Important Chainsaw Safety Tips

Though modern chainsaws are equipped with many safety features, operating a chainsaw is an inherently dangerous activity. A chainsaw is a powerful piece of cutting equipment and an invaluable tool when cutting wood, yet chainsaws can also be hazardous if you don’t take the time for safety precautions.

Both inexperienced chainsaw users and those who have been using chainsaws for years can benefit from reminders about the safe use of chainsaws. A moment of carelessness or forgetfulness can result in serious injury. But if you know how to use a chainsaw correctly, you’ll be much better equipped to work with them safely.

Protective Gear

It’s important to wear protective gear every time you operate a chainsaw. Recommended safety gear includes gloves, logging boots, and chainsaw chaps or protective pants. These will protect your limbs from flying debris and give you a layer of protection if the chainsaw slips.

Wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes and a protective helmet with built-in earphones and a face screen is also highly recommended. Wood dust and chips can obscure your vision, making it harder to see what you are cutting, and damage your eyes if you’re not wearing safety gear. Chainsaws are loud, and earphones will help prevent hearing damage that may result from frequent use of a chainsaw.

A helmet helps protect from wood pieces that fall unexpectedly. According to a Popular Mechanics article, most chainsaw-related accidents are caused by falling branches and debris or wood snapping in unexpected ways after being cut. Safety gear helps protect you from those dangers.

Before You Start the Chainsaw

Using a well-maintained chainsaw with a sharp chain is one of the keys to operating a chainsaw safely. A sharp chain will cut more quickly and cleanly, which allows you to complete a cutting job faster. Sharp chains also cut straighter and are easier to use.

Before using a chainsaw, it is a good idea to check the saw to make sure it doesn’t need any repairs or maintenance before you use it. If the saw is leaking fuel or lubricant, shows any sign of damage, or is missing any nuts, bolts, or other parts then you shouldn’t use it until after repairs.

The air filter should be clean to make sure the chainsaw is getting plenty of airflow and doesn’t overheat. Also, make sure the chain bar groove is clean and that the chain sprocket turns easily. Make sure safety features like chain break, throttle interlock, spark arrestor, hand guard, and chain catcher are undamaged and working.

Before You Cut

Familiarize yourself with safe tree-cutting techniques before you begin cutting. The University of Georgia Extension recommends a five-step tree-felling plan designed to prevent most of the common tree-felling accidents. You can click here to read the full details and instructions. Here is a brief overview:

1. Inspect the tree to determine its height and if it is leaning in a certain direction. At the same time, inspect the area around the tree for potential hazards that the tree might strike when falling (power lines, other trees, structures, etc.).
2. Make sure you have a working chainsaw and any other needed equipment, including wedges.
3. Plan your escape route at a 45-degree angle from the direction the tree is falling. If you imagine a Y shape, the stem of the Y is the direction the tree is falling, and the branches of the Y represent your safe escape routes.
4. Cut an open-face notch in the tree on the side facing the direction you want the tree to fall.
5. Make a bore cut or a back cut, then use one of your safe escape routes to leave as the tree falls. Remember to look at the tree as it’s falling and keep your eyes out for potential hazards.

Safe Operation of a Chainsaw

When operating a chainsaw, you’ll have your right hand on the throttle and your left hand on the front handle. This means you should stand with your left leg slightly forward with both knees bent. Think of a boxer’s stance, and you’ll have the right idea.

Since your left leg is forward, it’s the one most likely to be injured, especially if you’re not wearing chainsaw chaps and logging boots. Take your time, make sure you have a stable stance, and pay close attention to how you’re moving. Pull from the chainsaw as you cut might throw off your stance if you’re not careful.

Place the chainsaw on the ground to steady it while starting. While cutting with a chainsaw, don’t reach overhead to cut, which increases the risk of the saw falling back and cutting you. Make sure the surface you are standing on is stable and avoid cutting while standing on a ladder. For cutting jobs that are higher up, a pole pruner is a safer option.

With careful attention to preventing cutting accidents, chainsaws are a useful and powerful tool that can be operated safely. By wearing protective gear, keeping the chainsaw well-maintained, and exercising safe cutting techniques, you will minimize risks while operating a chainsaw. And if you’re looking for a new chainsaw to purchase, come visit us at Richardson Saw. We carry high-quality, reliable battery and gasoline-powered chainsaws for a variety of cutting jobs.