ICFR Chainsaw Safety And Operating Manual - page 59
ICFR – Chainsaw Safety and Operating Handbook
53
15.
CHAINSAW MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is essential to prolong the life of the
chainsaw, maximise productivity within the prescribed
safety standards and to minimise downtime. To
maintain is cost effective and to repair when broken
is costly.
Whilstspecificmaintenancerequirementsmayvary
between different makes and models, there are certain
general guidelines for preventative maintenance
that must be followed, as outlined in the subsequent
sections.
Maintenance intervals should be shortened in extreme
working conditions.
Remembertoconsulttheowner’smanualforspecific
requirements. Only maintenace that is to be performed
by the chainsaw operator is included in this section.
15.1
S
Afety
requirementS
The following safety requirements must be adhered to
during maintenance:
•
Always stop the engine and ensure that the saw
chain has stopped before attempting any work.
•
Donotattemptanyworknotqualifiedtodo.
•
Never test the ignition system with the ignition
wire terminal removed from the spark plug or an
unearthed spark plug, since uncontained sparking
will damage the electronic ignition and may cause
fire.
•
Use only safe areas for maintenance.
•
Comply with the requirements for refuelling.
(Refer to section 15.2).
15.2
r
efuelling
The following must be adhered to when refuelling:
•
Do not refuel with the engine running.
•
Use only fuel and lubricants recommended by the
manufacturer.
•
Do not smoke whilst refuelling.
•
Keep the fuel clean at all times.
•
Keepafireextinguisheravailableatademarcated
area.
•
Removeallflammabledebrissuchasneedlesor
leaves, leaving a small area of ±1m
2
exposing bare
soil. Thus, refuel in a safe place and guard against
firehazards.
•
Use a can with a suitable spout to avoid spillage
during refuelling. All fuel holders must be made
from static electric resistant material.
•
Cleanthefillercapsandtheareaaroundthemto
ensure that no dirt falls into the tank.
•
Removethefuelfillercapcarefullytoallowany
pressure build-up in the tank to release slowly.
•
Shake the mixture thoroughly before refuelling.
•
Refillthechainlubricationtankfirsttotherequired
level (irrespective of the level of the chain
lubricant) before refuelling commenced. Then
refillthefueltanktotherequiredlevel.Thiswill
ensurethatrefillingthechainlubricationtankis
not forgotten.
•
Tightenfillercapssecurely,takingcarenottocross
thread.
•
Wipe any accidental spillage off the chainsaw
and allow time for spilled fuel to evaporate before
starting.
•
Do not start the chainsaw where it was refuelled.
Move at least 3m away from the place of refuelling.
Start the chainsaw only once refuelling and other
checks have been completed.
•
Leave the refuelling can in a safe area after
refuelling.
15.3
m
AintenAnce
15.3.1
p
re
-
operAtionAl
checkS
Toensuresafeandefficientoperatingofthechainsaw,
it is imperative that the chainsaw operator checks the
following before work commences:
•
Inspect the complete machine visually to ensure
that it is in a serviceable condition.
•
Check the operation of the throttle trigger, throttle
lockout and the on/off switch.
•
Check the operation of the chain brake.
•
Check the chain catcher.
•
Inspect saw chain and chain tension.
•
Check for wear and damage to the guide bar.
•
Checkthemufflerassembly.
•
Start the chainsaw and check the following:
Ease of starting
Idling
No chain creep
Chain lubrication.
15.3.2
o
ngoing
mAintenAnce
The chainsaw operator must monitor the general
chainsaw performance throughout the operation. If a
decrease in performance is detected it should