Chainsaw Safety Too Often Overlooked
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It’s surprising that given that chainsaws are high performance, precision wood cutting machines, they are often purchased and used with little concern for chainsaw safety. They are incredibly popular and equally dangerous. Before you invest in one you would be well advised to become familiar with some basic chainsaw safety recommendations. Chainsaw safety isn’t limited to the obvious concerns either. For example, chainsaws are exceptionally loud, especially the large gas-powered models. With noise levels averaging from 90-100 dB serious chainsaw safety begins with adequate ear protection. |
Like all powerful tools chainsaws are inherently dangerous and especially so if you do not know how to use one properly. The lack of attention to chainsaw safety is responsible for thousands of accidents each year. Many of those accidents could have been prevented with the single most often overlooked chainsaw safety recommendation - ensuring regular machine checks and following manufacturers maintenance recommendations.
Chainsaws usually have "2-cycle" Engines, which are lighter and more powerful-per-pound than are "4-cycle" Engines. After every 10 hours of use, you should lubricate the sprocket at the end of the guide bar according to your chainsaw manufacturer's guidelines. If your bar shows signs of excessive wear, or is damaged in any way, the guide bar must be replaced with a new guide bar. This is an import chainsaw safety routine because if the guard bar and saw chain happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, they will become pinched (bind) between the falling portions of the tree.
Kickback is one of the most common chainsaw safety problems and is the most serious cause of injuries, and yes in some cases even death. Kickback occurs when the saw chain grabs the wood or is pinched, and this causes the bar and chain to kick back toward the operator. Kickback occurs when the upper tip of the guide bar touches an object or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Always position the saw so your body is clear of the line of cut to avoid injury from kickback. Another good chainsaw safety tip to heed is to never let the chain at the tip of your bar contact anything.
Electric chainsaws are best suited for around the home use and are typically smaller than gasoline powered models. While they represent proportionately less threat than their larger cousins they are used by more people and this group is that least familiar with chainsaw safety. They’re limited to the length of guide bar they can use, which is usually less than 14 inches. These lightweight saws have an 8 to 12 inch guide bar and are best for light work, cutting small branches, and felling only smaller trees (6 to 10 inch diameter). The mid-weight saws usually have a 14 to 20 inch guide bar and are suited for frequent log cutting and felling of small trees (12 to 18 inch diameter). Heavy weight chainsaws have a guide bar more than 20 inches long and are for professional use, and not at all designed for the average consumer. |
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Safety goggles are the absolute minimum protection. The absolute best chainsaw safety practice is a full face shield. Beyond general around the house work, safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, hard hat, gloves, and close-fitting clothing are all recommended. Without the proper safety precautions a chainsaw becomes horribly dangerous to humans capable of inflicting life threatening injury. Operating power equipment while standing on ladders should never be done. You’ll find that chainsaw safety recommendation on virtually all chainsaw documentation accompanying the product. Always lubricate the roller tips as directed by the manufacturer.
While power and performance are all the primary contributing factors in deciding which chainsaw suits your needs – chainsaw safety must be made an end user priority always. The cost of a good chainsaw ranges from between $100-$200 but is dwarfed by the cost of an injury which can be severe. They are also easily avoided by becoming familiar with chainsaw safety practices and the use of safety equipment.
Last updated 10/05/08
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