CHAINSAWS are seen as little more than another garden accessory, but wrongly used or in the wrong hands they are an instrument of horror.
You should observe some basic safety precautions when using a chainsaw. Ideally, don’t use one unless someone else is around. Not only can they watch your back but they might spot a hazard that isn’t obvious to you.
Always carry a chainsaw with the blade to the rear. Before you fire it up make sure the chain is not obstructed in any way. When you are about to start the job and the motor is running, avoid some of these common errors:
- Don’t pick this time to clean the saw.
- Now is not the time to check or adjust the tension of the chain.
- Don’t hand it to a mate and don’t, contrary to what is often seen in civvy street, carry it around.
When you are cutting, let the machine do the work for you. It is designed to cut under its own weight so you only need to hold and guide it. This is important if you have to work in the heat or under pressure: you will need to conserve your strength.
The more you lean into the saw the slower it will run. If the chain is too tight the saw won’t operate efficiently, and a slack chain will lead to excessive wear. How can you check? A cold chain should not sag away from the bottom of the guide bar and should be easily rotated using both hands.
While we are talking abut movement, make sure the machine has plenty of lubricating oil.
If you are unsure how to operate a chainsaw, get a “soldier’s five” from your supervisor or other qualified person. And don’t forget your PPE – sturdy gloves, ear protection and appropriate safety goggles.
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