The chain saw is one of the most efficient and productive portable power tools used in the industry. It can also be one of the most dangerous. If you learn to operate it properly and maintain the saw in good working condition, you can avoid injury as well as be more productive.

BEFORE STARTING THE SAW

• Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning properly and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Engage the chain brake before starting the saw and start it on the ground or on another firm support. Do not drop-start the chain saw, as this is prohibited by OSHA.

• Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from sources of ignition.

• Check the fuel container for the following requirements:

• Must be metal or plastic

• Must not exceed a 5-gallon capacity

• Must be approved by the Underwriters Laboratory, Factory Mutual (FM), the Department of Transportation (DOT), or other nationally recognized testing laboratory.

• Never use a chainsaw with a dull blade. Keep the blade sharpened and the chainsaw properly oiled. Using a dull or poorly maintained chainsaw increases the risk of injury because more pressure is required to cut.

WHILE RUNNING THE SAW

• Keep hands on the handles and maintain secure footing while operating the chain saw. (Note: OSHA allows one-handed operation only in rare cases, such as certain climbing situations, when using both hands would create a greater hazard.)

• Clear the area of obstacles that might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.

• Do not cut directly overhead.

• Shut off or release the throttle before retreating.

• Shut off the saw or engage the chain brake whenever it is carried more than 50 feet or across hazardous terrain.

• Be prepared for kickback, and use saws that reduce kickback danger, including chain brakes, low-kickback chains and guide bars.

• Only cut at waist level or below. Never operate a chainsaw overhead, as it is unsafe. If you need to reach something above your head, use a ladder or other safe means to access it.

• When cutting trees, always have an escape route planned. The ideal route is at a 45-degree angle from the direction you expect the tree to fall. Make sure the path is clear of obstacles that could trip you while escaping.

SAFETY FEATURES

• Use a chainsaw equipped with standard safety features, including a stop switch, chain catcher, spark arrester, and hand guards. The chainsaw should also have a chain brake that can quickly stop the chain even when operating at full speed.

PPE REQUIREMENTS

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the head, ears, eyes, face, hands and legs is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to loggers and other workers using chain saws. PPE must be inspected before use on each work shift to ensure it is in serviceable condition.

The following PPE must be used when hazards make it necessary:

• Head protection

• Hearing protection

• Eye/face protection

• Leg protection

• Foot protection

• Hand protection

Leg protection must be chain-resistant and cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Specific work procedures, practices and requirements of the work site, including the recognition, prevention and control of general safety and health hazards.

• Requirements of the OSHA Logging standard, Bloodborne Pathogens standard, first aid and CPR training.

• How to safely perform assigned work tasks, including the specific hazards associated with each task and the measures and work practices that will be used to control those hazards.

• How to safely use, operate and maintain tools, machines and vehicles that the employee will be required to use in completing assigned tasks.

• Employers must certify and document that employees have received the required training. Employees must receive refresher training whenever new tasks, tools or equipment are assigned, or when unsafe work practices are observed.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

OSHA Chainsaw Safety Resources
https://www.osha.gov/chainsaws

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Chainsaw Safety
https://www.fws.gov/policy/241fw12.html