Safety Tip of the Week – Chainsaw Safety

Chainsaws are efficient and productive portable power tools used in many industries. They are also potentially dangerous if not used correctly and carefully. Proper operation and maintenance greatly reduce the risk for injury when using chainsaws.

Any tool powerful enough to slice through wood can do the same to human flesh, so chainsaw injuries are often serious.

Before you operate a chainsaw, make sure you read and understand the operator’s manual and make sure you have the right chainsaw for the job.

Chainsaw Safety:

• Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks from the saw’s chain path. Look for nails, spikes or other metal in the tree before cutting.
• Shut off the saw or engage its chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain.
• Keep your hands on the saw’s handles and maintain secure footing while operating the saw.
• Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when operating the saw, which includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing, and head protection.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw.
• Watch for branches under tension; they may spring out when cut.
• Gasoline-powered chain saws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback.
• Be cautious of saw kickback. To avoid kickback, do not saw with the tip. If equipped, keep tip guard in place.

MAKE SAFETY A REALITY …DON’T BE A FATALITY!!