General Chainsaw Safety

This guide offers specific information for the safe operation of chainsaws. Safety is of utmost importance when operating chainsaws and this page, although not a substitute for proper instruction and professional training, aims to offer basic practical information for the safe use of portable, hand-held, internal combustion engine chainsaws.

Legal Requirements

Anyone using a chainsaw for work must:

• have received adequate training in safe use (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992);
• wear suitable protective clothing (Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992);
• ensure that they have taken all reasonably practical steps so that no-one is put at risk by their work (Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974).

Chainsaw Training Requirements

In untrained hands, chainsaws have the potential to cause major injury, or in some cases fatalities. Consequently all users of chainsaws at work should have obtained sufficient training in safe use, ensuring that the training covers all areas of chainsaw work likely to be carried out. Advice and guidance on training standards can be found on the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) website.

Chainsaw Maintenance Checks

Regular and accurate maintenance is crucial to the safe use of chainsaws. The following components should be checked for damage by an experienced user on a daily basis:

• Chain catcher
• Silencer
• Guide bar, drive sprocket and chain links
• Side plate, front and rear hand guards
• Anti-vibration mounts

Any faults should be referred to a trained specialist before any further use.

Pre-use Inspection & Checks

There are a number of things that should be checked before use, namely that:

• the stop switch works
• the chain is correctly tensioned
• all nuts, screws etc. are tight
• the chain brake functions properly
• the throttle trigger cannot be squeezed unless the throttle trigger lock out is pressed.

Protective Sawing Clothing

The following appropriate protective clothing should always be worn when operating a chainsaw:

• Safety helmet (conforming to BS 5240 - replace approx. every 2-3 years)
• Hearing protection
• Eye protection
• Close fitting clothing
• Gloves
• Leg protection
• Chainsaw boots (with protection for the toes, top of foot and front of lower leg)

Electric Saw Task Assessment

Before using a chainsaw to fell trees it is important to assess the site and consider potential problems. Consider:

• Nearby trees
• Wind conditions
• Nearby roads or residential areas
• Overhead power lines
• Underground services
• Whether the tree is affected by rot, or is leaning
• Branches that could fall during felling
• What other tools you may need to safely complete the job

Starting Up Chainsaws

Every time you start the saw it is important to ensure that the chain stops when you release the throttle.

From cold:
Place the saw on level ground. Put your foot on the rear handle base plate and your hand on the front handle. Pull the starter cord firmly.

From hot:
Use the same method as above. Alternatively, grip the rear handle between your knees and the front handle with your left hand. Pull the starter with your right hand.

Quick reactions and good judgement are essential when operating a chainsaw. Designed for right-handed use, chainsaws should be held firmly with the left hand on the front handle and the right on the back.

Preventing Chainsaw Kickback

Responsible for a large proportion of accidents with chainsaws, kickback is the abrupt, uncontrolled upward movement of the guide bar which occurs when the guide bar nose hits an object, the chain jars and the excess force throws the entire saw towards the user. A well-maintained chain may reduce the effect but will not prevent it. To avoid kickback and prevent injury:

• Do not allow the guide bar nose to touch any obstruction, e.g. branches, logs, stumps;
• Do not over-reach;
• Keep the saw below chest height;
• Keep the thumb of your left hand around the back of the front handle;
• Always cut at full power.

Chainsaw Tree Work

• Ladders
  Ensure the ladder is secured in position and you are independently secured to the tree so that both your hands are free to control the chainsaw.
• Ropes and harnesses
  Using a chainsaw from a rope and harness requires specialised training. Do not attempt this type of work unless you have received professional instruction in safe techniques.
• Top handle chainsaws
  With the rear handle positioned over the top of the engine, these saws are intended for use only by trained tree surgeons working up in trees. Specialised training is essential to operate top handled chainsaws safely.

Further Sawing Advice

If you need further advice on any health and safety matters visit the HSE website for a wide range of safety guides.

Information on where to obtain chainsaw training is also available from the following organisations:

• ATB Landbase
• Forestry and Arboriculture Safety and Training Council (FASTCo)