Chainsaw Safety 101
Ways on staying safe
Kickback !
Kickback may occur when the moving chain at the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
Likely injuries from kickback:
Facial Kickback injury
X-ray on how a chainsaw went though a chest
Leg kickback injury
How to avoid kickback:
*Before using any chain saw, thoroughly read the manufacturer's operating and safety instructions.
*Stand to the side while cutting
*Make sure the chain break works
*Stand to the side while cutting
*Make sure the chain break works
Using a chainsaw at 300fps
Transporting a chainsaw (by hand and vehicle)
Hand:
- Stop the chainsaw engine.
- Grip the saw handle and place the muffler at the side away from the body with the guide bar to the rear.
- Keep the chain and bar covered with a chain guard.
- Properly secure the saw to prevent turnover, fuel and oil spillage, and damage to the saw.
How to start/operate a chainsaw:
- To start the chain saw, lay it on a flat surface. The cutting attachment must not be in contact with the ground to avoid blunting it when starting and putting yourself unnecessarily at risk.
- Leaving the chain saw on the ground, place your left hand on the handlebar and your right hand on the starter rope. Push your right toecap into the rear handle to stabilize the chain saw.
- Slowly pull the starter rope with your right hand until you feel resistance. Then pull the starter rope hard several times until the engine fires briefly. Pull it upward, keeping it as vertical as you can, without allowing the rope to chafe against the fan housing.
- Pull the starter rope again until the engine fires again.
- Then slowly lift up the chain saw, taking care not to touch the throttle trigger.
- Release the chain brake by pulling the chain brake handle toward you with your left hand. Keep hold of the handlebar with your left hand as you do this. When you hear a click sound, this means the chain has been released and can turn on the bar.
- Before getting started, check the chain lubrication. Hold up the saw against a light-colored background, such as a tree trunk or a piece of paper on the ground and open the throttle fully. If some chain lubricant appears on the light-colored background, then you can start work.
Fueling a chainsaw:
- Do not refuel a running or hot saw.
- Use funnel or spout for pouring. Wipe off any spills.
- Mix fuel in a well-ventilated area. Keep a well-maintained fire extinguisher near by.
- Do not smoke or allow any ignition sources while refueling.
How to stop a chainsaw:
Chuck Norris stops a chainsaw bare handed