Country Road Outdoors Feature Stories
Chain Saw Safety 101
April 22, 2009 | By Monte Burch
A chain saw is one of the most valuable tools a landowner can own, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. You can very quickly maim or kill yourself with a chain saw. In fact, logging is considered the most dangerous of all occupations, and that’s by professionals who know what they’re doing with a chain saw. Following proper safety rules, and with a well maintained, sharp chain saw, however, a myriad of landowner chores can be done, from clearing timber for building a home or other structure, clearing timber for food plots, cutting firewood and removing storm damaged trees and limbs.
In addition to a chain saw you’ll need proper safety equipment. Safety glasses or eye protection that meets ANSI Z 87.1 regulations is necessary. And, hearing protection is a must. Foam plugs may be used, but muff-type protectors are best. You may also wish to wear a helmet system. These not only help protect you from falling limbs and debris, but include hearing protectors and a screen face shield. You should still wear eye protection under the face screen. Long pants and good sturdy boots are also necessary.
Read your owner’s manual and make sure you follow all safety instructions with your saw. Also, make sure the chain saw is well maintained and the chain sharp. A dull chain creates extra work and can cause you to force the chain, which can result in a mishap. When you fuel the chain saw and each time you refuel it, refill the oil reservoir. Also, check for proper chain tension and make sure the bar bolts are tight. A chain has proper tension when there is no slack on the underside of the bar, yet the chain can be turned easily around the bar by hand. If the chain is new, it will need to be checked frequently and tension adjusted as it loosens.
Start the saw on a firm, level area and make sure the chain is not contacting the ground, rocks, roots, grass and other obstructions. Place your foot firmly on the flat of the rear handle. Gripping the front handle with one hand, pull out the starter cord until you feel a slight resistance. Then give a short, sharp pull to the starter rope, repeating until the saw starts. Squeeze the throttle to release the throttle latch. This will allow the saw to idle. Test the chain brake to assure it is working properly.
When you move or walk from one place to another, always turn off the chain saw and install the bar scabbard. Engage the chain brake when moving from one area to another. Never leave a saw unattended. Take your time and rest occasionally, chain saw work is tiring. Use common sense.
Kickback, or the sudden rearward motion of the saw, is the most dangerous problem and it can be immediate and violent. This occurs if the kickback zone, or nose of the bar, touches an object. In this case usually only one or two cutters engage the wood at a time. The chain grabs, gets stopped, then the reaction causes the bar to kickback. Kickback can actually be up, down or sideways. If the chain is still running and it contacts you, it can cause a serious cut. Always maintain a good secure grip on the saw. Some bars come with an anti-kickback nose tip.
Three basic chores are involved in most chain saw work; tree felling, limbing and bucking. Bucking is used to create firewood, or to clean up limbs and trees downed by storms. Chain saw manuals provide safe instructions for all three chores. Make sure you understand them and follow all safety rules for the various chores.
