Taking On a Chainsaw

Chainsaws are very powerful tools that can accomplish a lot of work in so little time. This same power that enables them to quickly accomplish their tasks, however, also makes them dangerous to work with.  In keeping with Murphy’s Law, chainsaw accidents do happen and when they do, they are usually serious.  Either the operator, chainsaw, or environment can cause such accidents.

Operator
Operating a chainsaw requires good physical and mental condition. You must be aware of your personal limitations. Any user should not attempt to run a particular chainsaw if he has the slightest doubt that he can control it. Also, fatigue and boredom can lead to a loss of concentration which, in turn, can result to delayed reaction time to impending accidents.

Apart from good conditioning, you must wear the necessary protective gear.  These include the following:

• Hardhat - A hardhat (hard hat) protects your head from falling branches, flying pieces of wood, or other debris. If you can find a hardhat with a built-in face screen that is non-fogging, go for this one.

• Safety Goggles - If the built-in face screen mentioned above is not available, non-fogging safety goggles are a good alternative. These gears perform the same function of protecting your eyes from wood chips, splinters, and dust.

• Earmuffs - The noise from gasoline-fed chainsaws is often loud and could potentially damage your ears. If you don’t want to turn up deaf, you should use earmuffs. Ear plugs may help but earmuffs offer better protection.

• Work Gloves - Work gloves with padding protect your hands from cuts and scratches in the event that the chain slips or breaks. You will prefer heavy duty gloves made of non-slip material.

• Chaps - These are meant to protect your legs in case they ever get into contact with the chain. Chaps are made of a special kind of fabric that allows the chain to slide over it rather than tear it.

• Work Boots - You will want boots that cover and protect your ankles. This is especially true if you will be working in the forests as you will need to walk uneven and slippery ground. A steel toe will also offer added protection.

Chainsaw
Chainsaws need proper maintenance to operate properly. They should be checked for loose parts, particularly those that protect the operator, such as the chain catchpin and the chain brake. When the chain at the tip of the guide bar strikes something, the entire guide bar often bounces back to the operator. This is called a kickback and it occurs when the chain is temporarily stalled as the blade at the tip of the bar is unable to bite into the wood.

In addition, a daily operation check should be conducted, checking the sharpness of the blades, chain tension and lubrication, and keeping the air cleaner and free of debris. Engine idle should be set at a level that does not turn the chain unless the engine is revved.

Environment
The environment where the chainsaw is operated is also a factor in accidents.  The heat emanating from the muffler could potentially ignite dried leaves lying on the forest floor. Also, if there are loose branches hanging from the trees that are being cut, the vibration could loosen them further causing them to drop. Weather conditions could also affect the operator. Hot weather conditions, for instance, will likely wear you out more quickly than if you are working under cooler conditions.

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