1. SAFETY MEETING
CHAIN SAW SAFETY

2. The safe felling of a tree includes making
three precise and strategic cuts.

3. The top cut is the first of two cuts that result in a V-shaped notch
The top cut is the first of two cuts that result in a V-shaped notch. The notch is made on the side of the tree that you want it to fall.
The Correct Cut
1. Starting Point Important -- begin at any height as long as you allow enough room for the undercut
2. Angle of Attack Important -- cut downward at an angle of 70 degrees
3. Ending Point Stop when the cut reaches ¼ to 1/3 of the trunk's diameter or when the cut reaches 80% of the tree's diameter at chest level

4. A Common Incorrect Cut Here the top cut is not steep enough . . .
. . . resulting in a notch of
less than 70 degrees

5. The Bottom or Undercut The undercut is the second of two cuts that result in a V-shaped notch. The notch is made on the side of the tree facing the direction that you want it to fall.
The Correct Cut
1. Starting Point Very Important -- begin at the level that will create at least a 70 degree notch opening
2. Angle of Attack Important -- cut upward at a 20-degree angle
3. Ending Point Very important -- stop when the cut reaches the end point of the face cut

6. The Back Cut The back cut is the third and final cut and is made on the opposite side of the notch. The back cut disconnects almost all of the tree from the stump leaving a hinge that helps to control the tree's fall.
The Correct Cut
1. Starting Point Important - begin on the opposite side of the notch at the same level as the notched corner
2. Angle of Attack Important - cut flat along a horizontal plane
3. Ending Point Very important - stop at the point that will leave a hinge width that is 1/10 the tree's diameter
This is the simplest of all back cuts. Other back-cutting
techniques may be required for felling difficult trees.

7. EVEN AN EXPERT CAN GET HURT…

8. SafetyShare.org disclaimer
Material presented on the National Mining Association's SafetyShare.org website is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. The National Mining Association tries to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of writing; however, we give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of any of the contents. Visitors to the SafetyShare.org website should not act upon the website's content or information without first seeking appropriate professional advice. The National Mining Association accepts no responsibility for and excludes all liability in connection with browsing this website, use of information or downloading any materials from it, including but not limited to any liability for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or misleading statements. The information at this website might include opinions or views which, unless expressly stated otherwise, are not necessarily those of the National Mining Association or any associated company or any person in relation to whom they would have any liability or responsibility.
from SafetyShare.org