Chainsaw Maintenance & Safety. Chain saw safety tips

How To Safely Use A Chainsaw

If you’ve ever used a chainsaw to cut down a tree, trim branches, or cut firewood, then you know two things: first, chainsaws are awesome. A sharp chainsaw can slice through the gnarliest tree in a matter of minutes. And second, chainsaws are extremely powerful and lightning fast, which makes them potentially dangerous.

The good news is that anyone—even novice DIYers—can learn to use a chainsaw safely and confidently. Here, I’ll share some very simple chainsawing tips and techniques that can greatly reduce the risk of injury.

Chainsaw Safety Features

Chainsaw manufacturers have gone to great lengths to make chainsaws as safe as possible by including the following features:

• Chain Brake: This large paddle-shaped guard on the front of saw will automatically and instantaneously stop the chain should the saw kick back toward the user.
• Bar-Tip Guard: A metal plate that partially covers the rounded tip of the bar to prevent dangerous kickback. If your chainsaw doesn’t have a bar-tip guard, buy one and install it.
• Throttle Interlock: A safety trigger that requires your hand to be fully inserted into the saw’s handle before you can accelerate the chain.
• Chain Oiler: The chain oiler automatically delivers lubricating oil to the bar and chain and prevents overheating, which could cause the saw to bind and stutter.
• Chain Catcher: Prevents a broken chain from lashing back at the operator.
• Bumper Spikes: This series of sharp metal spikes protruding from the saw near the base of the bar provide leverage for easier, more controlled sawing. Jab the spikes into the log, then pivot the bar downward to guide the chain through the cut. If the bumper spikes on your saw don’t work well, replace them with larger spikes. If the spikes are bent or broken, replace them.
• Vibration-Dampening Systems: Although these features aren’t specifically designed for safety, they absorb and deaden vibrations to help reduce fatigue and hand weakness, which can lead to accidents and injuries.

You can also dramatically reduce the chance of injuries by wearing proper clothing and safety gear every time you use a chainsaw.

• Proper Clothing: Always wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and work boots, preferably with steel toes. You should also wear chainsaw chaps to protect your legs. Modern chaps are made of resilient polyester or ballistic nylon, not leather, which makes them lightweight and comfortable.
• Safety Helmet: Protect your hearing, eyes, face, and head with an all-in-one chainsaw helmet. This safety item combines an impact-resistant hardhat, earmuff hearing protectors and flip-up metal-mesh face shield
• Owner’s Manual: Although it’s not technically a piece of safety gear, the owner’s manual provides invaluable information regarding the proper and safe chainsaw operation. Be sure to read the entire manual before using the chainsaw for the first time and go back and re-read it occasionally to confirm you’re following the recommended safety procedures.

Safe Cutting Techniques

Practice is the best way to become proficient at using a chainsaw. Therefore, it’s important to start small until you feel comfortable and confident. Start by slicing up some firewood or taking down a few small trees. Or try trimming some low-hanging branches at shoulder height or lower. Never reach overhead to cut with a chainsaw or climb into a tree with a chainsaw.

Here are some tips and techniques for three common chainsawing chores: felling, limbing, and bucking.

Felling

Felling refers to the act of cutting down a tree, a job that’s incredibly easy to do with a chainsaw. However, there’s a lot that can go wrong if felling is done incorrectly. Keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Look at the top of the tree to see if it is leaning in a particular direction. If so, that’s the direction it’s going to fall.
• Check for any overhead wires that might be caught as the tree falls.
• Make sure there’s a clearing for the tree to drop all the way down to the ground. Never cut down a tree that looks like it might get stuck in an adjacent tree or other obstacle.
• If a fallen tree does get hung up in another tree, don’t attempt to cut it down.- it’s just too dangerous. Call an experienced arborist.
• Confirm that there’s a clear, unobstructed escape route leading away from the direction the tree is going to fall.
• Keep people, pets, and belongings away from the area when felling a tree.
• Start by cutting a 90-degree notch about halfway into the tree, facing the direction you want it to fall.
• Next, saw straight into the opposite side of the tree, directly behind and slightly above the notch. (This is known as the felling cut.) Don’t try to cut all the way through the tree. Cut just deep enough until the tree starts to fall. Then pull out the saw and quickly back away along your escape route.
• Wait a minute or so for the tree to come fully to rest before approaching it.

Limbing

Once the tree is on the ground, the next step is to cut off all the branches and limbs, known as “limbing.” Again, be careful. The tree can suddenly roll, and there are a lot of tripping hazards when working around a fallen tree.

• Use the chainsaw to remove branches protruding from the top of the tree and any loose branches—meaning those not stuck in the ground—from the sides of the tree.
• Trim off the top of the tree to a size that you can easily drag or carry away.
• As you cut, be careful not to hit the ground with the saw; nothing dulls a chainsaw faster than cutting into dirt and rocks.
• To avoid dangerous kickback, never cut with the tip of the chain and don’t allow it to make contact with one branch while cutting another. Get into the habit of standing slightly to one side of the saw chain; don’t hover directly over the bar. That way, if the saw does kick back, it’s less likely to hit you.
• As you begin to saw into the remaining branches, including those pressed against the ground, make a note of where pressure is being applied to the branch. To avoid getting the saw pinched in the cut, saw a small notch into the top of the branch, then saw straight up into the underside of the branch. As pressure forces the branch down, the undercut will open, releasing the saw.
• When carrying a running chainsaw, grasp the top handle and keep your hand well away from the trigger. As an extra safety precaution, engage the chain brake when walking around with a running saw.
• Once most of the branches have been trimmed away, roll the tree over and saw off the remaining branches.

Bucking

Bucking simply means cutting a tree into smaller, more manageable pieces. This is typically done after limbing and when sawing logs into firewood.

• Start by confirming that the log is stable and can’t roll away from you or, more importantly, toward you. If necessary, chock the log with some stones or wood wedges.
• If you’re cutting the log into firewood, use chalk to mark cut lines on the log. Most firewood is 16 to 20 inches long.
• Saw about three-quarters of the way through the log at each cut line. Don’t try to cut all the way through the log.- you’ll end up sawing into the ground.
• Roll the log over and cut through the final few inches of wood to sever the log into shorter pieces.
• To prevent the saw from binding, roll the log pieces out of the way after each cut.
• Note that it’s much more comfortable and safer to buck a log while kneeling on the ground vs. standing up and prevents strain on your back muscles.

Chainsaw maintenance tips

Maintaining your chainsaw is important because a well-maintained chainsaw is much safer to use than a neglected one. The owner’s manual will provide specific instructions for maintaining your particular saw, but here are a few tips to make any chainsaw run smoother.

• Check the engine oil level and chain lube level before starting the saw.
• Mix fresh oil and gas for each use to the proportions recommended by the manufacturer (usually 40:1 or 50:1).
• Test the saw-chain tension before each use. If it’s loose, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for tightening the chain.
• Clean the air filter every month or so and replace it annually.
• Start the saw, then engage the brake to ensure it stops the chain.
• Sharpen the saw chain at the very first sign of dulling. Replace the chain if any of the teeth or rakers are chipped or damaged.
• After each use, wipe down the saw and brush away all wood chips, especially those packed in behind the chain-sprocket cover.

So there you have it: a few simple rules and precautions to keep you safe while using a chainsaw. As mentioned earlier, there’s no substitute for practice. Take your time, be careful, and welcome to the awesome world of chainsawing!

About the Author: Joe Truini is a home improvement expert who writes about home remodeling and repair, woodworking projects, and tools for homeowners and professionals. He has authored six books and his work has appeared in several national magazines. Joe also writes for The Home Depot, where they carry a wide selection of chainsaws and sharpeners.

This article is editorial content that has been contributed to our site at our request and is published for the benefit of our readers. We have not been compensated for its placement.

Chainsaw Maintenance Safety

A chainsaw can save a lot of time and effort when working on a project that requires one. While they offer convenience and efficiency, they can also pose a serious safety hazard if not used and maintained properly. No matter if you’re a DIYer or a logger, knowing the rules for proper chainsaw maintenance and use is essential.

How to Use Your Chainsaw Safely

After years of working with a chainsaw, it is easy to become complacent when it comes to using safety equipment and the tool’s safeguards. If that’s you, take time to revisit some safety rules. And, if you’re a relative beginner to chainsaw operation, here you can learn how to use safety equipment correctly from the start. Remember, chainsaw accidents happen mostly because of user error or poor maintenance.

Step 1: Use Safety Gear with Your Chainsaw

Always wear safety glasses or goggles and a hard hat when working with a chainsaw. Consider wearing ear protection as well. Also, don’t forget to wear a dusk mask or respirator if there are excessive amounts of sawdust and particles in the air. Wear steel-toed work boots to protect your feet and safety work gloves for a secure grip on the saw and to protect your hands from flying debris.

Safety Alerts!

When using a chainsaw, do not wear loose clothing, over-sized gloves, jewelry or any accessories that can get caught in the chain or other moving parts. In addition, long hair should be pulled back.

Only use a chainsaw in the way it was intended to avoid accidents and injury.

Keep children and others away from the work area when using a chainsaw.

Step 2: Use Safety Devices on Your Chainsaw

chainsaws have built-in safety devices that ensure safe operation. Use them. These safeguards protect you from moving mechanical parts and reduce the chance of injury. Never remove, disengage or otherwise disregard safety guards when the saw is in use.

• Chain Break – The chain brake stops the chain in the event of a “kickback” (when the chain hits an immovable object or becomes stuck, the saw blade can jump back toward the user and cause injury). Usually the chain brake is activated when the top hand guard is pushed forward. This can occur by purposefully pushing the guard forward or automatically when a kickback occurs.
• Throttle Lock – This prevents accidental chain activation. The throttle is operated with a trigger on the rear handle. If the lock-out switch is not pressed at the same time as the throttle trigger, the chain won’t be activated.
• Hand Guard – This feature protects your rear hand from the event of a broken or derailed chain that is not stopped by the chain catcher.
• Stop Control – The stop control, AKA the “kill switch,” allows for quick and easy engine shutoff in the case of an emergency.

Helpful Tip

It is a good idea to have a first-aid kit nearby at all times when you’re working with a chainsaw.

Step 3: Cut Correctly with Your Chainsaw

Because kickback is a common accident that can occur, you should take steps to avoid it. When kickback occurs, it can happen too quickly for you to react. Always stand to the side of the saw. If your right hand is holding the rear of the chainsaw, stand to the left of the saw. Don’t ever cut with the saw’s tip, as doing so can often result in kickback.

When felling a tree, always plan for where and how the tree will fall. Cut at an angle that will make the tree fall in the direction you want. Keep a clear path for getting out of the way in case the tree comes down in your direction. Watch out for power lines and any nearby structures as well. If you’re unsure of how the tree will fall or if the tree is exceptionally large, call in a professional. If cutting down limbs to thin out a tree’s canopy, be sure the cut limbs won’t fall on you or anything nearby.

When operating a chainsaw, be sure you’re working with secure footing and standing on steady ground. If you were to fall, you could be seriously injured by the saw. At all times, keep both hands on the handles of the chainsaw. Cut below waist level, never above your head.

When you need to refill a hot saw with gasoline, let the engine cool down for a few minutes before pouring in the gas to avoid a fire or explosion.

Safety Alert!

Never operate a chainsaw while standing on a ladder.

How to Maintain Your Chainsaw

While accidents can happen and are unforeseeable, another way to avoid a chainsaw safety incident is to keep the tool maintained and running smoothly. Because of their mechanical parts, chainsaws are susceptible to problems caused by regular use, poor maintenance, as well as dust and debris accumulation. View these steps for proper chainsaw maintenance, to help keep your chainsaw safe and efficient.

Step 1: Clean Your Chainsaw

Wipe the chainsaw down with a rag after every use and before storing it away. Do a deep cleaning periodically with a damp cloth. Get into exhausts, intakes and other hard-to-clean areas by using cotton swabs, lightly swabbed with machine oil.

Helpful Tip

Use an air compressor or a can of compressed air to blow air into vents and crevices to remove dirt and dust from inside the saw.

Step 2: Inspect Your Chainsaw

Routinely inspect the chainsaw for damage or wear. Pay attention to how the saw runs, and look and listen for any strange noises or other indications that something isn’t working correctly. Be sure that screws, bolts, etc. are tightened securely. Pay particular attention to the chain. A damaged or loose chain can derail or break and come back at the user and cause severe injury. Likewise, a chain with bent, dull or broken teeth can be a kickback hazard as well. Always keep the chain sharp and in proper working condition.

Step 3: Sharpen Your Chainsaw

To sharpen the chain, hold the saw in place with a vise so that it will not move around. Activate the chain brake. You can then sharpen the cutting teeth with a file. Attach a sharpening guide to the bar (the part of the blade around which the chain moves). Double-check that you have the correct file size for your chain’s teeth. Insert the file into the guide and sharpen each tooth with an even, forward stroke. You should be able to sharpen your chain‘s teeth several times before the chain needs replacement.

Replace the chain if it is heavily worn or if any teeth seem compromised. Be sure the new chain is properly matched to the guide bar and the saw. Your chainsaw’s manufacturer will specify which chains will work. You can also ask an expert at your local True Value hardware store. To replace the chain, follow the chainsaw’s manufacturer instructions carefully. A loose chain can become dangerous. Generally, you will remove the bar to put the new chain in place. You should be able to pull the chain up about a ¼” from the bar if the chain is on correctly.

Step 4: Oil Your Chainsaw

Gas-powered chainsaws have a 2-stroke engine that requires approximately 2 to 5% oil in the fuel used to power them. Be sure you get the right type of oil to add to your gasoline. Ask an expert at your local True Value hardware store if you need help. You must also buy chain or bar oil with which to lubricate the saw’s bar and chain. This keeps the saw operating and cutting efficiently and safely. It must be reapplied periodically because it flies off of the chain and bar during use and is also removed by actual cutting. A good rule of thumb is to use chain and bar oil when you refuel the saw.

Step 5: Store Your Chainsaw Properly

Keep the saw protected from dust, moisture and other adverse conditions by storing it properly after use. Invest in a blade scabbard to keep the blade protected and then stow it away in a storage drawer or tool locker, preferably in a garage or basement with a moderately controlled climate.

Helpful Tip

Keep the instruction manual. It is provided to you by the manufacturer so that you can safely and competently operate your chainsaw. It also has valuable information on how to care for the saw, find replacement parts and other important pieces of information. Keep the manual either in a toolbox drawer or a cabinet in your workspace/storage area so that it is readily available.

That’s it! You now know how to safely use and maintain your chainsaw.

Project Shopping List

Here’s what you’ll need to complete this project successfully.

• Chainsaw
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Hard hat
• Ear protection
• Dust mask
• Steel-toed work boots
• Safety work gloves
• First-aid kit
• Rag
• Damp cloth
• Cotton swabs
• Machine oil
• Air compressor or can of compressed air
• Vise
• Sharpening file guide
• File
• Replacement chainsaw chain
• 2-stroke engine oil
• Bar and chain oil
• Blade scabbard
• Tool storage drawer or tool locker

Safety rules, Proper Protective Clothing Key to Chainsaw Safety

OMAHA (DTN).- Spring in the Midwest usually means many areas will see severe thunderstorms and even perhaps tornadoes. Just last week, eastern Nebraska saw 19 confirmed tornadoes in one afternoon and evening on May 12, according to the Omaha National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/…).

Anyone who must clean up after a severe storm sweeps through knows most likely there will be lots of tree branches or even whole trees down. These branches will have to be cut up and removed and this process will involve chainsaws.

While chainsaws are a common tool after storms or doing other type of work, it is a good idea to keep chainsaw safety in mind, according to Ryan Desantis, Oklahoma State University Extension forestry specialist.

There are many different types of chainsaws available on the market today, including gas-powered, electric and battery-powered. No matter the kind, safety around chainsaws is a must, he said.

“One of the biggest concerns when operating a saw is kickback,” Desantis said. “The operator should wear a helmet with a visor to help protect their head. Also, position your body in a way that if kickback occurs, the saw won’t hit your body.”

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Kickback happens when the rotating chains hit a solid object or the chain is pinched in a cut. This can force the saw backwards, leading to potentially a serious injury to the operator.

To prevent kickback, keep the saw moving at a fast speed when entering or leaving a cut. Desantis also suggests operators keep the chain properly sharpened.

Other safety operating tips include making sure the chain break is on, keeping both hands on the saw while it is in operation and if using a gas-powered saw, start it on the ground.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also has its own fact sheet on chainsaw safety (https://www.osha.gov/…).

Operators should clear dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks away from the path of the saw. Look for nails, spikes or other metal in the tree before cutting.

Shut off the saw or engage the chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain.

Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw. Watch for branches under tension as they may spring out when cutting.

Desantis also said chainsaw operators should have the proper protective clothing: chainsaw pants; long sleeves and gloves made from Kevlar, woven nylon or other similar material; eye production such as goggles or safety glasses with wrap-around lenses; ear, face and head protection; and steel-toed boots. Avoid loose-fitting clothing.

“In storm-damaged areas, there likely will be debris on the ground, which can be a tripping hazard,” he said. “Considering the tripping hazard, it is important to keep the chain brake on whenever not actively cutting, especially when moving amongst debris.”

For more information about chainsaw safety, visit this OSU Extension link: https://extension.okstate.edu/….

Winter Chainsaw Safety: 5 Tips for Injury Prevention

Each year, about 40,000 people are injured in chainsaw-related accidents. Winter can be an especially dangerous time for wood-cutting activities, since frozen wood is harder to cut and outdoor surfaces are often covered in slick ice and heavy snow. So, what do you need to remember the next time you plan a day of cold-weather tree-trimming? Below, we outline a checklist of winter chainsaw safety tips to help you prepare.

Winter Chainsaw Safety Tip #1 – Do Your Research

When taking on a new project, it is important to choose a chainsaw that is well-suited for the job. Using a chainsaw that is too small, too large, insufficient in power, or even too powerful for the task at hand could cause complications during use, resulting in injury. Also be sure to thoroughly read all instructions and operator’s manuals before operating your outdoor power equipment. Ensure that you are familiar with your chainsaw and know how to switch it off at a moment’s notice in case of emergency.

Winter Chainsaw Safety Tip #2 – Prepare Your Chainsaw

Regular maintenance and cleaning can greatly enhance chainsaw performance and in turn, increase safety during operation. Pay careful attention to clean any build-up from the sprockets and chain grooves, replace spark plugs, and clean the air filter (for more tips on small engine equipment maintenance, click here).

When mixing fuel, stick to small batches, as fuel can go bad quickly in cold weather. Additionally, be sure to sharpen your blades, and decrease your chain’s filing angle by five degrees to help with handling frozen wood. Using a carbide-tipped chain can also make winter cutting tasks easier, as they are designed for heavy-duty jobs and stay sharp longer than typical chains.

Winter Chainsaw Safety Tip #3 – Wear Protective Clothing

As with any outdoor work activity, always wear weather-appropriate clothing and the correct protective gear for the job. Warm, moisture-resistant layers can increase comfort in frigid weather and help protect against cutting or splintering mishaps that could occur while operating your chainsaw. It is also important to shield yourself from flying wood shards and loud noise, so invest in a good pair of safety glasses, ear plugs, and a hard hat or helmet for overall protection. Finish off your ensemble with a pair of protective gloves, a sturdy pair of boots, and well-fitting chainsaw chaps. The more protection, the better, since chainsaw accidents can be severe and are easier to prevent than repair.

Winter Chainsaw Safety Tip #4 – Prepare Your Environment

Once you’re ready to get to work, round up a friend to serve as your assistant for the day (you should always have a helper nearby when operating your chainsaw, especially if you’re felling trees). Make sure your colleague is also outfitted in protective clothing, and standing at least 30 feet away from all chainsaw activity (or 150 feet away if you are felling). Next, remove as much snow as possible from tree branches and from around the trunk before engaging your chainsaw. This will help to increase visibility and reduce the likelihood of having snow-heavy branches fall on top of you.

Winter Chainsaw Safety Tip #5 – Operate With Care

Some chainsaws are equipped with a “winter” switch function for better cold-weather control—turn that on if you have it. Using both hands, operate your chainsaw according to the instruction manual (see Winter Chainsaw Safety Tip #1 above), taking care to cut at waist level or lower. Never cut a tree or limb while another person is holding it, and remain vigilant of your surroundings to avoid slipping on slick surfaces or being hit by flying ice.

To further improve chainsaw performance, try to keep condensation from forming inside of your fuel tank. Preventative measures include clearing snow from around the tank opening and avoiding dramatic temperature changes (caused by traveling between cold-weather areas and warm, indoor areas). These efforts will help prolong the life of your fuel mix and in turn, keep your chainsaw working efficiently for longer periods of time.

This is a partial list of chainsaw safety measures. Please read your owner’s manual before operating any outdoor power equipment.

How to Use a Chainsaw: Operation & Safety Tips | Sunbelt Rentals

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Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to FOCUS exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.

Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.

Chainsaws 101: Chainsaw Safety Basics | Safety Tips, Gear | How to Use a Chainsaw Safely

Weingartz5436 Jackson Rd.Ann Arbor, Mi 48103(734) 239-8200[email protected]

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