CHAINSAWS

Did You Know?

• A chainsaw in untrained hands is a lethal weapon. Most injuries are deep gashes to the hands, knees, feet and head.
• The first line of defence against injury is instruction and training, under the supervision of a trained and experienced person.
• The sharper the chain, the safer the job. A blunt chain requires more effort and increases fatigue, both of which can lead to kickback accidents.
• The major injury risk is from kick-back, the violent reaction triggered when the upper quadrant of the chain bar tip meets resistance.
• Even modern safety features, such as the chain brake and inertia brake, cannot be guaranteed to prevent kickback injury, which can happen faster than human reflexes. The safest way is to avoid kickback situations.

  CHAIN SAW OPERATIONS AND SAFETY

  Personal protective clothing, including gloves, ballistic pads or chaps or other approved chain saw leg protection, steel-toed boots with chain saw cut-resistant protection, hard hat, hearing protection and eye protection must be worn at all times when operating any chain saw.

  CHAIN SAWS

  Every chain saw placed into initial service shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise meet the requirements of the ANSI B175-1.1991 "Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws". Each chain saw placed into service before February 9, 1995, shall be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback. No chain saw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled.

  • Removing or disabling anti-kickback devices is prohibited.
  • Each gasoline-powered chain saw shall be equipped with a continuous pressure throttle control system which will stop the chain when pressure on the throttle is released.
  • The chain saw shall be operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • The chain saw shall be fueled at least 10 feet (6 m) from any open flame or other source of ignition.
  • The chain saw shall be started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.
  • The chain saw shall be started on the ground or where otherwise firmly supported.
  • The chain saw shall be started with the chain brake engaged.

  Note: The chain saw starting rules have been interpreted to permit starting a chain saw with the rear handle firmly gripped between the legs, the front handle firmly gripped with the arm straight and locked at the elbow, and the chain brake engaged.
  • The chain saw shall be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation.
  • The chain saw operator shall be certain of footing before starting to cut. The chain saw shall not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the operator to become off-balance, to have insecure footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on the saw.
  • Prior to felling any tree, the chain saw operator shall clear away brush or other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.
  • The chain saw shall not be used to cut directly overhead.
  • The chain saw shall be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.
  • The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged whenever a saw is carried farther than 50 feet (15.2 m). The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged when a saw is carried less than 50 feet if conditions such as, but not limited to, the terrain, underbrush and slippery surfaces may create a hazard for an employee. Note: Many Professional Logging Trainers require that the chain brake be engaged anytime a logger takes two (2) or more steps.
    The chain saw operator shall make frequent inspections (more than once per day) to ensure that:
    Chain saw handles and guards are in place and tight. This includes having an operational chain brake.
    • All chain saw controls function properly. This includes having saw equipped with a safety throttle which shuts off power after pressure on the throttle is released.
    • The cutting chain is properly adjusted, and that the saw chain will not continue to be driven after the throttle is released.
    • The muffler is operative (and equipped with a spark arrester).
    • Chain brakes and all other manufacturers' safety features remain operational.
    • Chain saws without all safety devices operational or in need of repair or parts or otherwise not safe for use shall immediately be tagged out and marked "out of service".
    • Manufacturer's instructions for operation and adjustment shall be followed and worker training must include specific details in the chain saw operator's manual.
    • Fuel for Chain saws shall not be used for starting fires or as a cleaning solvent.
    • Fellers shall have felling aids, including a felling lever and wedges.