Harvesting wood for personal use is not as easy as stepping into the forest and gathering wood. One must follow safety at all times.

Training and Supervision

Chainsaw operators must be properly trained. Training may be on-the-job or through a recognized training course.

It should contain instruction on:

• safe working techniques;

• operating conditions, including unusual or dangerous conditions;

• basic information about the chainsaw including its control, attachments and components, design, capacity, stability and limitations;

• correct stopping and starting techniques;

• cleaning and servicing;

• being alert for the possibility of kick back;

• chain sharpening techniques. Less experienced operators should be carefully supervised.

General safety precautions

• Read the owner’s manual for your saw model. It will tell you the safety features of your chainsaw and the correct way of operating it.  
• Check your chainsaw thoroughly before use. Make sure that your bar, chain and sprocket are in top condition and that all safety devices are working.  
• Regularly service your chainsaw. 
• Always wear suitable protective clothing.
• Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the operating area.
• Keep other people and animals well away from the working area.
• Do not operate the saw beyond your ability.
• Use the saw only to cut wood.
• Do not become distracted. Stop the saw if somebody starts speaking to you.
• If tired, rest a little. Chainsaw operation requires constant attention. Tired operators have more accidents.

Maintaining your chainsaw

A chainsaw is designed to meet various safety requirements. Use the diagram to check and understand the safety features of your saw.

Use a saw with all of these safety features, even if they are optional extras when you buy it. Never operate a chainsaw that is damaged, not properly adjusted or wrongly assembled. Your chainsaw requires regular maintenance.

 Before you start work, check that:

• the machine is in good repair (no leaks, wear or damage).
• the throttle trigger, safety throttle lock and stop switch operate correctly.
• the chain brake works properly.
• the chain is lubricated, sharp and the tension is correct.
• the carburetor idle adjustment is correct.

After finishing work, or daily

• clean the chainsaw (particularly the air filter, cooling inlets, and sprocket cover).

Regularly

• sharpen your saw chain;
• check the guide bar for burring;
• check the sprocket for wear;
• check the chain brake mechanism (if it is mounted in the sprocket cover, clean regularly during use, as it can clog up with oil and saw dust and may malfunction);
• have your saw serviced.

Personal Safety Equipment

Approved safety helmet with visor or goggles, ear muffs, protective leggings and steel capped safety boots must be worn to protect you from chainsaw injury. Gloves should

also be worn.

Preventing kick back

Kick back is a sudden upward and backward movement of the saw. It occurs when the tip of the bar nose contacts a log, branch or nail. It can cause serious injury.

To prevent injury from kick back:

• ensure your machine is fitted with a chain brake (preferably inertia activated);
• ensure the brake mechanism is clean and operates effectively;
• use low kick back types and avoid lowering the depth gauges too much when sharpening;
• hold the chainsaw firmly, making sure that the left hand encircles the top handle with the thumb underneath; avoid bringing the upper quadrant of the guide bar into
• avoid bringing the upper quadrant of the guide bar into contact with any foreign object;
• wear correct head protection and safety pants at all times; • don’t cut above shoulder height;
• never hold the saw in one hand or by one handle only;
• always begin your cut at peak revs.