General Orientation
Rev. November 10, 2020
Chainsaw Hazard Awareness
This standard was developed to assist in eliminating injuries to persons and to detail the procedure to be followed when personnel are required to work with a Chainsaw.
Chainsaw Safe Operating Procedure
Required P.P.E
· Hard Hat
· High Visibility CSA Class 3 Level 2
· CSA Approved Steel-Toed Boots
· Chainsaw Abrasive Safety Gloves
· Safety Glasses
· Mesh Face Shield
· Double Hearing protection
Hand Carrying
Carry chainsaw with bar pointed behind you.
Keep hot muffler away from your body.
For short distance to continue cutting, chainsaw must be either shut down or carried with chain brake engaged, never with the chain moving.
Inspection
A proper visual inspection must be done prior to use.
Check saw to ensure parts are in good condition.
Ensure chain is sharp and has proper tension.
Ensure chain is sharp and well oiled
Examine the bar guide to ensure it’s straight, free of excessive wear and debris.
Make sure sprockets spin freely and the bar nut is secure.
Start up
· Read and understand operator’s manual
· Ensure all PPE are being worn properly
· Ensure Chainsaw is secured and on the ground
· Never drop start
· Engage chain brake prior to starting
· Hold down the power head with left hand on the front handle
· Use the right foot to hold down the rear handle
· Hold starter grip with our right hand; do not warp the cord around your hand
· Pull the starter cord straight up with a quick pull but do not use the full extent of the cord as it may cause the cord to break
· Do not allow the grip to snap back; guide the starter cord back to allow it to rewind properly
Operating
· Keep both hands on the running chainsaw during the cutting operation with fingers and thumbs surrounding the handles while maintaining a comfortable foot stance and body stance
· While aligning your body, make sure the chainsaw is positioned to the right of your body to avoid contact should a kickback occur
· During the cut, make sure you maintain your footing and balance
· When re-entering a cut, exercise extreme caution; hold the saw firmly
· Do not overreach
· Do not cut above your shoulder height
· Be mindful to the direction of falling trees and keep clear
Fuel and Lubrication
· Ensure fueling is done in a proper manner to avoid any spills
· Wait for saw to cool down
· Transport fuel only in DOT approved storage and dispensing cans
· Ensure the ground is solid, level and free of debris that could catch fire
· Do not smoke while refueling
· Clean the saw’s gas and oil caps to prevent debris from falling into the tanks
· Do not start the saw within 3 meters of your refueling area
· Use only manufacturer’s recommended fuel and oil
· Never have the running Chainsaw/guide hit the ground
Precautions
· Check for damages
· Never use a damaged chainsaw
· If a chainsaw is defective, begin lockout and tag procedure according to company standards and safety legislation
· Take a 15minute break every 2 hours to relieve hand tension. Prolonged exposure to chainsaw vibrations can lead to physical hand injury
· If your body feels weak from prolonged use; take an additional break
Post Operation
Upon return from the field, perform a post-operation cleaning and maintenance of the saw and associated equipment prior to placing the saw back on the shelf.
The saw must be in ready to use condition when stored.
Follow proper storage procedures from the instruction manual if the saw will not be used for some time.
