Chainsaw Operation and Safety
Chainsaw Operating Requirements
• Personal protective equipment including head protection, eye protection and work boots SHALL always be worn during chain saw operations.
• Company supplied, and OSHA approved protective leg chaps SHALL be worn during all chain saw operations on the ground.
• Company supplied, and OSHA approved hearing protection SHALL be worn during all chain saw operations on the ground.
• Safe distances SHALL be maintained between the operator and other employees while starting and during operation of the chain saw.
• The chain saw SHALL be held firmly on the ground or otherwise held in a position that does not allow movement of the saw when: the starter rope is pulled, with the chain brake engaged and with the bar and chain free of obstructions when starting.
• The chain saw SHALL not be drop started unless working from an aerial bucket, and then only after checking to see that the area below is not occupied.
• The chain saw SHALL always be held securely with thumbs and fingers of both hands wrapped around the handles during operation.
• Secure footing SHALL always be maintained during chain saw starting and operation.
• The chain saw SHALL have a properly functioning clutch and SHALL be adjusted so that the engine returns to idle and the chain stops when the throttle is released.
• All obstructions and debris SHALL be removed from the cutting path.
• The chain saw SHALL always be maintained in safe operating condition. Any chain saw: with a defective spark arrester, non-working chain brake, dull or loose chain, loose, missing or excessively worn part, SHALL be removed from service until repaired.
• The chain saw operator SHALL be aware of the location of the "tip" of the bar at all times. The "tip" must always remain free of obstructions, to reduce the possibility of personal injury, due to "kick back".
• The chain saw SHOULD be used between waist and chest heights and should never be operated above the head or below the feet.
• The chain saw operator SHALL maintain a firm grip on the saw handles, with both hands at all times during operation.
• The chain saw SHALL be shut off with the chain stopped and the bar pointed to the rear, before being carried to a new location by the operator.
• The chain saw SHALL be shut off with the chain stopped before being attached to a climber’s saddle or work line.
• The chain saw operator SHALL be in good position and ready to cut before starting the saw.
• The chain saw SHOULD not be allowed to become pinched in the saw cut.
• Chain saws SHALL be used only by experienced and trained employees.
• Trainees SHALL only be allowed to operate a chain saw on the ground under direct supervision until adequate experience has been gained. Once the trainee has gained the necessary experience, operations aloft may begin under direct supervision.
• The appropriately sized chain saw SHOULD be used for the job at hand. 6-8 SENDING THE CHAIN SAW ALOFT
• Chain saws SHALL be fueled and oiled on the ground.
• Chain saws SHALL be started on the ground, warmed up, shut off, and then sent to the man in the tree. Chain saws SHALL not be left running while being sent aloft.
• ALL chain saws SHALL be either handed aloft or raised and lowered to a climber by use of a work line or climb line.
• When possible, a path SHOULD be cleared for the saw to travel. Avoid "Bumping" the saw over and into branches while being sent aloft
• The chain saw SHALL be securely tied to a work line or climb line, before being sent aloft.
• Any chain saw weighing more than 15 pounds SHALL be supported by a separate line, that is crotched in a way to allow the saw to safely swing away from the climber, in the case of a slip or loss of pip. A crew member on the ground may help support the weight of
the saw or may tie off the tag end of the support line, while the saw is not being used.
Chainsaw Use in a Tree
• Before starting a chain saw aloft, the climber SHALL be in good position, tied in and using a second point of attachment. The saw SHALL be held in a manner that does not allow movement of the saw when the starter rope is pulled.
• A verbal warning SHALL be given by the climber such as "stand clear" or "headache" and a verbal response returned by the ground’s person such as "all clear,” before dropping a limb from aloft.
• The starting area SHALL be clear of obstructions, including branches and ropes before attempting to start the chain saw.
• The chain brake SHALL be engaged.
• Place a firm grip around the trigger handle with one hand and pull the starter cord with the free hand.
• Once the saw has started, release the chain brake and keep both hands firmly gripped around the handles until finished with the cut.
• Turn the saw off and allow the chain to stop before attaching it to the saddle.
• Do not "Rev" the chain saw needlessly between cuts.
• Always Keep all ropes free of the chain. Chain saw chain can cause severe damage to rope whether running or stopped.
Chainsaw Safety
• Make sure that the chainsaw chain pitch, gauge (thickness) and length match the chainsaw bar, sprocket and capabilities of the chainsaw as defined in the owner’s manual.
• Sharpen chainsaw chains only using the correct size of round file per the chainsaw owner’s manual and always check the gap height on the chain to make sure the gaps from the leading edge of the chain link to the chain cutting tooth are consistent all the way around the chain. This will provide for smooth cutting. Chunking or bucking can happen when the chain saw gaps are varied.
• Maintain proper safety precautions when refueling chain saws. Use a funnel to prevent fuel spills.
• The chain saw SHALL be at least 10 feet away from the refueling area before attempting to start.
• Smoking SHALL not be permitted during refueling operations.
• The chain saw muffler and spark arrester SHALL be maintained and kept in good operating condition.
• The saw chain SHALL be kept sharp and free of burrs. A dull chain may "travel" on the log and could cause personal injury.
• The chain saw oiler SHALL be maintained and kept in good operating condition. A chain saw that is out of bar oil or not oiling properly SHALL not be operated.
• Keep all ropes and body parts away from cutting bar when the chain saw is running.
• Use the chain brake if it is necessary to stop a moving chain. Never use you hand to attempt to stop a moving chain or to move the chain during sharpening.
• NEVER work on a running chain saw.
• All employees SHALL keep adequate clear distance between themselves and the chain saw and operator. NEVER assume that the operator of a chain saw is aware of where you are.
• The operator SHALL wear proper head protection, eye protection, hearing protection and leg protection during chain saw operations on the ground.
• Jewelry and/or loose clothing SHALL not be worn during chain saw operations.
• Under no circumstances SHALL any employee reach around, above, or below a running chain saw.
• When a chain saw is in operation, always be aware of where it is and what is being cut.
• Never use a chain saw when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Prevent Kickback
• Kickback may occur when the upper tip of the guide bar contacts an object, or when the chain becomes pinched.
• Kickback is an immediate reverse reaction of the saw causing the bar to "kick' towards the operator. Kickback can cause serious injury to the chainsaw operator.
• Always maintain a firm grip on the saw with your thumbs and fingers wrapped around the handles.
• Always maintain two hands of contact on the chainsaw at ALL times when operating a chain saw, one hand on the throttle handle and one hand on the front handle.
• Always avoid pinching the chain while cutting.
• Always be aware of the location of the guide bar tip.
• Always keep the saw chain sharp and properly tensioned.
• Always keep the chain brake in good operating condition. (The Chain brake may not prevent kickback, but it may reduce the seriousness of an injury should kickback occur.)
• Always keep obstructions out of the cutting path.
Chainsaw Operating Requirements
• Personal protective equipment including head protection, eye protection and work boots SHALL always be worn during chain saw operations.
• Company supplied, and OSHA approved protective leg chaps SHALL be worn during all chain saw operations on the ground.
• Company supplied, and OSHA approved hearing protection SHALL be worn during all chain saw operations on the ground.
• Safe distances SHALL be maintained between the operator and other employees while starting and during operation of the chain saw.
• The chain saw SHALL be held firmly on the ground or otherwise held in a position that does not allow movement of the saw when: the starter rope is pulled, with the chain brake engaged and with the bar and chain free of obstructions when starting.
• The chain saw SHALL not be drop started unless working from an aerial bucket, and then only after checking to see that the area below is not occupied.
• The chain saw SHALL always be held securely with thumbs and fingers of both hands wrapped around the handles during operation.
• Secure footing SHALL always be maintained during chain saw starting and operation.
• The chain saw SHALL have a properly functioning clutch and SHALL be adjusted so that the engine returns to idle and the chain stops when the throttle is released.
• All obstructions and debris SHALL be removed from the cutting path.
• The chain saw SHALL always be maintained in safe operating condition. Any chain saw: with a defective spark arrester, non-working chain brake, dull or loose chain, loose, missing or excessively worn part, SHALL be removed from service until repaired.
• The chain saw operator SHALL be aware of the location of the "tip" of the bar at all times. The "tip" must always remain free of obstructions, to reduce the possibility of personal injury, due to "kick back".
• The chain saw SHOULD be used between waist and chest heights and should never be operated above the head or below the feet.
• The chain saw operator SHALL maintain a firm grip on the saw handles, with both hands at all times during operation.
• The chain saw SHALL be shut off with the chain stopped and the bar pointed to the rear, before being carried to a new location by the operator.
• The chain saw SHALL be shut off with the chain stopped before being attached to a climber’s saddle or work line.
• The chain saw operator SHALL be in good position and ready to cut before starting the saw.
• The chain saw SHOULD not be allowed to become pinched in the saw cut.
• Chain saws SHALL be used only by experienced and trained employees.
• Trainees SHALL only be allowed to operate a chain saw on the ground under direct supervision until adequate experience has been gained. Once the trainee has gained the necessary experience, operations aloft may begin under direct supervision.
• The appropriately sized chain saw SHOULD be used for the job at hand. 6-8 SENDING THE CHAIN SAW ALOFT
• Chain saws SHALL be fueled and oiled on the ground.
• Chain saws SHALL be started on the ground, warmed up, shut off, and then sent to the man in the tree. Chain saws SHALL not be left running while being sent aloft.
• ALL chain saws SHALL be either handed aloft or raised and lowered to a climber by use of a work line or climb line.
• When possible, a path SHOULD be cleared for the saw to travel. Avoid "Bumping" the saw over and into branches while being sent aloft
• The chain saw SHALL be securely tied to a work line or climb line, before being sent aloft.
• Any chain saw weighing more than 15 pounds SHALL be supported by a separate line, that is crotched in a way to allow the saw to safely swing away from the climber, in the case of a slip or loss of pip. A crew member on the ground may help support the weight of
the saw or may tie off the tag end of the support line, while the saw is not being used.
Chainsaw Use in a Tree
• Before starting a chain saw aloft, the climber SHALL be in good position, tied in and using a second point of attachment. The saw SHALL be held in a manner that does not allow movement of the saw when the starter rope is pulled.
• A verbal warning SHALL be given by the climber such as "stand clear" or "headache" and a verbal response returned by the ground’s person such as "all clear,” before dropping a limb from aloft.
• The starting area SHALL be clear of obstructions, including branches and ropes before attempting to start the chain saw.
• The chain brake SHALL be engaged.
• Place a firm grip around the trigger handle with one hand and pull the starter cord with the free hand.
• Once the saw has started, release the chain brake and keep both hands firmly gripped around the handles until finished with the cut.
• Turn the saw off and allow the chain to stop before attaching it to the saddle.
• Do not "Rev" the chain saw needlessly between cuts.
• Always Keep all ropes free of the chain. Chain saw chain can cause severe damage to rope whether running or stopped.
Chainsaw Safety
• Make sure that the chainsaw chain pitch, gauge (thickness) and length match the chainsaw bar, sprocket and capabilities of the chainsaw as defined in the owner’s manual.
• Sharpen chainsaw chains only using the correct size of round file per the chainsaw owner’s manual and always check the gap height on the chain to make sure the gaps from the leading edge of the chain link to the chain cutting tooth are consistent all the way around the chain. This will provide for smooth cutting. Chunking or bucking can happen when the chain saw gaps are varied.
• Maintain proper safety precautions when refueling chain saws. Use a funnel to prevent fuel spills.
• The chain saw SHALL be at least 10 feet away from the refueling area before attempting to start.
• Smoking SHALL not be permitted during refueling operations.
• The chain saw muffler and spark arrester SHALL be maintained and kept in good operating condition.
• The saw chain SHALL be kept sharp and free of burrs. A dull chain may "travel" on the log and could cause personal injury.
• The chain saw oiler SHALL be maintained and kept in good operating condition. A chain saw that is out of bar oil or not oiling properly SHALL not be operated.
• Keep all ropes and body parts away from cutting bar when the chain saw is running.
• Use the chain brake if it is necessary to stop a moving chain. Never use you hand to attempt to stop a moving chain or to move the chain during sharpening.
• NEVER work on a running chain saw.
• All employees SHALL keep adequate clear distance between themselves and the chain saw and operator. NEVER assume that the operator of a chain saw is aware of where you are.
• The operator SHALL wear proper head protection, eye protection, hearing protection and leg protection during chain saw operations on the ground.
• Jewelry and/or loose clothing SHALL not be worn during chain saw operations.
• Under no circumstances SHALL any employee reach around, above, or below a running chain saw.
• When a chain saw is in operation, always be aware of where it is and what is being cut.
• Never use a chain saw when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Prevent Kickback
• Kickback may occur when the upper tip of the guide bar contacts an object, or when the chain becomes pinched.
• Kickback is an immediate reverse reaction of the saw causing the bar to "kick' towards the operator. Kickback can cause serious injury to the chainsaw operator.
• Always maintain a firm grip on the saw with your thumbs and fingers wrapped around the handles.
• Always maintain two hands of contact on the chainsaw at ALL times when operating a chain saw, one hand on the throttle handle and one hand on the front handle.
• Always avoid pinching the chain while cutting.
• Always be aware of the location of the guide bar tip.
• Always keep the saw chain sharp and properly tensioned.
• Always keep the chain brake in good operating condition. (The Chain brake may not prevent kickback, but it may reduce the seriousness of an injury should kickback occur.)
• Always keep obstructions out of the cutting path.
