1. Chain Saw Safety

2. Chain Saw Injuries There were over 28,500* chain saw injuries in 1999 according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. The average injury required 110 stitches. 36% of injuries were to the legs and knees. The estimated cost per injury in 2000 was over $12,000. Worker’s compensation costs are estimated at over $350 million annually. * These statistics are based on professional cutters – not the average consumer or construction worker doing some site clearing. If those injuries were included, the numbers would increase dramatically.

3. Statistics, cont. The two most common places for injuries are the front left thigh and the back of the left hand. Statistics from U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1999

4. Just the Facts… When a chain saw is at full speed, more than 600 teeth pass a given point per second. One in 5 chain saw injuries are from kickback. A muffler on a chain saw can reach as much as 900 degrees F. A chain saw chain can move up to 68 miles per hour.

5. Four Steps to Prevention

6. All of them Injury Prevention Example Chaps prevent injuries to the legs The average cost for a pair of chaps is $75. The annual cost of equipping approximately 69,000 professional loggers with chaps is five million dollars. You do the math How many of these injuries are preventable?

7. Know Your Saw The more you know about your saw, the better. Knowing how the saw operates will give you a better understanding of how to use it safely. It’s a deal! You take care of me – I’ll take care of you!

8. Saw Selection First, consider the type and size of saw you need. There are three ranges of saws, small, medium and large. Select your saw based on the job. SawsBar sizeType work Small8-12 inchsmall branches and 6-10 inch diameter trees. Medium14-20 inchFrequent log cutting and felling of small trees 12-18 inches in diameter LargeMore than 20 inchProfessional use – not the average consumer

9. Parts of a Chain Saw

10. Is your saw ready to cut? First and foremost – read the instructions from the manufacturer. They will give you advice on work safe practices and preventive maintenance for keeping your saw in tip-top working order. A properly maintained saw is in itself a safety measure. A dull chain will cause you to overwork the saw. Improper chain tension can cause the chain to break and lack of bar oil will cause the bar to wear more quickly and can cause the chain to derail causing serious injury. Additionally, the saw should be adjusted so that the chain does not move when the saw is idling. Chainsaw Owner’s Manual Read Carefully

11. Is your saw ready to cut? Make sure the engine is in good running order. A clean air filter, good spark plug and muffler will allow the engine to run better making your work easier. Always wear gloves or use a heavy rag when handling the chain. A sharp chain cuts wood better, but it can also inflict serious injury.

12. MaintenanceFrequency Clean/adjust chain tensionEvery use Check/service the chain oiling systemEvery use Tighten all hardwareEvery use Inspect fuel systemEvery use Inspect the Chain Brake MechanismEvery use Inspect the Kickback (nose) GuardEvery use Clean or replace air filterEvery 10 hours of use Lubricate the sprocket tipEvery 10 hours of use Turn the guide barEvery 10 hours of use Inspect and clean/replace the spark plugEvery 10 hours of use Inspect and clean/replace the spark arrester screenEvery 10 hours of use Replace the Fuel FilterEvery 20 hours of use Additional maintenance proceduresAs needed Maintenance Schedule

13. Transporting the Saw Keep the saw in a carrying case when not in use or at least put the chain guard on the bar. Never carry a chain saw in the passenger area of a vehicle. You do not want it flying around if you have an accident. When carrying the saw in a vehicle, secure the saw from movement and keep the saw with fuel cap up to prevent the fuel from leaking. Always carry the saw at your side with the cutting bar and chain to the rear and to the outside.

14. Storing the Saw Drain any fuel left in the tank in a well ventilated area into an approved container. Run the engine until the fuel in the fuel lines and carburetor causes the saw to stop. Remove the chain and store it in a container of oil to prevent rust. Note: These tips are for when the saw is not going to be used for an extended period of time.

15. Fueling Store your fuel in an approved container. An approved container will be stamped with a Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). Allow saw to cool before fueling. Use a funnel or pouring spout to prevent spills. Fuel the saw on bare ground. Always tighten the fuel container cap when not in use. Clean up any spills and move fuel container at least 10’ from saw before starting.

16. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a must when using a chain saw. The intended purpose of PPE is not to allow you to work dangerously, it is to mitigate the seriousness of an injury if you are involved in an incident. The link below will take you to a module dedicated to PPE. Dress Appropriately Link to chain saw PPE module

17. Starting and Operating Always use a safe starting method when starting saw. A lot of the injuries occur during starting because the worker does not have control of the saw. The preferred method is to place the saw on the ground or a large stump as shown below.

18. Starting and Operating Do not use this method of starting. Trying to start a saw like this can result in serious injury. When you are holding the saw with only one hand on the handle like in the picture, the saw has a propensity to tip toward the leg. The only force applied on the handle is a pinch-grip which does not give you very much control of the saw. As this hand goes up, The hand gripping the bar is near the center of the saw acting as a fulcrum. the bar and chain tips down and in toward the leg area.

19. Starting and Operating The position of the thumbs is very important for control of the saw. Notice in the picture how the thumbs are closing the loop and not just resting on the grips. This allows for positive control of the saw.

20. Avoiding Kickback The most common cause of chainsaw cuts is from kickback. Use a saw equipped with chain brake or kickback guard. Hold the saw firmly with both hands. Grip the top handle by putting the thumb around it. Watch for twigs that can snag the chain. Don't pinch the chain while cutting the log. Saw with the lower part of the bar close to the bumper, not on the top near the nose. Maintain high saw speed when entering or leaving a cut. Keep the chain sharp. Do not reach above your shoulder to cut. The chain is too close to your face in this position. Kickback occurs when the saw rotates back, or "kicks back" at the operator, due to the nose of the saw contacting an object or obstruction. To prevent kickback:

21. Kickback Danger Zone The top of the tip of the chainsaw guide bar is known as the KICKBACK DANGER ZONE. When contact is made with an object such as a branch or a log, there is a danger of a sudden bar nose kickback reaction.

22. Kickback The nose of the saw strikes an object causing it to kick back.

23. Bucking and Limbing Safety Tips Avoid making cuts with the saw between your legs Do not stand on a log and saw between your feet Stand to one side of the limb you are cutting Be mindful of where the chain would go if it should break – do not cut with others in line with the chain Keep the chain out of the dirt and rocks Do not put yourself in a position where you are off balance or in danger of tripping over debris

24. Felling 101: Types of Cuts

25. Make a Correct Cut A Felling Notch does not exceed 20 percent of the tree’s diameter at breast height. This cut is made first. The Hinge is the 10 percent that is left uncut for the operator’s safety. The Felling Cut is made last. It occurs on the opposite side of the tree from the felling notch, but it does not go all the way through the tree. The notch and the cut are staggered, so they don’t meet.

26. More Bucking & Limbing Safety Tips –Be sure the fallen tree is stable –Stand on the uphill side when removing limbs –Always keep both hands on the saw when cutting –Be cautious of limbs that may be under tension – they may spring back when the tension is released –Use a wedge to keep the log from binding the saw –Always stand to the side of the saw – not directly behind it.

27. Types of Injuries Kickback Vibration Syndrome Widowmaker Entanglement Stump Jump Setback Crown Shatter Barber Chair Moving Tree Springpole Quick Fact: Kickback is the single greatest cause of injury to chain saw users.

28. What is Kickback? Kickback is caused by a spinning chain coming in contact with resistance. It causes the chain saw to “kick back” toward your face. It is very common and can cause serious injury.

29. How can Kickback be Prevented? NEVER cut with the tip of the chain saw! Lock your front elbow. Be careful not to cut through nails or knots in the wood. Stand to the side. Use a low kickback chain. Use a chain brake.

30. Vibration Syndrome Vibration syndrome causes frequent users of chain saws to get white knuckles and a loss of feeling in their fingers from the vibrations of the chain saw. It is not very common presently, due to better working conditions and safer chain saws.

31. Widowmaker Widowmaker is caused by loose branches falling from the tree due to vibrations from the chain saw.

32. You can prevent a widowmaker injury ALWAYS WEAR A HARDHAT!!!! Remember that a branch falling on you from less than 2 inches away can have enough force to kill you.

33. Entanglement Trees that are being cut down may sometimes drag or snap other trees. Free the branches of the tree you are cutting before starting to cut to prevent this from occurring.

34. Stump Jump This is caused by the hinge being cut or breaking when the tree is falling. The tree can jump or roll, or hit other trees in any direction.

35. What Is Setback? Sometimes a tree may tilt backward and clamp onto the bar of the saw. If the hinge breaks, then the tree can fall backward. You can use wedges to make sure the tree will fall over in the right direction. You can tie a cable or rope in the top of the tree and apply steady pressure.

36. Crown Shatter This occurs when the crown of the tree that has been felled or a nearby tree snaps or shatters. This causes hurling branches and can cause serious injury or death. Notice three ways to be struck.

37. Barber Chair When the backcut has been made, if the tree leans too far, the butt of the tree can kick backward. This happens much faster than a normal reaction time. Never stand in back of the tree as you are cutting. Seek professional help.

38. Springpole A tree can become arched as it is felled or if another tree falls on it. When cut, it can violently strike out at anything in its path. Always stay inside the “bow” of a springpole.

39. Escaping From Danger Always plan an escape route that is a path at a 45-degree angle away from the line of the tree’s fall.

40. How Can You Eliminate Some Hazards in the Area? Clear loose debris from the area. Remove combustible materials. Look for broken or dead limbs in the tree to be felled. Assure that there are no power lines nearby. Make sure you have an escape route. Be aware of where others are in relation to what you are cutting. This includes people, houses, automobiles, etc.

41. Parts of a Chain Saw: Review

42. Summary Chainsaws, when not used properly, are dangerous tools. Proper maintenance and care can help reduce the risks when using your chainsaw. Knowing your saw and using it properly can prevent serious chainsaw injuries.