OSHA Chain Saw Safety

Chainsaws are gasoline- or electric-powered tools that use a motorized, toothed chain to fell trees. Because of the risks of becoming injured as a result of chainsaw accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, a federal agency of the United States government with the responsibility of setting up and enforcing safety regulations) has set up a number of guidelines on how to use chainsaws safely.

Function

• Chainsaw motors pull a toothed saw blade at many revolutions per second. In order to cut through dense wood, chainsaws have a great deal of cutting power. Abuse of this power can result in the blade cutting through a leg or hand. Other problems associated with a chainsaw include chains snapping or flying off of the unit, hitting the body and causing injury. Following OSHA chainsaw safety tips greatly reduces the risk of personal injury.

Fueling

• Most chainsaws use a combustion engine and need to be refueled on a frequent basis. OSHA offers several safety tips about refueling a chainsaw, including: Always shut a chainsaw off and let the saw cool down before attempting to pour in gasoline. Use containers approved for gasoline use, as unapproved containers may contaminate your petroleum. While adding gasoline to a chainsaw, do not smoke cigarettes. A violation of any of these OSHA safety tips may result in fuel explosions, causing serious burns.

Maintenance

• Before igniting your chainsaw, OSHA recommends conducting routine maintenance. Make sure all the controls are functioning properly, such as the choke, which shuts the saw off. Tighten or loosen the chain to make sure that it is snug on the bar. Ensure that all handles are working properly. Check to make sure that all bolts are tightened. Sharpen the blade before every use---a dull chainsaw must work harder, which increases the risk of user error.

Equipment

• OSHA recommends using proper equipment when cutting wood with a chainsaw. Eye or face protection should be used, including safety goggles to protect the eyes and a mask to prevent inhalation of sawdust particles. Earplugs protect hearing. Chainsaw chaps attach around the waist to protect the legs. Leather gloves provide protection for the hands, and leather boots help prevent accidental injury to the feet.

Use

• When running your chainsaw, follow these OSHA safety tips: Always keep both hands on the handles of the chainsaw. Always make cuts below your waist level, never above your head. Always have secure footing, in order to protect yourself from kickback (a situation where the chainsaw gets caught in the wood, pushing the saw backward). Attempt to make cuts that minimize wood binding, such as notches. Always use the chain brake when traveling with a chainsaw, in order to prevent injury as a result of tripping.

Training

• Felling trees with a chainsaw takes experience. Injury may result from a tree falling on top of you. Learn how to control falling trees by notching and observation. Have an expert show you how to maintain and service a chainsaw. Learn about the best gear for chainsaw protection and how to use it. Most chainsaw injuries can be prevented by preparation and properly using saws and safety equipment.