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Logging Safety Rules for Hand Tools

While logging operations contain a number of massive machines and large powertools such as bulldozers and industrial chain saws, there are still a number of hand tools that loggers will have to use on a day-to-day basis. Axes, machetes, files, saws and other tools that require muscle rather than a motor to use are all common on logging sites. However they're no less dangerous than their mechanized counterparts, and workers should always follow proper safety rules when using these hand tools.

  1. Protective Gear

    • The first and most important set of rules to follow for hand tools on a logging site is to wear the proper protective gear. Safety glasses are important, especially when loggers are using axes or machetes as flying debris could damage their eyes. It's also important to wear gloves to protect the hands with all tools, even with files which could scrape and lacerate the skin if a worker's grip slips. Heavy work boots (preferably with steel toes) are also a good protective measure. For those workers that will be using an ax, wear shin guards to protect the legs from accidents and debris.

    Tool Examinations

    • Another safety rule for logging hand tools is to make sure that you never use anything until you've examined the tool and found it acceptable for the purpose at hand. Check where the blade of the tool (whether it's a machete blade or a file blade) meets the handle and be sure that it's secure. Wiggle the blade to make sure it's tight. Examine the handle for cracks or imperfections that could be a sign of something more serious. Make sure that the metal parts of a tool are free from grease or oil, and that the blades are properly sharpened.

    Always Away

    • One of the most common safety rules that's broken with logging hand tools is that they should always move away from the user's body. If you're swinging an ax or a machete, the blade should go away from your trunk. The same is true for shears, saws and pruners... they should all be going in the direction away from the user's body. For example, say that a logger is sawing a limb off of a fallen tree, but his saw's teeth are pointed toward him. When the last of the resistance gives way he may not be able to react quickly enough to stop the saw from moving forward and biting into his skin.

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