Chainsaw Safety
A chainsaw is one of the most productive and portable power saws available to be used. They are readily available at most stores for purchase. It can also be one of the most dangerous saws. Each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in hospital emergency departments for injuries from using chain saws. The potential risk of injury increases after hurricanes and other natural disasters, when chain saws are widely used to remove fallen or partially fallen trees and tree branches. If you learn how to properly use and maintain a chainsaw along with wearing all the protective gear, you can avoid injury. There are a few common safety tips you should be aware of before using a chainsaw.
Before Use
* Check the controls, chain tension, bolts, and handles to ensure they are in proper working order.
* Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from ignition sources and always outdoors. Use the manufacturer's recommended fuel mixture.
* Check the fluid levels. (fuel, oil, bad oil)
* Wear well-fiitting clothing.
* Always keep the chain sharp.
Saw Operation
* Keep your hands on the handles and maintain a good footing while operating the saw to prevent slips.
* Start the engine on clear ground by setting the controls, grip the handle with one hand and pull the pull-cord with the other. Never drop-start the saw.
* Clear the area of any obstacles that may interfere with cutting or an escape path when cutting down a tree.
* Do not cut directly overhead.
* Shut off or release the throttle before retreating.
* Leave risky jobs to the professionals.
* Reposition the log before cuts, NEVER while the engine is running.
* If you have a helper, do not let them hold the wood while cutting.
* Shut off the engine or engage the chain brake whenever the saw is carried 50 feet or across rough terrain.
* Be prepared for kickback! Use a saw that reduces kickback dangers. (Chain brakes, guide bars, low kickback chains, etc.)
* Hold the saw firmly with both hands, keeping the left arm straight and stable.
* Do not cut brush or shrubbery.
* Maintain a high speed when entering cutting and leaving the wood.
* Do not cut with the tip or nose of the blade. Cut with the lower part of the blade.
* Refuel the saw only when the engine is cool. Use a funnel or flexible nozzle to prevent spilling, if there is a spill clean it immediately.
* No smoking while refueling.
* Beware of "spring poles", tree limbs that have gotten bent and twisted and may spring back up and injure you or someone else.
Personal Protective Equipment
* Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injury for the head, ears, eyes, face, hands, and legs.
* PPE should be inspected before each use.
* Make sure to wear a helmet, ear plugs, safety goggles, chainsaw chaps, steel toe boots, and gloves.
Before Use
* Check the controls, chain tension, bolts, and handles to ensure they are in proper working order.
* Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from ignition sources and always outdoors. Use the manufacturer's recommended fuel mixture.
* Check the fluid levels. (fuel, oil, bad oil)
* Wear well-fiitting clothing.
* Always keep the chain sharp.
Saw Operation
* Keep your hands on the handles and maintain a good footing while operating the saw to prevent slips.
* Start the engine on clear ground by setting the controls, grip the handle with one hand and pull the pull-cord with the other. Never drop-start the saw.
* Clear the area of any obstacles that may interfere with cutting or an escape path when cutting down a tree.
* Do not cut directly overhead.
* Shut off or release the throttle before retreating.
* Leave risky jobs to the professionals.
* Reposition the log before cuts, NEVER while the engine is running.
* If you have a helper, do not let them hold the wood while cutting.
* Shut off the engine or engage the chain brake whenever the saw is carried 50 feet or across rough terrain.
* Be prepared for kickback! Use a saw that reduces kickback dangers. (Chain brakes, guide bars, low kickback chains, etc.)
* Hold the saw firmly with both hands, keeping the left arm straight and stable.
* Do not cut brush or shrubbery.
* Maintain a high speed when entering cutting and leaving the wood.
* Do not cut with the tip or nose of the blade. Cut with the lower part of the blade.
* Refuel the saw only when the engine is cool. Use a funnel or flexible nozzle to prevent spilling, if there is a spill clean it immediately.
* No smoking while refueling.
* Beware of "spring poles", tree limbs that have gotten bent and twisted and may spring back up and injure you or someone else.
Personal Protective Equipment
* Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injury for the head, ears, eyes, face, hands, and legs.
* PPE should be inspected before each use.
* Make sure to wear a helmet, ear plugs, safety goggles, chainsaw chaps, steel toe boots, and gloves.
