Chainsaw Safety 101
Kickback
Kickback is when All cutting produces a reaction force on the saw: normally this should be the lower edge of the bar, where the chain is travelling towards the saw and the reaction tends to pull the saw safely towards the log, against the spur dogs. Ways to be safe when it happens:
- Always wear protective clothing; work gloves, eye and ear protection, chain saw protective pants or chaps, helmet and boots.
- When cutting, stand on firm ground to the side of the saw furthest from the chain. Keep an escape route open, in case the tree unexpectedly shifts or rolls. Never stand on a log pile while cutting.
- When cutting a pile of wood, make sure the chain saw tip does not come in contact with any logs behind the one you are cutting.
Likely Injuries
Likely injuries happen to these body parts:
- head
- upper body
- leg area
- foot area
- arm and hand areas
PPE
PPE stands for personal protective equipment, Some things you can wear to protect yourself is:
- helmet
- hearing protection
- eye glasses/goggles
- gloves
- leg protection
- chainsaw boots
Transporting the chainsaw
- Carry the chain saw with the bar pointed behind you. Ensure the scabbard is on and the muffler is away from the body.
- Handle chain saws safely to prevent injury to yourself or others.
- Let the chain saw cool before transporting.
- Do not transport a chain saw in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
- Drain all fuel into an approved safety container before storing the chain saw for long periods including starting the motor to empty fuel from the carburetor.
- Keep in cool, dry places
Tips for starting a chainsaw
1. Activate the chain brake.
2. Press the decompression control
3. Activate the choke. If the saw is equipped with Air Purge/fuel pump, press the bulb a few times until the fuel becomes visible and enters the carburettor.
4.Start on the ground: Support with your right foot in the rear handle and keep a firm grip on the front handle with your left hand.
Start with the saw between your legs: Place the rear handle between your left thigh and behind your right knee. Hold the front handle firmly with your left hand.
5. Pull the starter handle with your right hand. Repeat until the engine fires.
6. Push the choke and pull until the saw starts.
7. Accelerate so that the engine idles and then release the chain brake
2. Press the decompression control
3. Activate the choke. If the saw is equipped with Air Purge/fuel pump, press the bulb a few times until the fuel becomes visible and enters the carburettor.
4.Start on the ground: Support with your right foot in the rear handle and keep a firm grip on the front handle with your left hand.
Start with the saw between your legs: Place the rear handle between your left thigh and behind your right knee. Hold the front handle firmly with your left hand.
5. Pull the starter handle with your right hand. Repeat until the engine fires.
6. Push the choke and pull until the saw starts.
7. Accelerate so that the engine idles and then release the chain brake
Tips for stopping the chainsaw
Tips for operating a chainsaw
- Read all safety precautions and instructions in the user's manual.
- Select a model you can operate comfortably, that is large enough for the application you are using it for.
- Look at the area where you are going to work, before fueling your saw.
- Recognize the four normal cuts that you may make with a chainsaw.
- Fill the gas tank with the correct fuel/oil mixture, which is typically one gallon of gasoline with 4 to 6 ounces of two cycle engine oil.
Fueling chainsaws
Mix gas and oil.