Hand & Portable Power ToolsLogging - Chain Saws

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Hand & Portable Power ToolsLogging - Chain Saws | 2

Chain Saws OverviewAlthough not specified in OSHA regulations, if you use chain saws at your workplace you are required to instruct employees on their safe use. And while not driven by regulations, there are safety “best practices” that should be followed for chain saw use and safety.

Chain Saw Requirements

Each chain saw must be operated, adjusted and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Chain saws must be equipped with a chain brake, a protective device that minimizes kickback. The kickback device may not be removed or otherwise be disabled.

Each chain saw must be equipped with a continuous pressure throttle control which will stop the chain when pressure is released.

Chain saws must be fueled at least 10 feet from any open flame or other ignition source. The chain saw should be moved at least 10 feet from the fueling area before starting.

Pre-Operational Inspection

The employer must ensure that chain saws are inspected before initial use during each work shift. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. At a minimum, a thorough inspection will include:

Handles and guards—to assure they are sound, tight fitting, properly shaped, free of sharp edges and in place.

Controls—to assure proper function. Chains—to assure proper adjustment and that cutting edges are sharp and properly shaped.

Proper Chain Saw Use

Chain saws must be used only for the purpose for which they were designed.

Chain saws should be started on the ground or other firm surface, and with the chain brake engaged. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.

The operator must:

Be certain of footing before starting to cut. Use the saw in a position, or at a distance, that ensures proper balance and secure footing. Clear away the brush or other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting. Never use the chain saw to cut overhead. Carry the chain saw so to avoid operator contact with the cutting chain or hot muffler.

Employee Training

Review the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) with your employees.

Although not specifically required by OSHA regulations, best practice along with the General Duty Clause would dictate that an employer train chain saw users:

On the proper operation of the equipment; The manufacturer’s recommended inspection and maintenance procedures; and How to recognize and avoid unsafe working conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment to

control or eliminate hazards.

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Training Tips

Employers involved in tree removal/logging are required to assure that their employees are able to safely perform their assigned tasks. When loggers are trained to work safely they should be able to anticipate and avoid injury from the job related hazards they may encounter. Training requirements include:

Specific work procedures, practices and requirements of the work site, including the recognition, prevention, and control of general safety and health hazards.

Requirements of the OSHA Logging standard, Bloodborne Pathogens standard, First Aid, and CPR training.

How to safely perform assigned work tasks, including the specific hazards associated with each task and the measures and work practices which will be used to control those hazards.

How to safely use, operate, and maintain tools, machines and vehicles which the employee will be required to utilize in completing the assigned requirements.

Explain the appropriate pre-operational inspection steps and the operational procedures for the chain saw(s) being used.

Explain the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubricating, adjusting and servicing the chain. Review all appropriate PPE usage, including donning and doffing, and how to get new PPE when necessary.

More Information: OSHA Quick CARD (http://www.osha.gov/Publications/3269-10N-05-english-06-27-2007.html

Chain Saw Safety Operating a chain saw is inherently hazardous. Potential injuries can be minimized by using proper personal

protective equipment and safe operating procedures.

Before Starting a Chain Saw Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure that they are functioning properly and that they

are adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure that the chain is always sharp and the lubrication reservoir is full. Start the saw on the ground or on another firm support. Drop starting is never allowed. Start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area, with the chain's brake engaged.

Fueling a Chain Saw Use approved containers for transporting fuel to the saw. Dispense fuel at least 10 feet away from any sources of ignition when performing construction activities. No

smoking during fueling. Use a funnel or a flexible hose when pouring fuel into the saw. Never attempt to fuel a running or HOT saw.

Chain Saw Safety Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks from the saw's chain path. Look for nails, spikes or other metal in

the tree before cutting. Shut off the saw or engage its chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain. Keep your hands on the saw's handles, and maintain secure footing while operating the saw. Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when operating the saw, which includes hand, foot, leg, eye,

face, hearing and head protection. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing. Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw. Watch for branches under tension, they may spring out when cut. Gasoline-powered chain saws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback.

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Be cautious of saw kick-back. To avoid kick-back, do not saw with the tip. If equipped, keep tip guard in place.

Chain Saws HandoutOperating a chain saw is inherently hazardous. Potential injuries can be minimized by using proper personal protective equipment and safe operating procedures. You must always follow the safety rules when working with chain saws.

Chain Saw RequirementsEach chain saw must be:

Operated, adjusted and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. Equipped with a chain brake, which must not be removed or otherwise disabled. Equipped with a continuous pressure throttle control which will stop the chain when pressure is released.

Pre-Operational InspectionThe chain saws must be inspected before use. Follow the manufacturer’s pre-operational checklist and be sure the following checks are included.

Operational ChecksUse the chain saw only for the purpose for which it was designed.

Chain saws should be started on the ground or other firm surface, and with the chain brake engaged.

Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.

You must:

Be certain of footing before starting to cut. Use the saw in a position, or at a distance, that ensures proper balance and secure footing. Clear away the brush or other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting.

Never use the chain saw to cut overhead.

Carry the chain saw so to avoid operator contact with the cutting chain or hot muffler.

assure they are sound, tight fitting, properly shaped, free of sharp edges and in place

Handles & Guards

assure proper functionControlsassure proper adjustmentassure cutting edges are sharp and properly shaped

Chains

assure they are operational and in placeMufflers

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Chain saws can be dangerous. However, using common sense and following safety regulations, chain saws can be used safely.

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Chain Saws Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of __________Company Name______________________________, have taken part in a training session on Hand & Portable Power Tools—Chain Saws. The session covered:

Chainsaw requirements. The importance of a pre-operational inspection. Proper chain saw use. The hazards associated with chain saw use.

DATE OF TRAINING: FACILITY:

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE PRINT NAME

________________________________________________________Supervisor’s Signature