Chain Saws

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Chain Saws
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Chain Saw Presentation Overview

• Different types of chain saw injuries and
  statistics.
• Proper use of chain saws according to OSHA.
• Tips for transporting a chain saw.
• Safety equipment associated with chain saws.
• Proper starting technique.
• Maintenance to help prevent injuries.
• Most common injury.
• Ways to prevent kick back.
• Different Types of chain saws.

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Different Types of Injuries

• Over the past 5 years the Consumer Product Safety
  Commission has reported from 70,000 to 130,000
  injuries annually.
• Chain saw accidents are predicted to increase at
  an alarming rate of 10 annually.
• Over 85 of all accidents that occur when using a
  chain saw result from equipment kickbacks which
  happens when the chain at the tip of the guide
  bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in
  and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Kickbacks
  can result in injuries due to the moving saw
  chain making contact with the operator.
• Other injuries occur due to loss of balance,
  follow through, skate/bounce and loss of control.

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Proper Use According to OSHA 1910.266(e)(1) -
Before starting the saw

• Make sure to visually inspect your saw prior to
  starting it. If youre unfamiliar with the chain
  saw read the owners manual for proper operation.
• Always fuel the chain saw at least 10 feet from
  the source of ignition.
• Make sure to start the chain saw with the chain
  break engaged, one hand on the saw handle and the
  other free to pull the starter rope. Always start
  the saw on the ground or a stable surface.
• Make sure to always use an approved fuel
  container as specified by OSHA regulation
  1910.266(d)(9).

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Proper Use According to OSHA 1910.266(e)(2) -
Proper Use While Running the Saw

• Keep both your hands on the handles and make sure
  to maintain a secure footing.
• Make sure to keep your surrounding area and your
  exit path clear of obstacles.
• Never do any overhead cutting.
• Make sure you release the throttle and engage the
  chain break when moving from one cut to another.
• Never work alone when operating a chain saw.
• Always shut off the saw and engage the chain
  break when leaving the saw unattended or
  traveling more than 50 feet away from it.

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Tips for Transporting a Chain Saw

• When transporting a chain saw it should be in a
  level position to reduce the chance of spilling
  fuel.
• A chain saw should never be transported in the
  passenger area of a vehicle without being in a
  case.

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Safety Equipment Associated with Chain Saws

• Before an operator begins using a chain saw he or
  she must protect themselves with the proper
  safety equipment.
• One of the first basic pieces of equipment is an
  OSHA approved hard hat.
• Another piece of equipment needed would be
  earmuffs which can be attached to the hard hat.
• Inexpensive ear plugs can be used as a substitute
  for earmuffs.

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Safety Equipment Associated with Chain Saws

• Safety eyewear is one of the most important
  pieces of safety equipment when using a chain saw
  due to flying debris.
• Safety eyewear can be replaced by a screen shield
  attached to your safety helmet.
• Other safety items would include work boots,
  leather gloves and leg chaps.

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Proper Technique to Start a Chain Saw

• The first step in starting a chain saw is to set
  it firmly on the ground with the chain out of
  gear and free from obstacles.
• The second step is to place either your right or
  left foot in the loop of the main handle.
• The third and final step is to press either your
  right or left hand on the upper handle and pull
  the starter rope straight up.

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Maintenance to Help Prevent Injuries

• Owners should perform an examination each time he
  or she decides to operate the chain saw, this
  will help prevent injuries.
• Proper installation and maintenance of the chain
  is one of the most important and often most
  neglected parts of the chain saw.

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Maintenance to Help Prevent Injuries

• Making sure that the chain has proper tension and
  is well lubricated will help prolong the life of
  the chain and help keep the chain from jumping
  the bar.
• A sharp chain will allow the saw to operate
  correctly and reduce the chance of the operator
  pushing the saw beyond its safety limits.

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Most Common Injury

• The most common type of injury when using a chain
  saw is kick back.
• Kickback occurs when the chain at the tip of the
  guide bar touches an object, or when the wood
  closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
  When the saw teeth catch they have enough force
  to cause the blade to kickback toward the
  operator.
• Kickbacks can result in serious injury due to the
  moving saw chain making contact with the
  operators body.

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Ways to Prevent Kickback

• Make sure the saw is equipped with a chain brake
  or kickback guard.
• Always hold the saw firmly with both hands. Grip
  the top handle by putting the thumb around the
  top of the handle of the chain saw.
• Always watch for small twigs that can snag the
  chain.
• Make sure never to pinch the chain while cutting
  any item.

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Ways to Prevent Kickback

• When using the chain saw make sure to keep the
  lower part of the bar close to the bumper, but
  never on top of the saw near the nose.
• Always make sure to maintain a high saw speed
  when entering or leaving a cut.
• Keeping the saw blade sharp will also help to
  reduce kickbacks.
• When using a chain saw, never reach above your
  shoulder to cut. Sawing above your shoulder
  reduces your control, balance and proper
  technique which can lead to kickback.
• Cutting above your shoulder close to your face
  could be disastrous in a kickback situation.

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Different Types of Chain Saws

• Saw Selection
• Lightweight Saws
• Has a 8-12 guide bar
• Used for light work, cutting small branches
• Mid-weight Saws
• This saw has a 14-20 guide bar
• Saw is used for frequent log cutting and felling
• 12-18 diameter trees
• Heavyweight Saws
• Guide bar more 20
• Professional use only