Chainsaw Safety: A Guide for Lawn and Landscaping Professionals

For landscaping and lawn care experts, chainsaws are indispensable on the job site. This powerful tool streamlines a variety of tasks, yet it also demands significant responsibility due to its potential hazards. Chainsaws can be extremely dangerous and pose a risk of serious injury. Before using your chainsaw, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Protect yourself by following CAMComp’s comprehensive chainsaw safety checklist.

Wear the Right PPE

When using a chainsaw, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in good condition is essential for safety:

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris and other hazards.
• Hand Protection: Use leather or cotton gloves to ensure a firm grip and reduce the risk of hand injuries.
• Foot Protection: Wear chainsaw-protective work boots with steel toes to shield your feet.
• Leg Protection: For comprehensive safety, wear chainsaw-protective pants that extend from the top of your thigh to your boot.
• Head Protection: A hard hat is crucial to prevent head injuries.
• Hearing Protection: Utilize ear protection to mitigate the risk of hearing loss from the chainsaw’s noise.

Inspect Your Chainsaw Before Using It

Ensuring your chainsaw operates at peak performance is essential for both safety and efficiency. Before use, perform a comprehensive inspection. Confirm that the lubrication reservoir is filled and the chain is sharp to avoid binding. 

Inspect the controls, chain tension and all bolts and handles to ensure they function correctly and align with the manufacturer’s specifications. Additionally, check that the muffler, brakes and safety shields are intact and operational. If any component of the chainsaw is damaged, refrain from using the tool until it is repaired.

Chainsaw Kickback Prevention Tips

Kickback is a common hazard when using chainsaws. It happens when the saw’s nose contacts an object, causing the chain to snag and the blade to jerk upwards and back, which can lead to severe injuries. To reduce kickback risks:

• Avoid Tip Cutting: Never use the tip of the saw for cutting.
• Firm Grip: Always hold the chainsaw with both hands for maximum control.
• Plan Your Cuts: Carefully plan each cut before executing.
• Monitor Bar Nose: Keep the bar nose clear from contact with objects.
• Positioning: Stand slightly to the side of the chainsaw’s path to avoid the direct line of potential kickback.

Follow Chainsaw Refueling Safety Guidelines

Refueling a chainsaw involves specific risks. Adhere to these safety measures during your next refuel:

• Cool Down: Always turn off the saw and let it cool completely before refueling.
• Safe Distance: Keep at least 10 feet away from any ignition sources while refueling.
• No Smoking: Avoid smoking when handling fuel to eliminate fire risks.
• Approved Containers: Use only metal or plastic containers approved for fuel storage, with a maximum capacity of five gallons.

Remember the Do’s & Don’ts of Chainsaw Safety

Use these guidelines to ensure optimal safety when using a chainsaw. 

DO:

• Ensure all safety guards are in place before use.
• Start the chainsaw on a stable surface, not in mid-air or while holding it on your knee.
• Begin operations at least 10 feet away from the fueling area.
• Engage the chain brake or power off the saw during transport.
• Maintain a firm grip and stable footing while operating.
• Clear the area of any potential hazards before starting.

DON’T: 

• Operate the chainsaw above shoulder height.
• Wear loose clothing and jewelry or leave long hair unsecured.
• Use the chainsaw without specific training.
• Operate without thoroughly reading the user manual.
• Use the chainsaw in wet conditions.
• Work alone.

Chainsaws carry inherent risks, but following established safety practices can significantly reduce the chance of injuries. At CAMComp, we prioritize your safety above all – protecting our members is our highest concern. Contact us to learn how we can enhance safety at your worksite and contribute to your success!