Just last week, another occupational accident left a worker suffering from severe burn injuries. This happened while he was filling a tank of a chainsaw at the Martin Luther King Jr. on Mesa Drive. The burns covered 50% of the worker’s legs. He was flown to the UCSD Medical Center right after the accident.

While being the most useful power tools in the workplace, chain saws can be the cause of the most lethal accidents. But with the right kind of personal protective equipment (PPE), training and techniques in using chain saws, it won’t be so hard to ensure safety while using this equipment.

Proper PPE

PPE while using chain saws must always be well-fitted. This means that it must be free of dangling or ragged edges that could get entangled in the chain saw.

It pays to wear the right hard hat, particularly one that has high visibility. This is a required protection from sawdust, wood chips and other debris caused by cutting wood with a chainsaw. This is also the very reason why you must use safety glasses and face shields. While safety glasses are a primary requirement, face shields are only secondary.

Chain saws, particularly modern ones can cause a noise level higher than 90 decibels. That’s why you must wear hearing protection while using this tool. Depending on the work environment and type of chain saw or noise level, you can choose among foam plugs, hearing bands and ear muffs.
preference of the worker.

You must also wear special chaps or leggings to protect your legs from injuries. Leg protection for this kind of work is usually made of ballistic nylon or Kevlar.

Lastly, you must be protected with the right footwear. The shoes you’ll use must be tested for compression resistance and impact. Other features of your footwear may be metatarsal protection, puncture resistance, and electrical protection.

General Safety Tips

Although the case above involves burn injuries, most chain-saw related accidents are caused by contact with the cutting chain. Here are general precautions in operating a chain saw:

• Before using a chain saw, inspect it for leaks and defects or damage.
• Check if the chain is lubricated and tensioned correctly.
• Make sure the brake, throttle, stop switch and safety throttle lock works right.
• Always start work on a flat piece of ground or surface that is free from debris.
• Keep a first aid box near you.
• Have always a second person within calling distance.
• Always hold chain saws firmly.
• Never cut above shoulder height.
• Never hold the chainsaw with just one hand or by one handle.

When carrying the chainsaw, turn the motor off, hold the saw by its front handle, and make sure the blade is pointed to the rear. If possible, use the bar cover when carrying the chain saw.

• Avoid jamming.
• Avoid using the chain saw in wet or windy conditions.
• Avoid using a chain saw in poorly lighted areas.
• Consider sharpening the saw if wood shavings become dusty.

Fueling the Chain Saw

Always fuel or refuel a chain saw after it has cooled. Make sure you’re doing this task in an open, clean area. Inspect the chain saw for spillage, and wipe it off before fueling.

Do the fueling at least 10 feet away from where you plan to start or resume cutting. If fire or lighted cigarettes are present in your work area, make sure you fuel the chain saw at least 20 feet away from them.

Always use safety cans to store fuel. Always have a fire extinguisher and shovel nearby. Be doubly cautious when the weather is dry or hot.

Related Links:

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PPE and How It Can Save Your Life – Part 1

PPE and How It Can Save Your Life – Part 2