearing, and head protective devices;
• Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain saw at least 10 feet from the fueling point before starting the engine;
• Do not allow other persons, especially children, to be near the chain saw when starting or cutting with the chain saw. Keep children, other bystanders and animals out of the work area;
• Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from a falling tree;
• Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the engine is running;
• Before you start the engine, make sure that the saw chain is not contacting anything;
• Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, the guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the muffler away from your body;
• Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, improperly adjusted, or not completely and securely assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released;
• Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down; engage the chain brake and shut off the engine;
• Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and saplings because slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance;
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for springback;
• Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mixture;
• Operate the chain saw only in well-ventilated areas;
• Do not operate a chain saw in a tree unless you have been specially trained to do so;
• All chain saw service, other than the items listed in the owner's manual maintenance instructions, should be performed by competent chain saw service personnel;
• When transporting your chain saw, use the appropriate guide-bar scabbard.

OPEI wishes all chain saw users a safe fall and winter and a clean yard with plenty of sawed up wood for the fireplace. For chain saw maintenance information and safety information on other products, OPEI has an extensive web site on the Internet. Go to http://opei.mow.org.

OPEI is a trade association whose membership is primarily composed of U.S. manufacturers of powered lawn and garden maintenance products, components and attachment supplies, as well as industry related services. OPEI's domestic members manufacture in excess of 95% of the U.S. consumer retail market for gas and electric powered lawn and garden maintenance products.

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