STIHL CHAIN SAWS


Produced by:
Industrial Health and Safety Program,
Ministry of Labour.
Alert #19/0195
ISSN 1995-5228
Cette publication est ˇgalement disponible en fran¨ais 
sous le tire <<Scies articulˇes Stihl>>.


HAZARD SUMMARY:

The insulation covering an ignition-system ground wire on Stihl chain saws 
can wear through prematurely by rubbing against the housing.  The bare 
ground wire can then ignite a fire if gasoline or some other combustible 
substance is present.  At least one fire is reported to have been caused in 
this way.

AFFECTED SAWS:

Fifty thousand chain saws in the 1127 series, model numbers 029 and 039, 
manufactured between March 7, 1993 and August 12, 1994, are affected.  
Affected model 029 saws have serial numbers 226585676 and up, and affected 
model 039 saws, serial numbers 227236569 and up.  The serial number is 
stamped on the housing next to the exhaust/muffler opening.

Model 029 saws displace 54 cc, and model 039 saws, 64 cc.  Both are 
considered "farm-duty" saws.

The manufacturer has sent recall notices to owners who have sent in their 
warranty cards; however, not all purchasers return these cards.

LOCATION(S) AND SECTOR(S):

-  Logging, forestry, pulp and paper
-  Arborists
-  Construction
-  Municipal, industrial and forest fire services
-  Clearing and maintaining Hydro lines
-  Land clearing operations at mine sites, quarries and exploration sites

SUGGESTED PRECAUTIONS:

Section 25(1)(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires the 
employer to ensure that "the equipment, materials, and protective devices 
provided by the employer are maintained in good condition".

Anyone using these saws should stop using them immediately.  Owners should 
return them to an authorized Stihl dealer for a free repair of the ground 
wire.

For more information, please contact Mr. Dave Ellis, Stihl Canada, at 
(519) 681-3000, or your nearest Ministry of Labour office.