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Chain Saw Safety

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-620 -- More Projects »
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Chainsaws vary greatly in size and prize, but one with a 12- to 14-inch bar (the portion of the saw to which the chain is attached) are ideal for most homeowners. These models are lightweight, well balanced, easy to handle and typically sell between $200 and $250. Larger, more expensive models are available for those who plan on tracking tougher jobs that call for a longer bar and more horsepower. These models are harder to handle, and they cost considerably more.
Useful for cutting down trees and creating firewood, chain saws nevertheless pose safety risks. "I never wanted to own one," says master gardener Paul James, "but after paying a lot of money to tree services for routine projects that I was capable of doing myself, I decided to buy one."

Still he's mindful of the risks. "My wife cringes every time I reach for my chain saw, and with good reason," James says. "After all, chain saws are very dangerous devices and I'm a accident-prone guy. But I've learned that by paying attention to safety issues, I can go about my business with confidence."

Here are his valuable safety tips:

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Figure A
  • Wear clothes that are sturdy and fit snugly but that allow for freedom of movement. Gloves are a must, and those with a non-slip grip are ideal. Good footing is also essential, and sturdy boots with steel toes are your best choice. For extra protection, you might consider investing in a pair of special cut-retardant chaps (figure A); the fabric is designed to jam the chainsaw blade when it comes in contact with the fabric.
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Figure B
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Figure C
  • Eye and ear protections are a must. Although plastic goggles and earplugs or ear muffs (figure B) will do, special protective gear is also available. An all-in-one eye-, face- and ear-guard helmet (figure C) offers tremendous protection; it's lightweight and allows the user to hear human voices.
  • When carrying a chainsaw, make sure the chain guard or scabbard is on, and always walk with the bar pointing behind you.
  • Before you begin working, clear the area of debris and obstructions that might cause you to trip and fall.
  • Before you start your saw, check that it has plenty of fuel in the tank, approved lubricant in the chain oil tank and that the tension of the chain is consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations. Go through this checklist each time you use your chainsaw. Chains on new saws will need adjusting more often that those on older saws.
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    Figure D
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    Figure E
  • The safest way to start a chainsaw is to remove the guard or scabbard and place the saw on the level ground and engage the chain brake. On the model that James uses, the chain brake is the black handle (shown with a green label in figure D), which he pushes forward to engage. Grip the front handlebar with your left hand. Next, put the toe of your right foot into the rear handle hole (figure E) and press down. Finally, with your right hand on the starter grip, give a brisk, strong pull.
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    Figure F
  • If you chainsaw doesn't have a hole in the handle big enough for you to put your foot through, then this is the second-best way to safely start one: First, engage the chain break. Then, grip the front handle of the chainsaw with your left hand. Keep your arm in locked position. Hold the rear handle of the saw tightly between your legs just above the knees (figure F). Pull the starting grip slowly with your right hand until you feel some resistance, then give it a brisk, strong pull.
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    Figure G
  • The most serious chainsaw injuries often result from something called kickback, which occurs when the chain bar literally kicks back in the direction of the operator. Most chainsaw models for sale today are loaded with safety features that greatly reduce the chance of kickback. Kickback and other reactive forces can still occur, especially when the chain gets pinched or strikes an object in the wood such as a large nail or screw or when the bar nose is used to make cuts of any kind (figure G).
  • The best way to prepare yourself for the possibility of kickback is to assume a well-balanced stance, maintain a firm grip on both handles of the saw, and keep your left arm locked. Position yourself outside of the cutting path of the chainsaw; if the kickback does occur, the chain won't hit you in the head.
  • Also remember to have your chainsaw serviced regularly or do it yourself in accordance with the maintenance schedule provided in your owner's manual--which is something you should read carefully before you even think of operating your saw.
    • Also in this Episode
    Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-620
    •Chain Saw Safety
    •Brilliance of the Bucket
    •Gardening Improvisations
    •Colored Mulch
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