Chainsaw Safety Tips: Preventing Accidents and Injuries

This is a very active time of year for our hunting clubs. Whether its planting food plots, the normal pre-hunting season checklist or actually hunting, many of our activities either require or involve using a chainsaw. We have already heard of a few recent accidents involving chainsaws where people were seriously injured. Many times we are lured in to a false sense of security and become complacent when operating equipment, that is usually when accidents happen. Please take a moment to review the following guidelines for safely operating a chainsaw and be safe while working or hunting on your hunting lease this season.

Before Starting a Chainsaw

• 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 bar oil reservoir is full.
• Start the saw on the ground or on another firm support. Drop starting is never allowed.

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

For more information on chainsaw safety, please visit www.osha.gov.