Wear required safety gear
Place the chainsaw on level ground
Engage the chain brake
Set the master control to the start position
Turn on the ignition switch
If cold, use the choke
Press the decompression valve if equipped
Hold the saw firmly
Pull the starter rope until the engine fires
Move the choke to half or run position
Pull the starter rope again until the engine starts
Tap the throttle to let the engine idle
Release the chain brake only when ready to cut