23 Mar Chainsaws

Chainsaws

Chainsaws are powerful cutting tools that can cause severe lacerations, amputations, and fatal injuries if improperly operated. Although chainsaws may be used only occasionally on construction projects, employees who operate them must understand their unique hazards and follow safe operating procedures.

Before Operation

Before using a chainsaw:

• Only trained and authorized employees shall operate chainsaws.
• Read and understand the manufacturer’s operating and safety instructions.
• Inspect the chainsaw before each use for damaged, loose, worn, or missing components.
• Verify that the chain brake, throttle controls, handles, chain catcher, and other safety devices are functioning properly.
• Make sure the chain is sharp, properly lubricated, and adjusted to the correct tension.
• Remove defective equipment from service until repaired.
• Inspect the material to be cut for nails, wire, metal, or other foreign objects that could contact the chain.
• Inspect the surrounding area for overhead electrical lines, unstable limbs, uneven terrain, nearby workers, structures, and other hazards.
• Clear brush, debris, and other tripping hazards from the work area when practical.
• When felling trees or cutting material that could fall or shift, establish a clear escape route before cutting begins.

Personal Protective Equipment

Chainsaw operators shall wear PPE appropriate for the work, including:

• Hard hat when exposed to falling or overhead objects;
• Safety glasses or goggles and, where appropriate, a face shield;
• Hearing protection;
• Work gloves that provide a secure grip;
• Chainsaw-resistant leg protection;
• Protective footwear appropriate for the terrain and chainsaw operation; and
• Close-fitting clothing that will not become caught in the equipment.

Jewelry shall not be worn, and long hair shall be secured.

Starting the Chainsaw

Start the chainsaw according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Never drop-start a chainsaw.
• Start the saw on firm ground or by another manufacturer-approved method.
• Engage the chain brake before starting when required by the manufacturer.
• Ensure the chain is clear of the ground, material, and other objects.
• Maintain positive control of the saw during startup.
• Keep other employees and bystanders clear.

During Cutting

While operating a chainsaw:

• Maintain a firm, two-handed grip whenever the saw is running.
• Keep the saw and cutting path away from your body.
• Maintain stable footing and good balance.
• Never cut while standing on a ladder or unstable surface.
• Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
• Do not force the saw through the material; allow the chain to perform the cutting.
• Be alert for wood or other material under tension that could spring, shift, roll, or fall when cut.
• Avoid situations that could pinch the guide bar or chain.
• Keep the guide-bar tip away from objects that could cause kickback.
• Stand on the uphill side of logs or other material that could roll or slide.
• Never operate a chainsaw when fatigued, distracted, or unable to maintain full control.

Kickback

Kickback can occur when the upper portion of the guide-bar tip contacts an object or when the chain becomes pinched. The resulting force can rapidly propel the guide bar toward the operator.

To reduce the potential for kickback:

• Know the location of the guide-bar tip at all times.
• Maintain a firm two-handed grip.
• Avoid cutting with the upper portion of the guide-bar tip.
• Keep the chain properly sharpened and tensioned.
• Use the chain brake and other manufacturer-provided anti-kickback features.
• Never remove, bypass, or disable chainsaw safety devices.

Falling and Moving Material

Before cutting trees, limbs, or other material capable of falling or shifting, determine the anticipated direction of movement and establish a safe retreat path.

As material begins to fall:

• Stop cutting when appropriate and maintain control of the saw.
• Move promptly along the predetermined escape route.
• Watch for falling limbs, spring poles, rolling logs, and rebound or movement of surrounding material.
• Never turn your back on a falling tree or other moving material until you are safely clear.

Tree-felling operations require additional training and planning beyond basic chainsaw operation.

Refueling

Gasoline-powered chainsaws shall be refueled safely.

• Shut off the engine before refueling.
• Allow the saw to cool when necessary before adding fuel.
• Refuel outdoors or in another adequately ventilated location.
• Keep smoking, flames, sparks, and other ignition sources away from the fueling area.
• Use approved fuel containers.
• Clean up spilled fuel promptly.
• Secure the fuel cap before restarting.
• Move away from the fueling area before starting the chainsaw.

After Operation

After completing chainsaw work:

• Shut off the saw and allow the chain to stop completely.
• Inspect the saw for damage or maintenance needs.
• Clean and maintain the saw according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use a guide-bar cover or scabbard when appropriate.
• Store the chainsaw securely in a designated location.
• Report defects and remove unsafe equipment from service until repaired.

Remember

Chainsaws can reduce the physical effort required for cutting operations, but their speed and power can cause devastating injuries in seconds. Inspect the saw, wear the required PPE, maintain a two-handed grip, control the guide-bar tip, maintain stable footing, and plan every cut before beginning.