Now that the nights are getting cooler and the crops are coming off the fields, many people are looking to head to the woods to cut some firewood. Before you do, you might want to consider these chain saw safety tips designed to keep you from becoming an injury statistic.
The following safety tips should keep you safe.
• Have the right saw for the work. The same saw for felling a 16-inch thick tree will not be the right saw for trimming the limbs once it's on the ground.
• Maintain the saw. Dull and loose chains increase the risk of dangerous kickbacks and chain breakage.
• Wear the right equipment. Branches can fall unexpectedly so a hardhat is critical. Above ankle steel-toed boots, eye, hand and ear protection are also required. Wear close fitting clothing.
• Saw resistant chaps are also available to protect the left leg, where most chain saw injuries occur.
• Know where the tree needs to land. Look for overhead power lines and obstacles that can deflect a falling tree.
• Make sure there is a clear path of retreat when moving away from a falling tree. Move in a direction 45 degrees away from the base of the tree to avoid the sideway bounce or backward thrust of the tree.
• Use both hands when starting a chainsaw. Place the chainsaw on the ground to start it. Never start the chainsaw in mid air - pushing it away while pulling on the starter cord. This approach is unstable, unsafe, and a bad habit that needs corrected.
• After the tree is down, make careful planned limb cuts. The tree will continue to move as limbs are removed and limbs may have tension on them.
• While cutting logs and limbs to the desired size take the time to remove them from the area to minimize trip hazards.
