3/22/2021

We recently had some “grubbing” that needed to be performed on one of our projects. Grubbing is the process of removing brush and their roots as well as clearing land due to heavy plant growth. This activity is typically performed so that other activities can be conducted and usually requires using a chain saw, hacking away tree branches and other flora. On this day, we watched the facility maintenance crew perform their work and when completed with their grubbing, they began to load their equipment.

However, after reviewing their work, and as they were ready to drive off, it was determined that they needed to do a little bit more grubbing. With a little reluctance and attitude, the crew returned, grabbing the chainsaw without protective chaps as they anticipated this extra work would take a very short time.  When told that the work needed to be performed with proper PPE (i.e. chaps), without any confrontation, they placed their equipment on the ground and proceeded to don their protective gear. One might think that going through the process of removing PPE and then being told to put them back on so that an additional minute of work can be accomplished, may be a little excessive, but by not doing so, we would be allowing work to continue without being protected from an identified hazard. And, as workplace statistics show, contact with an operating chainsaw can prove to be a most unforgiving mistake.        

The fact is, chainsaw accidents are among the deadliest accidents to occur due to their misuse.  Most chainsaw accidents are entirely preventable. However, due to such accident precursors as complacency and negligence, victims suffer unexpected and painful injuries that may result in permanent disability.  Each year, just shy of 40,000 people are injured in chainsaw accidents with most of these accidents involving injuries to legs and knees.

Chainsaws are extremely sharp – they are comprised of motorized blades that rotate too fast for the eye to see. The sheer power behind a chainsaw makes it an extremely difficult power tool to use. Due to the sharpness of the blades, the machines weight and the heavy-duty motor engine, chainsaw injuries are particularly gruesome. The average chainsaw injury requires 110 stitches!

Over two-thirds of all injuries occur to the upper leg, knee, calf, and hands. In addition, the head, torso, and feet are also commonly injuries. Most injuries occur on-the-job, and worker’s compensation insurance is responsible for paying approximately 30% of all chainsaw-related medical bills.

Yes, working with chain saws requires our full attention.  So, just as a helpful – and possibly, fun, reminder – here is a short quiz (no one will be graded!) just to remind us of some of the things we must be aware if we are to operate a chain saw.    

1.  Most chain saw accidents result from lack of proper training and unsafe acts of operators.

   a. True   b. False 

2. A chain saw by itself is perfectly harmless.     a. True   b. False

3. You must be trained and authorized by management to operate any type    of equipment, especially chain saws.     a. True   b. False

4. First Aid kits are NOT mandatory on all jobs.     a. True   b. False 

5. A good rule of thumb is not to allow anyone else within a ___ foot radius    when working with chain saws. 

a. 8   b. 10   c. 6   d. 15

6. Kickbacks can be caused by hitting a limb or tree with the tip of the bar.  a. True   b. False 

7. When pulling the starter cord, be careful to pull away from your body.   a. True   b. False

8. It is okay to store your chainsaw on your tool belt if you must cut while in a tree. a. True   b. False

9. Communication is very important when working with others.   a. True   b. False

10. Serious eye injuries can result from flying:     a. Bark   b. Stones   c. Dirt   d. All of the above

Well, how did you do?

In order to avoid accidents and unnecessary strain, make sure you’re using correct working techniques, the best possible safety equipment and a modern chainsaw with functioning safety features.

Ensure you are properly dressed and equipped for the job. All chainsaws come with some mandatory safety features (see the list below). Chainsaws should include an inertia activated chain brake, so if a kickback occurs (the sudden, upward motion of a chainsaw’s guide bar and a predominant cause of chainsaw accidents), causing the tip of the bar to be forced upwards, the inertia of the front guard should activate the chain brake instantly to stop the chain.

The most common chainsaw injuries are lacerations; and wearing the right protective apparel minimizes the risk of these (as well as other) serious events. It is important that chainsaw protective clothing is tested and approved in accordance with relevant European and International standards. Your personal protective equipment should always include the following:

• Helmet and face shield (to protect the face from “kickback”)
• Hearing protection (earmuffs connected to the helmet is preferred) – Chainsaws typically produce noise levels well over 100 dBA and even up to 120 dBA!
• Protective pants or chaps
• Forestry jacket/shirt with proper upper body coverage
• Protective trousers (aka chaps – designed to stop or reduce the cutting edge from penetrating into the leg).
• Anti-slip boots
• Gloves (heavy work gloves – such as Kevlar – with an ANSI/ISEA high cut resistant rating: “5” from the old rating or A7 thru A9 with the revised rating).

Prior to initiating work activities, it is necessary to pre-plan, which requires identifying hazards and the appropriate controls. If you are removing a tree, make sure that nobody is within a distance of at least twice the tree height from the tree you intend to cut down. Note if the tree has been damaged by decay or cracks. Most trees have a natural direction of fall. This is affected by the tree’s lean, the shape of the branches and crown snow-load or snow-covered branches. If you are unsure of the tree lean, move away a little and check with a plumb line.

Finally, here are tips for handling the chainsaw. Using proper techniques will minimize the risk of injury or strain.

1. The thumb grip: Wrap thumbs and fingers completely around the handles and hold your left-hand thumb under the front handle to reduce the force of a kickback.
2. Close contact: Don’t be afraid of the saw. Hold it close to your body to achieve balance and accuracy.
3. Position: The optimal working position is with your left foot in front of your right and with your knees – not your back – bent.
4. Chain off: The chain must never be rotating when you move to another spot.
5. Safety distance: Make sure no one is within 10 feet (3 meters) when you’re working with a chainsaw. 

Below are the safety features that one should verify are attached before operating a chainsaw.

• The kickback guard and chain brake ensure the chain stops if the saw isn’t handled correctly or in case of a kickback
• The throttle lock is designed so that the saw only functions when you keep pressing a certain button
• The chain catcher stops the chain from flying off in case of chain break or derail
• The right-hand guard protects your right hand in case of chain break or derail
• The easily accessible stop control allows you to stop the chain instantly

In addition, nobody is an experienced chainsaw user from day one and as a beginner, practicing on your own may cause you to learn the wrong technique. So, it is important to take a course in proper operation.

Fix your course on a star and you’ll navigate any storm.

Leonardo da Vinci