CHAIN SAWS (Part 1)
This work is hard work! Take frequent rest breaks. Don't overheat - remove layers of clothing as needed to avoid sweating - put them back on again as soon as you stop working to avoid getting chilled. Get a lot of food (snack frequently) and a lot of warm liquids. Take your time. It is rare that you need to rush, even with this kind of emergency. The pros don't rush; they cut efficiently and safely!
- Make sure the saw is sharp (file it if necessary), that the chain is tight enough on the bar, and that the chain remains oiled.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including:
- Hearing protection (chain saws routinely are over 100 decibels, and can easily be above 115 decibels.
- A hard hat.
- Eye protection of some sort from both wood chips and possible falling debris.
- Good leather boots.
- If possible, use ballistic chaps or inserts under your pants. They have saved a number of legs!
If you are going to cut a tree which has fallen (also called "bucking"), use these guidelines:
- Always limb trees on the opposite side of the tree from where you are standing. If the saw kicks back, it will not go into your leg.
- Be aware of where the tip of the saw is, and do not let it contact something hard. This is the cause of most of the chainsaw kickbacks.
- Do not take the anti-kickback device or the chain break off the saw! This has happened, and makes the saw much more dangerous.
- Oil the chain often. Check it for too much slack, and adjust the blade if the chain does show slack (if you can pull it off its track further than the chain's built-in bar extensions (the slot that fits the groove).
- Sharpen the chain. It works much better when sharp.
- Keep your top arm straight when bucking. If the saw kicks back, it will go over your head.
- Watch the cut, and if it looks like the tree will set and pinch the saw's bar, take it out and cut from underneath, or use a wedge to keep it from being pinched. If it does get pinched, either use an axe to cut it out, or another saw to cut to relieve the pressure.
- If a tree in against something, such an a house, do not stand on the tree to cut it in two. Be very careful of ladders, or anything else which could trap you if the tree decides to settle.
- When using axes to limb trees, again cut on the opposite side of the tree from where you are standing. Make sure people are not near, as an axe can deflect off the tree, and travel a considerable distance in the air if one's grip is lost.
See also: Cutting Down Trees
John C. Ratliff, CSP
searat@sorcom.com
© 1998 SAREC - All rights
reserved (Updated 98/01/19) http://www.sarec.ca/ice
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