chainsaw safety – Risk Management 365

Each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in hospital emergency departments for injuries from using chain saws. The potential risk of injury increases after hurricanes and other natural disasters, when chain saws are widely used to remove fallen or partially fallen trees and tree branches.

Safeguards against injury while using a chain saw

Operate, adjust, and maintain the saw according to manufacturer’s instructions provided in the manual accompanying the chain saw.
Properly sharpen chain saw blades and properly lubricate the blade with bar and chain oil. Additionally, the operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.
Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester.
Wear the appropriate protective equipment, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, cut-resistant legwear (chain saw chaps) that extend from the waist to the top of the foot, and boots which cover the ankle.
Avoid contact with power lines until the lines are verified as being de-energized.
Always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw.
Bystanders or coworkers should remain at least 2 tree lengths (at least 150 feet) away from anyone felling a tree and at least 30 feet from anyone operating a chain saw to remove limbs or cut a fallen tree
If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over site(s) of heavy bleeding; this act may save lives.

via Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal|Natural Disasters and Severe Weather.

Operating a chain saw is inherently hazardous. Potential injuries can be minimized by using proper personal protective equipment and safe operating procedures.

Before Starting a Chain Saw

Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure that they are functioning properly and that they are adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure that the chain is always sharp and the lubrication reservoir is full.
Start the saw on the ground or on another firm support. Drop starting is never allowed.
Start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area, with the chain’s brake engaged.

Fueling a Chain Saw

Use approved containers for transporting fuel to the saw.
Dispense fuel at least 10 feet away from any sources of ignition when performing construction activities. No smoking during fueling.
Use a funnel or a flexible hose when pouring fuel into the saw.
Never attempt to fuel a running or HOT saw.

Chain Saw 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 aginst 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 kick-back. To avoid kick-back, do not saw with the tip. If equipped, keep tip guard in place.

via Chain Saw Safety.