OSHA Requirements for Chainsaw Safety

Chainsaws are used in both personal tasks and in various industries, such as logging. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines certain requirements for chainsaw safety. If the proper guidelines are not followed, accidents and serious injury can result. Safety measures that are used include personal protective gear, safe fueling practices and proper operation of the saw.

Before Work Begins

• Protective gear, such as cut-resistant gloves, should be worn.

  The operator must inspect the saw before use, making sure there is appropriate tension on the chain and that the saw is adjusted correctly. The saw must be a minimum of 10 feet from any flammable items before it is fueled up. The fuel tank must hold five or less gallons and be constructed of either plastic or metal.

Personal Protective Gear

• OSHA requirements state that the operator must wear certain personal protective gear while using a chainsaw. This includes gear for protection of hands, feet, hearing, eye, face, legs and head. For example, adequate leg protection includes chaps or leggings that are made with a material that resists cuts. The leg gear has to start at the upper thigh and extend down to the top of the shoe. Hand protection includes gloves that are made of material that can resist cuts or punctures.

Operating the Saw

• When using the saw, the worker should keep both hands firmly on the handles. The saw should have safety features to prevent a kickback, which involves the saw being thrown backward in the direction of the user. A chain guard is one feature that helps to prevent this type of accident. The chain brake should be engaged when carrying the saw more than 50 feet or over a rough surface. The operator needs to be in a balanced position before cutting.

Training

• OSHA also requires that workers be given thorough training in first aid and safe work procedures before operating a saw. This includes OSHA standards, CPR and how to deal with bloodborne pathogens. There should also be training that deals with recognitions of hazards associated with chainsaw use, such as kickbacks. Proper maintenance is another key area of training.