There are many hazards while working with a chainsaw. Especially for forest workers, safety should be the priority. If you are working with a small workpiece, then the work will go on smoothly. But if you are working with a big workpiece, then you are on the verge of high risk. Do not go to work alone. Always work with some other experienced person if you are working the first time. You will agree with us in this safety rule. Isn’t it?
Now, in this article, we will try to provide all the required points and tips on how to use a chainsaw safely. So, without wasting much time let’s dive into this article. It is meant for all the workers who use the chainsaw very often while cutting the pieces and other major works.
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Contents
How To Use A Chainsaw Safely- Step By Step Guide
Step 1: Safety Using Proper Clothing
Though there are many accidents, many of them can be prevented. We can prevent some of these incidents just by our proper clothing. If we will wear proper clothes that protect our whole body, then the possibility of any harm is less. You might have seen some lumberjacks in movies. They cut the trees in a swag without even a shirt on their body. But that is a very wrong practice. Have a good pair of slip-resistant gloves. Wear the best chap pants and full sleeves shirt. Try to cover your feet also. A hard hat will protect your head perfectly.
Step 2: Having A Companion
When you are using a chainsaw, always have one companion with you. Though you are a professional, you may need his help anytime. If any mishappening occurs, then you can call him. This will be a life-saving tip. If you are working alone, then inform someone. So, that when you need him then they will be present with you. The bad thing is that you cannot take yourself to the hospital if anything happens to you. So, do not take this tip lightly.
3. Doing The Survey Of Cutting Surface
This step is also very important when using a chainsaw. It is very essential to take a proper look around your workpiece and workspace. Take a proper look around the spot on which you are going to work. There should not be any harmful thing that can potentially harm you in any way.
Check for small things also. There should not be any dangling tree, hidden glass pieces, foot obstructions, hidden electrical equipment, wildlife, etc. These things can harm you while working.
Check your workpiece also carefully. The wood itself should be free from any type of harmful things like nails, screws, etc. There should not be any metal objects that may be present without your knowledge. Have a prior knowledge about all such things before starting the use of your chainsaw.
4. Cutting Below The Waist Level
Whenever you cut, try to place the workpiece below your waist level. You may want to cut the parts that are above your head when dealing with a tree. But this is not at all safe. You should not try to reach those upper branches.
Never do such silly things. Otherwise, those branches may fall on you and the result of it is well known. This risk is not at all worthy. The more safe way to use a chainsaw is below your waist level. This will help you to see what is happening. Also use good cheap chainsaws if you want.
You can always monitor the whole task if it is below your waist level. So, it provides you a better grip and control over the chainsaw.Moreover, if you are working with the upper level, then you will feel tired very often.
Step 5: Prepping The Chainsaw
You need to follow the below-mentioned steps for the chainsaw prepping.
Chain tension: Always check the chain tension. You should make sure that it is not slipping off the guide bar. It should not be too tight also. Adjust it into a proper configuration.
Power source: If you are working with a good 2-Cycle gas chainsaw, then the fuel should be filled properly. The oil and gas mixture should be in a proper ratio. It should be somewhere around 50:1 concerning oil and gas. For more information, see the manual. If you are using an electric chainsaw, then the battery should be charged fully.
Bar and Chain Oil: You should check the oil and guide bar reservoir properly. Refer to the user manual if you have any doubts. If you have an automatic oiler, then you can skip this step. Then, you don’t need to touch the reservoir part and can go for the next step.
Step 6: Starting The Chainsaw
You should always start the chainsaw with a proper procedure. For Gas Chainsaws: 1. First place the chainsaw on the ground or any flat surface. 2. Now use your foot for its handle. 3. After this, turn on the chainsaw. The button should be in on position. 4. Now, after switching it on, hold the top handle of the saw with your left hand. Make a proper grip with your hand. 5. Now, make the chain brake in engage mode. 6. Now, you should do the priming of its fuel. 7. After this, you should pull the starting rope many times. Around 2 to 3 times pull the rope. You should do this until the engine starts. 8. 8. Now, close the choke for some time at a halfway position. Leave the chainsaw with its idle time. Now, again close the choke completely. After this, the engine will get started. 9. Hold the chainsaw with a proper grip. Hold it using both of your hands, it should be around your waist level. 10. After the above step, you should again make the chain brake in a non-engaging mode. 11. Now, you can proceed to pull the throttle to start the cutting process. For Electric Chainsaws: 1. Press and hold the safety lock button. 2. Make the switch trigger operational by switching it on. 3. Now, press and hold the trigger to start your chainsaw. For continuity in operation, keep the trigger pressed.
Step 7: Correct Use Of Chainsaw
When you use your chainsaw, then make a habit of standing on the left side. This will be best for your safety and control. No matter what kind of operation you are doing, but you should be positioned on the left side of the chainsaw. These operations include cutting, limbing, tree felling, and bucking. All types of chainsaw operations are valid for this rule.
If you will stand on the right side of the tool, then it will be a reversed condition. You will not be able to have proper and complete control over the device. It has been designed in such a way that it can be used easily by the left side.
The device is leaned at the right side for the cutting process. Doing it with the right side will make the cutting process complex. You will displace the device to the wrong place if working from the right position. So, be careful while standing with the chainsaw.
Step 8: Chainsaw Safety Measures
Never lose your concentration while using the chainsaw. And you should not use the tip of chainsaw for cutting purposes. It can cause the kickback of saw. If you are working with the trees, then cut the branches which are close to the base of the blade.
If you notice any cut that can pinch the chain, then stop cutting. Rotate the wood itself to prevent the pinching of the chain. Also, work with a sharped blade. Dull blades won’t cut properly and will make a bad cut.
You won’t get finishing with dull blades. Always use two hands while holding the saw. Never try to hold it by one hand only. If you are working with a tree for bucking it, then use bucking spikes of your chainsaw.
These spikes are metal teeth that are present at the base of the guide bar. This will give you a cleaner cut. These all are safety measures that people generally forget to practice. But these are very helpful in such cases.
1. Should we use the chainsaw on our workbench or a level ground?
While using your chainsaw, you can use your workbench. Your workspace should have a flat surface area. If it is not so, then it is better not to use that. Most of the professionals prefer using special chainsaws on level ground. It provides you the required space and surface area. You can also use proper sawhorse if you have one.
2. Can we work alone while using the chainsaw?
If you are working with the chainsaw first time, then you should not use it alone. Have another experienced person with you. If you are a professional, then you can work with the chainsaw alone also. But take proper safety measures.
3. Should we use the chainsaw in an open or closed environment?
You should use the chainsaw in an open environment if possible. It will prevent you from all the minor hazards.
4. Which safety equipment is required for chainsaw use?
You should make sure that your chainsaw has a chain break . and chain catchers. You can get the best chain under your budget. You should not use any chainsaw without these features. You need other important personal safety types of equipment. These are known as PPE kits. They will prevent you from any harmful incident.
5. From where can I purchase chainsaw safety types of equipment?
There are certain personal protective types of equipment (PPE) available in the market. Most of the dealers who are working with the chainsaw selling will have these types of equipment. You may also order them online. If it’s not available, then you can always place an order on any chainsaw selling shop.
Final Thoughts
There are many issues from the chainsaw tool itself. If you do not know how to use a chainsaw safely then you cannot even imagine the extent of harm on your body. Flying dust particles can cause eye injuries. Any unwanted huge noise can result in hearing impairment. Chainsaws can also kick back and hit you. If you do not hold the saw properly, then you may have a back injury. Unnecessary vibrations of the saw can cause numbness and injuries to our health. We hope that from now onwards you will take care of yourself and work with the saw safely.
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