Bob Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Chain Saw Safety by Bob Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist

Saw Selection - Electric Needs nearby electric power; no fuel Starts instantly; runs quietly Indoor or outdoor use Limited to 14" bar length Potential shock hazard

Saw Selection - Gasoline Usable anywhere with gas:oil fuel mix Many engine & bar length choices Noisy and smoky Outdoor use only Potential fire & burn hazard

Match Saw Bar Length to Job 8"-12" = light use, limbing, felling very small trees 12"-20" = frequent use, felling/cutting small trees Over 20" = heavy use by professionals

Personal Preparation (Safety Gear) Clothing - well-fitted, consider nylon mesh Hard hat Safety goggles or shielded safety glasses Ear muffs or ear plugs - 15-30 dB reduction Leather gloves Safety boots or high-top leather shoes

Chain Saw = 120 dB Sound Level Duration (hours/day) Sound Level (dBA) 8 90 4 95 2 100 1 105 1/2 110 1/4 or less 115 Source: OSHA Noise Standard

Saw Preparation Sharpen chain if.... it "walks" sideways under power produces fine powder instead of chips must press hard to improve cutting Tension chain to avoid binding/derailing 1/32" chain gap if cold 1/8" chain gap if hot Regular chain lubrication extends life

Chain Saw Safety Features Chain brake Anti-kickback chain Safety tip on bar end Vibration-reduction bushings Automatic chain oiling Trigger or throttle lockout

Chain Saw Operating Techniques 1 Refuel engine only when cool Brace firmly on ground to start; NO drop-starting "Read" the tree before felling Pre-plan unobstructed escape path at 45° retreat angle Shut off and leave saw before retreating

Chain Saw Operating Techniques 2 Don't saw above shoulder height "Look beyond" limb you cut for kickback hazards Check log "support points" before cutting Read the owner's manual

Questions ?? Robert A. (Bob) Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Webster County Extension Center 800 S. Marshall, P.O. Box 7 Marshfield, MO 65706-0007 Voice: 417-859-2044 Fax: 417-468-2086 E-mail: schultheisr@missouri.edu Web: outreach.missouri.edu/webster