Chainsaws

A chainsaw makes light work of felling and cutting up trees but treat it with respect! A chainsaw can easily slice through muscle or bone if it kicks back towards you.  It's essential to get training from a qualified person before you use a chainsaw.

Examples of chainsaw hazards:

• Chainsaw kickback, caused when the upper part of the bar nose contacts a solid object or is pinched. This throws the guidebar back towards you and can cause serious injury.
• Using a small saw and bar to fell a big tree.
• Felling large shelterbelt trees, or trees with a heavy lean or on steep slopes.
• Felling trees with stem rot or a species prone to splitting.

Some ways you can reduce the risk of hazards from chainsaws are:

• Know your saw and how to use the safety devices.
• Wear and use the correct personal safety equipment. You need:
• FOOTWEAR - boots with steel toe caps.
• LEG PROTECTION - chainsaw operator's safety trousers or chaps.
• A SAFETY HELMET.
• EARMUFFS rated Grade 4
• EYE PROTECTION - goggles in dusty conditions or a helmet visor if there's a danger of flying debris.
• Check the work area for hazards such as branches or tree tops that could fall.
• Check that your saw is in good order and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Do not over-reach or cut above shoulder height.

Get a copy of the free booklets A Guide to Safety with Chainsaws and A Guide to Safety in Tree Felling and Cross-cutting.