Important Facts About Chainsaws And How To Use Them Properly

Although chainsaw accidents rarely result in deaths, they can cause severe injuries that can leave the operator incapacitated. Data shows that the majority of chainsaw injuries happen to the lower extremities and the hands. 

Approximately 30,000 chainsaw injuries are reported every year. Of these injuries, kickback is the most common culprit.

Chainsaw kickback happens when the chain gets stuck or is stopped by something hard inside the log. This pushes the saw towards the operator. Since the kickback occurs abruptly, most operators are usually caught unaware, so they never have enough time to react protectively.

That being said, improper use of the saw is to blame for most cases of kickbacks and injuries in general. In most situations, the chainsaw user is either not paying enough attention to the task or simply not using the tool properly. Faulty and older saws have also been linked to a majority of the accidents.

How To Use Chainsaws Properly

Before we dive into the specifics of what to do when using a saw, let’s reiterate the importance of using the right saw. Chainsaws come in various sizes and with different engine power. Depending on the task at hand, you may have to choose a smaller or bigger saw. 

Small chainsaws are ideal for less-intensive tasks like trimming branches or cutting small trees in the backyard. You can always go through outdoor power equipment reviews to get an idea of what tasks the tool you want is best for. This gives you insights into their performance.

On the other hand, medium to larger trees requires bigger saws with a powerful engine and a longer guide bar. The rule of thumb is the guide bar should be around 2 inches longer than the diameter of the tree you are cutting.

With that out of the way, here is how to use a chainsaw safely:

Scan Your Surroundings

This step is especially crucial when you are cutting trees in a forest or an unfamiliar place. Check your surroundings and make sure there are no potential safety hazards like power lines in the area. 

Scan the working space and ensure the surface is stable.

Gear Up

Don’t power your chainsaw until you’ve worn all the necessary safety gear. 

Chaps or trousers with ballistic nylon pads are a must. It’s advisable to wear pants with protection going all the way to the beltline.

Most of the lower extremities injuries are worsened by the fact that operators do not wear the right boots for the job. Kevlar and ballistic nylon materials are popular in chainsaw boots as they provide optimal protection against a moving chain. Make sure the sole is also rubberized for better grip on wet surfaces.

Next up is eye and head protection. Eye goggles and head PPEs shield your eyes and head against debris. Make sure the PPEs meet the set industry standards.

Finally, put your reinforced gloves on. Chainsaw gloves should provide a firm grip and adequate protection against cuts in case your hand slides off the handles. The material used also needs absorbing shock to reduce the impact of vibrations.

Calculate Your Cut

Before you start cutting, make sure you know where the guide bar will exit from. Similarly, do not cut a massive tree unless you know where it will fall. 

Find The Right Posture And Hold The Saw Correctly

Power up your well-maintained chainsaw and hold it firmly with both hands. Get in the correct cutting position before engaging the throttle. For most right-handed people, this position requires the left foot to be slightly in front of the right foot. The left foot should be bent at a 45-degree angle. Left-handed operators should have the right foot in front of the left foot.

From these positions, it is clear that chainsaws should not be used to cut anything that’s above your shoulders. Saws are generally heavy, so using them in an awkward position increases the risk of accidents.

Make The Cut

Finally, it’s time to cut those logs. Engage the throttle and guide the saw through the line you want to cut. The chain and the blade will draw the log, so you don’t need to force your saw through it. Just maintain a firm and steady grip.

Watch out for kickback when operating a chainsaw. The majority of modern saws have safety mechanisms to protect users against kickback as well as pull-in and pushback. However, you still need to hold and operate the saw properly. Avoid distractions at all times and always release the throttle when you want to do anything else besides cutting.

Once you’re done cutting, switch off the saw and give it time to cool down before storing it.

Something else you should never forget is that power tools and alcohol don’t go well together. Therefore, you should never operate a chainsaw while under the influence.