Spring Chainsaw Safety Reminder

Chainsaws are a common tool among city employees, but whether it’s a utility worker clearing trees around lines, a public works employee cleaning up after a storm, firefighters ventilating a roof, or a golf course employee trimming trees on the course, chainsaws can be extremely dangerous. OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.266 and 29 CFR 1910.133 govern chainsaw safety in the workplace and provide guidance for employers and employees.     

Because chainsaws are so common and many of us use them at home as well as at work, it can be easy to become complacent while using them. Please don’t! Complacency is one of the most common causes of workplace injury. Be mindful of the work you are doing and of the hazards present. In this blog I will share some common safety ideas as well as resources for more information and specific training on the safe use of chainsaws. 

PREPARING TO USE A CHAINSAW

Workers need to be properly trained before using a chainsaw. Specific usage instructions vary by brand and saw, so the user should always read and follow the operator’s manual for each specific chainsaw. Consider the new or seasonal worker who may not be as familiar with a chainsaw or other equipment as you are, and may feel embarrassed to ask for help. Don’t wait for them to ask -- make equipment training part of the onboarding process.

Follow these guidelines before you use a chainsaw:

• Inspect the chainsaw before use.
• Put on your full personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Engage the chain brake when transporting or not in use.
• Place the chainsaw on the ground to start it – never drop-start it.

It is also important that workers are aware of their surroundings and to clear away any objects or debris that may be in the saw’s path. Among the biggest causes of chainsaw accidents are trips and falls, so everything from small tree limbs, rocks, and other equipment should be cleared. This gives the operator a “clear escape path” to exit the area when felling a tree or if things go wrong.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Photo courtesy of Oregon Products

As with most equipment operation, PPE must ALWAYS be worn, including:

• Helmet system with head, face, and ear protection      
  
• Steel-toed boots
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Long sleeves
• Pants
• Cut-proof chaps/pants

USING A CHAINSAW

After workers have followed the proper steps to ensure the chainsaw is in safe working order and they are wearing the appropriate PPE, follow these general rules to safely use a chainsaw:

• Disengage the brake when the saw is ready for use.
• Stay alert while cutting.
• Never use the saw alone, have a coworker nearby but out of the hazard zone.
• Make sure no other people are near when using the saw (aside from a coworker as mentioned in the bullet above).
• Always hold the saw with two hands.
• Stand to the left of the chainsaw.
• Do not lift the saw above shoulder level.
• Always engage the brake if not cutting.
• Keep legs shoulder-width apart.
• Keep a slight bend at the knees.
• Do not let the tip of the bar come in contact with the wood.
• Decrease and slowly ease off the pressure when you are close to ending the cut.
• Never leave the chainsaw unattended.

These are general rules, but keep in mind each chainsaw is different. The operator’s manual should always be the main source of information for safety and usage instructions.

FUELING A CHAIN SAW

Fueling a chainsaw can also be dangerous, so make sure workers follow these general guidelines:

• Only use approved containers to transport fuel.
• DO NOT smoke during or near fueling.
• Use a funnel or hose to pour fuel.
• Always let the saw cool down before fueling.

Other helpful resources on chainsaw use:

• League of Minnesota Cities - Parks and Recreation Loss Control Guide
• NEOGOV Safety has a Chainsaw Safety course - Learn how to safely operate a chainsaw. Topics include safely starting and stopping a chainsaw, avoiding kickback, personal protective equipment, preventing hand-arm vibration syndrome, and properly maintaining a chainsaw. This course covers OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.266 and 29 CFR 1910.133.
• OSHA Toolbox Talk - Working Safely with Chainsaws 
• OSHA.gov - Chainsaw Safety
• MNOSHA Workplace Safety has several short logging safety videos as well as four in-depth training videos.
• Of course, your League of Minnesota Cities loss control consultant is an excellent resource for additional training information and assistance. Contact them for more information.

Chainsaws are common a tool, but they can be an injury waiting to happen if you have not been properly trained and if you are not using them safely.

Please work safely; so many people are depending on you!

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant – League of Minnesota Cities