Chainsaw

Summary:

Chainsaws are high-speed wood-cutting tools.  The City uses them for tree maintenance tasks such as brushing, limbing, bucking, and occasionally in construction activities.

· User must read and follow manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual.

· Worker must be trained before using chainsaw.

· Ensure that chainsaw is properly maintained before and after use.

· Wear comfortable, but not loose-fitting clothing.

· Use required PPE.

· Only workers holding BC Faller Training Standard certification may fell trees greater than 6" in diameter.

· No smoking when maintaining or operating saw.

· Be aware of reactive forces and use proper cutting techniques.

· Worker with Level 1 first aid certification and a Level 1 first aid kit must be on site

Hazards:

• Cuts
• Flying debris
• Noise
• Vibration
• Burns
• Strain injuries
• Fire
• Entanglement
  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required:

· Hard hat with face shield and earmuffs

· Safety glasses

· Cut-resistant leg protection (chaps or pants meeting WCB Standard: PPE 1-1997)

· Durable work gloves

· CSA approved safety boots with adequate traction

· High visibility apparel

· Pressure bandage - on person, not stored under hard hat

· Safety whistle if working in bucket truck

Pre-use procedure:

· Remove chain guard/scabbard and inspect saw body, guide bar and chain.  Adjust and sharpen as outlined in operation manual.

· Ensure that chain brake is functioning properly and that chain catcher and front hand guard are intact.

· Check fuel and chain oil levels. Fuel up only in well-ventilated outdoor area.  Engine must be off and saw cool.

· Start saw following one of the two methods outlined in the operation manual with chain brake engaged. Test chain brake function with engine revved and chain moving, ensure that oiler is working, and that chain is not turning at idle.

· Inspect work site for obstacles and debris.  Ensure that footing is adequate.  Assess for overhead hazards.

· Set up a safe work zone.  Do not work alone. Use TCP's if required.

Task procedure:

· Carry saw with engine stopped, guide bar and chain to rear, and muffler away from your body.

· Always hold the saw firmly with both hands when the engine is running - never use saw with one hand.

· Never touch the chain with any part of your body while the engine is running, even when it is not rotating.

· Cut only wooden objects - make sure chain does not touch any foreign materials such as rocks, fences, nails, etc.

· Maintain a firm foothold.  Never work on a ladder or any other insecure support.  Do not overreach.

· Position the chainsaw so that your body is clear of the chain whenever the engine is running.  Stand to the left of cut while bucking.

· Do not touch the muffler and other parts of the engine while they are hot.

· Never put pressure on the saw when reaching the end of a cut - may cause the bar and chain to pop out of the cut.

· Be aware of reactive forces when the chain is rotating - most common are kickback, pushback and pull-in.  Can result in loss of control and injury or death.

· Inspect chain regularly during use for sharpness and correct tension.  Engine must be off.

· Engine must be off and saw allowed to cool before re-fuelling and adding chain oil.

Post -procedure:

· Saw should be cleaned and inspected for defects and adjustments before storing. Follow instructions in operation and maintenance manual.

· Chain should be sharpened.

· Store with fuel tank and chain oil reservoir filled. Ensure that caps are secure and not leaking.

· Store in upright position with scabbard in place.

Bring saw to Mechanics if there are unresolved safety or mechanical issues.  Saw should be tagged as unusable until it is repaired.