Chainsaw safety is just as important for the average person looking to use this powerful tool, as well as to workers who frequently use the equipment in the workplace. Let’s face it accidents happen to everyone. We just have to be little too relaxed or distracted and there you go! The chances of you going to hospital when you have a chainsaws accident is pretty good!
The OSHA has reported 243 deaths caused by tree-trimming activities, with a chainsaw listed as the tool used on the job. Over 28,000 injuries related directly to a chainsaw are reported every year, with the knees and legs being involved in the majority of these events. Arm and wrist injuries were not far behind.
Learning how to use a chainsaw safely is a must and can greatly reduce your risk of these injuries, and possibly even improve the efficiency of the task that you are performing.
We take a closer look at some essential safety tips anyone working with a chainsaw needs to take into account.
Chain Saw Safety Tips
Protection is one of the key safety tips if you are planning to work with a chainsaw.
- This involves wearing the right protective gear. Protective gear generally includes the following:
- Safety goggles
- Hearing protection – preferred option is the earmuff styled option
- A hard hat possibly a face shield if available
- Apron chap over your pants – can reduce the injury rate by 75%!
- Work boots that steel toe caps and have excellent traction at the bottom
- Work gloves with non-slip features
- Make sure the chainsaw you are using requires your hand to be inside the handle before it works. This can greatly reduce the risk of injury.
- A chain catch is also a useful safety feature, which will immediately stop the power if the chain slips from the bar it rotates on.
- Another critical safety tip is to plan in advance.
- Know where you will be cutting.
- If you are cutting trees, make sure you know in which direction the tree will fall when cut.
- You also need to know where everyone on the worksite is to reduce, causing injury to a co-worker.
- When using the chainsaw, make sure you use both hands. A two-handed grip will be firmer, and you will have a lower chance of a chainsaw slipping out of your hands. This can reduce the injury rate by 75%!
- While a chainsaw is running, make sure you do not stand directly behind it. Rather get a grip from the side for better security.
- The saw should also never be left unattended, especially while it is powered on, as this can cause injury to co-workers in the area – or even children when working with a chainsaw at home.
- Those who will be using a chainsaw should also make sure they are not tired or fatigued when operating the power tool. Try to be well-rested before turning on the chainsaw and using it for cutting trees, branches, or other related purposes.
- Before beginning the job check the controls, tension, handles and bolts are working correctly, adjusting where necessary.
Conclusion
Taking chainsaw safety tips into consideration when using this type of power tool is critical in the reduction of injuries and risks. If you find yourself working with a chainsaw frequently, make sure you take the tips we shared in this post into account to reduce your risk of suffering an injury. I know I have seen enough nasty injuries to always treat my chainsaws with the respect they deserve!