A Guide to Safety with Chainsaws
Work Area Safety
It's important to check the work area for hazards before you start felling or cutting.
Don't do anything that will harm another person in any place where you are using your chainsaw (this includes harm to yourself).
- Check that there are no people or animals in the work area.
- Do not work in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow or high winds.
- Always ensure you have a clear work area where you have a stable footing and do not have to reach or work off balance.
- Make your way carefully on uneven or sloping ground.
- Shut the chainsaw off before carrying it. Carry it by the front handle with the bar to the rear - not on your shoulders.
- If you are felling trees:
- o Make sure other people are at least two tree lengths away;
- o Always have an escape route planned and cleared to the side and rear.
- Check for hazards in the area - such as electricity or telecommunication cables. If in doubt, seek advice from the controlling authority.
- Always check for any material such as branches or tops which may dislodge and fall into the work area as the tree falls.
Fig 1: Have an escape route planned and cleared to the side and rear.
Transportation
Make sure your chainsaw has a bar cover for transportation to and from the work area.
Secure all loose tools, chainsaw and fuel containers in your vehicle so that they are not damaged in transit or become missiles in the event of an accident. Don't carry equipment in the passenger compartment.
Fig 2: Secure chainsaw safely for transportation.
