1. Chain Saw Safety

2. Chain Saw Injuries
There were over 28,500* chain saw injuries in 1999 according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.
The average injury required 110 stitches.
36% of injuries were to the legs and knees.
The estimated cost per injury in 2000 was over $12,000.
Worker’s compensation costs are estimated at over $350 million annually.
* These statistics are based on professional cutters – not the average consumer or construction worker doing some site clearing. If those injuries were included, the numbers would increase dramatically.

3. Injury Prevention All of them You do the math
How many of these injuries are preventable?
All of them
Example
Chaps prevent injuries to the legs
The average cost for a pair of chaps is $75.
The annual cost of equipping approximately 69,000 professional loggers with chaps is five million dollars.
You do the math

4. You take care of me – I’ll take care of you!
Know Your Saw
The more you know about your saw, the better. Knowing how the saw operates will give you a better understanding of how to use it safely.
It’s a deal!
You take care of me – I’ll take care of you!

5. Saw Selection Saws Bar size Type work
First, consider the type and size of saw you need. There are three ranges of saws, small, medium and large. Select your saw based on the job.
Saws
Bar size
Type work
Small
8-12 inch
small branches and 6-10 inch diameter trees.
Medium
14-20 inch
Frequent log cutting and felling of small trees inches in diameter
Large
More than 20 inch
Professional use – not the average consumer

6. Is your saw ready to cut? Chainsaw Owner’s Manual
First and foremost – read the instructions from the manufacturer. They will give you advice on work safe practices and preventive maintenance for keeping your saw in tip-top working order.
A properly maintained saw is in itself a safety measure. A dull chain will cause you to overwork the saw. Improper chain tension can cause the chain to break and lack of bar oil will cause the bar to wear more quickly and can cause the chain to derail causing serious injury.
Additionally, the saw should be adjusted so that the chain does not move when the saw is idling.
Chainsaw
Owner’s
Manual
Read Carefully

7. Is your saw ready to cut?
Make sure the engine is in good running order. A clean air filter, good spark plug and muffler will allow the engine to run better making your work easier.
Always wear gloves or use a heavy rag when handling the chain. A sharp chain cuts wood better, but it can also inflict serious injury.

8. Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Frequency Clean/adjust chain tension
Every use
Check/service the chain oiling system
Tighten all hardware
Inspect fuel system
Inspect the Chain Brake Mechanism
Inspect the Kickback (nose) Guard
Clean or replace air filter
Every 10 hours of use
Lubricate the sprocket tip
Turn the guide bar
Inspect and clean/replace the spark plug
Inspect and clean/replace the spark arrester screen
Replace the Fuel Filter
Every 20 hours of use
Additional maintenance procedures
As needed

9. Transporting the Saw
Keep the saw in a carrying case when not in use or at least put the chain guard on the bar.
Never carry a chain saw in the passenger area of a vehicle. You do not want it flying around if you have an accident.
When carrying the saw in a vehicle, secure the saw from movement and keep the saw with fuel cap up to prevent the fuel from leaking.
Always carry the saw at your side with the cutting bar and chain to the rear and to the outside.

10. Storing the Saw
Drain any fuel left in the tank in a well ventilated area into an approved container.
Run the engine until the fuel in the fuel lines and carburetor causes the saw to stop.
Remove the chain and store it in a container of oil to prevent rust.
Note: These tips are for when the saw is not going to be used for an extended period of time.

11. Fueling
Store your fuel in an approved container. An approved container will be stamped with a Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
Allow saw to cool before fueling.
Use a funnel or pouring spout to prevent spills.
Fuel the saw on bare ground.
Always tighten the fuel container cap when not in use.
Clean up any spills and move fuel container at least 10’ from saw before starting.

12. Dress Appropriately
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a must when using a chain saw.
The intended purpose of PPE is not to allow you to work dangerously, it is to mitigate the seriousness of an injury if you are involved in an incident.
The link below will take you to a module dedicated to PPE.
Link to chain saw PPE module

13. Starting and Operating
Always use a safe starting method when starting saw. A lot of the injuries occur during starting because the worker does not have control of the saw.
The preferred method is to place the saw on the ground or a large stump as shown below.

14. Starting and Operating
Do not use this method of starting. Trying to start a saw like this can result in serious injury. When you are holding the saw with only one hand on the handle like in the picture, the saw has a propensity to tip toward the leg. The only force applied on the handle is a pinch-grip which does not give you very much control of the saw.
the bar and chain tips down and in toward the leg area.
As this hand goes up,
The hand gripping the bar is near the center of the saw acting as a fulcrum.

15. Starting and Operating
The position of the thumbs is very important for control of the saw. Notice in the picture how the thumbs are closing the loop and not just resting on the grips. This allows for positive control of the saw.

16. Avoiding Kickback
The most common cause of chainsaw cuts is from kickback.
Kickback occurs when the saw rotates back, or "kicks back" at the operator, due to the nose of the saw contacting an object or obstruction. To prevent kickback:
Use a saw equipped with chain brake or kickback guard.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands. Grip the top handle by putting the thumb around it.
Watch for twigs that can snag the chain.
Don't pinch the chain while cutting the log.
Saw with the lower part of the bar close to the bumper, not on the top near the nose.
Maintain high saw speed when entering or leaving a cut.
Keep the chain sharp.
Do not reach above your shoulder to cut. The chain is too close to your face in this position.

17. Kickback Danger Zone
The top of the tip of the chainsaw guide bar is known as the KICKBACK DANGER ZONE.
When contact is made with an object such as a branch or a log, there is a danger of a sudden bar nose kickback reaction.

18. Kickback
The nose of the saw strikes an object causing it to kick back.

19. Bucking and Limbing Safety Tips
Avoid making cuts with the saw between your legs
Do not stand on a log and saw between your feet
Stand to one side of the limb you are cutting
Be mindful of where the chain would go if it should break – do not cut with others in line with the chain
Keep the chain out of the dirt and rocks
Do not put yourself in a position where you are off balance or in danger of tripping over debris

20. More Bucking & Limbing Safety Tips
Be sure the fallen tree is stable
Stand on the uphill side when removing limbs
Always keep both hands on the saw when cutting
Be cautious of limbs that may be under tension – they may spring back when the tension is released
Use a wedge to keep the log from binding the saw
Always stand to the side of the saw – not directly behind it.

21. Summary Chainsaws, when not used properly, are dangerous tools.
Proper maintenance and care can help reduce the risks when using your chainsaw.
Knowing your saw and using it properly can prevent serious chainsaw injuries.