A Guide to Safety with Chainsaws
Starting the Chainsaw
There are two recommended methods of starting. These are known as cold starting and warm starting.
Cold Starting
See the owner's manual for setting the choke and throttle control lockout.
- Place the chainsaw firmly on the ground. If a chainbrake is fitted, put the brake on.
- Hold your left arm straight, with the front handlebar firmly cradled between the thumb and fingers. If a mitt is fitted, your hand must be in the mitt.
- Place the front of your right foot in the rear handle, or place a knee on the chainsaw body.
- Position your other leg to provide stability.
- Pull the starter cord with your right hand, using short sharp pulls to start the motor.
- When started, close the choke and release the throttle control latch by squeezing the throttle control trigger.
Fig 19: Cold starting method.
Warm Starting
- Place your left hand in the safety mitt if fitted. Keep left arm straight.
- Position chainsaw on left thigh pointing left.
- Step over rear handle and secure chainsaw behind bent right knee.
- Start with short sharp pulls on the starter cord.
- If the chainsaw does not start, revert to the cold start method.
Fig 20: Warm starting method.
Warning on Drop-Starting
Never drop-start a chainsaw. The danger is that it will swing in an arc at the end of the starting cord and cause serious injury, especially to the body or face.
