From Steve Nix,
Your Guide to Forestry.
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Follow these safety procedures:

1. Always engage the chain brake at these times:

• When you start the saw.
• When you take one hand off the saw to do some-thing.
• When you take more than two steps with the saw running.

2. Start the saw safely by using one of the following two techniques:

• Place your left hand on the front handle. Hold the back of the saw tightly between your legs. Pull the start cord (after engaging the choke, if necessary) using a fast but short stroke.
• Place the saw on the ground. Place the toe of your boot through the back handle to hold the saw down. Hold the front handle with your left hand. Pull the start cord using a fast but short stroke.

Both starting methods are safe, but the leg lock method (a) is so fast and easy that it allows you to turn the saw off and restart it even when you walk a short distance (see illustrations).