CHAINSAW SAFETY TIPS

Chainsaws are incredibly useful and great to work with but they can also be fatally dangerous if used incorrectly or without safety precautions. Whether a beginner or someone who needs to recap, make sure to read over our chainsaw safety tips as stated below:

Rules of Chainsaw Safety

· Always use both hands to control the chainsaw.

· Wear the relevant protective clothing, which can include steel top cap boots, a hard hat, eye and ear protection, snug work gloves and chainsaw safety trousers or chaps.

· Never cut with the chainsaw’s kickback zone or let it come into contact with anything while the chain is moving.

· Check the chain tension before starting and tighten if necessary. The chain will loosen with use and can cause serious injury if it comes off during use. Note: new chains should be checked again after 20 minutes of use as they tend to stretch quickly at first. Check older chains again after an hour of use.

· Whenever you are not cutting, use the chain brake.

· If moving the chainsaw a short distance, hold it with your left hand by the front handle only to avoid accidental acceleration. When moving more than a few meters with the chainsaw in hand, turn off the engine.

· Do not cut until you’ve fully thought through the what-if’s, e.g. if you are felling a tree, consider the different directions it could fall in and ensure all possible outcomes will be safe.

· Only use the chainsaw if it is in good condition with all safety features intact and a sharp chain.

Do not use a chainsaw if you are…

·        Alone.

·        Tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

·        Standing on a ladder or unstable.

·        Cutting above your shoulder height.

·        In weather with strong winds and gusts.

Chainsaw usage directions

· Grip - wrap your thumbs and fingers around the handles for a firm, encircling grip that will prevent a serious accident in the event of any kickback.

· Posture - stand with your feet shoulder-width apart in a comfortable and sturdy position to one side of the chainsaw, not directly behind it. Never squat down or overreach while cutting.

· Practice - if you are a beginner, get a feel for the balance and power of the chainsaw by cutting light, dry branches before moving onto more difficult tasks.

· Hitting the Wrong Materials - avoid any contact with the ground or any other non-wood materials. Always remove wire, nails or screws from the wood you intend to cut before starting.

Safely Powering an Electric Chainsaw

o   Use an outdoor extension cord especially for use with power tools.

o   Do not use it if standing in a wet area.

o   Be very careful not to trip over the cord or cut through it.

For more info do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected]