Horror movies have perpetuated a common myth that chainsaws can be used by anyone who picks one up.
The truth is that a lot can go drastically south if they are used by someone who is not familiar with how they work. Chainsaw safety is crucial for preventing accidents and injuries.
A solid understanding of the basics of chainsaw operation is essential if you want to use one safely and effectively.
If you are a beginner, follow these five bite-sized chainsaw safety tips below:
1. Choose The Right Chainsaw
Absolute beginners are better off choosing a lighter chainsaw, suitable for smaller jobs around the garden.
Many high-quality chainsaw brands like Husqvarna and STIHL offer smaller, all-around chainsaws, perfect for home use, for people with little to no cutting experience.
Small chainsaws are ideal for everyday jobs like light felling, branch cutting, and sawing firewood.
2. Before You Begin Use
Before you start the chainsaw, ensure that you are wearing the correct safety gear and that the saw is in good condition.
Check that all the necessary parts are lubricated, the chain has the perfect tension, and there are no loose parts or bolts. Lastly, before you turn the engine on, check that the teeth are sharp.
Ensure your work area is clear of children, people, pets, or obstacles.
3. Proper Maintenance
Part of maintaining a chainsaw is keeping it sharp.
Use a good-quality chainsaw sharpener and sharpen all the cutters facing in one direction, guiding the sharpener along, using pressure from the inside to the outside. Then sharpen the cutter facing the other direction.
The perfect sharpening angle will depend on the saw chain and what you intend to cut with it.
Apart from keeping your chainsaw sharp, other fundamental maintenance includes regular cleaning, lubrication, and checking the chain tension.
4. Safety Gear
When working with equipment like chainsaws and other high-risk tools, invest in the best personal protection equipment possible.
To safely operate a chainsaw, you will need chainsaw chaps, heavy-duty work gloves, a logger helmet, hearing protection, and safety glasses.
To operate as safely as possible and cover all of your bases, wear protective arm sleeves and steel-toed safety boots. Keep your hair tied up and do not wear loose-fitting clothing.
5. Things To Keep In Mind
Once you have learned the basics and you are comfortable starting to cut, keep a few things in mind.
Where possible, do not operate a chainsaw by yourself. It is always better to have someone nearby, just in case something goes wrong. That being said, if someone is around, make sure they are at a safe distance while the saw is on.
Keep your mobile phone handy in case you need to call for help.
Lastly, never operate a chainsaw while tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Final Words
Never use the chainsaw to cut anything other than timber, and always stay alert, focused, and attentive during every task to prevent accidents.
By following the five tips above, your chainsaw experience will be both safe and enjoyable.
