FactSheet

Working Safely with Chainsaws

Chainsaws are efficient and productive portable power tools used in many industries. They are also potentially dangerous if not used correctly and carefully. Proper operation and maintenance greatly reduce the risk for injury when using chainsaws.

Work Area Safety • Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs, and • Ensure the area is marked and that there rocks from the chainsaw’s path. are no people in the immediate area. Other • Never work alone. workers should be twice as far as the height of • Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE). the trees being felled. • Identify and clear any obstacles that may Operating the Chainsaw interfere with stable footing, cutting, or • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions impede retreat/movement paths. for chainsaw operation and maintenance. • Identify electrical lines in and near the • Start the saw on the ground or another firm work area. support with the brake engaged. • Identify “hangers” and “widow-makers”— • Keep both hands on the handles and maintain branches that may dislodge and fall into the secure footing. work area from above. • Plan where the object will fall; ensure that the fall area is free of hazards; and avoid felling an Before Starting the Chainsaw object into other objects. • Check controls, chain tension and all bolts • Plan the cut; watch for objects under tension; and handles to ensure they are functioning use extreme care to bring objects safely to properly and adjusted according to the the ground. manufacturer’s instructions. • Be prepared for kickback; avoid cutting in • Ensure the chainsaw engine is the appropriate the kickback zone and use saws that reduce size for the project. kickback danger (chain brakes, low kickback • Fuel the saw at least 10 feet away from chains, guide bars, etc.). ignition sources. • Do not cut directly overhead. • Check the fuel container to ensure it: • Shut off or release throttle prior to retreating.

{{ Is metal or plastic. • Shut off or engage the chain brake whenever

{{ Does not exceed 5 gallons in capacity. the saw is carried more than 50 feet or across

{{ Is approved by the Underwriters hazardous terrain. Laboratory, FM Approvals (FM), or the • Take breaks as needed as fatigue increases the Department of Transportation (DOT). risk for accident and injury. • Ensure electric chainsaws are tested and certified by a Nationally Recognized Operate Within Your Skill Level Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Extension cords • Accidents can happen when chainsaw shall be sized according to the chainsaw operators perform tasks that are beyond manufacturer’s instructions. their capabilities or training level. Higher risk • Check that all safety devices are working operations may include: properly. {{ Trees on unstable ground or steep slopes. • Do not operate a chainsaw that is damaged or {{ Trees with a heavy lean. has disengaged safety devices. {{ Trees with stem or root rot. • Look for nails, spikes, or other metal objects {{ Trees known to split. prior to cutting. {{ Operating a chainsaw above shoulder height or above ground level, such as from a ladder or tree. Personal Protective Equipment Workers’ Rights Requirements Workers have the right to: Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) • Working conditions that do not pose a risk of can prevent or lessen the severity of injuries serious harm. to workers using chain saws. Employers must • Receive information and training (in a ensure that PPE is in good working condition language and vocabulary the worker prior to starting work. understands) about workplace hazards, • Employers must provide and ensure workers methods to prevent them, and the OSHA properly use PPE, including: standards that apply to their workplace. {{ Head protection, such as a hard hat • Review records of work-related injuries {{ Hearing protection sufficient to reduce and illnesses. noise exposure to 90 decibels or less • File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their {{ Eye/Face Protection such as safety glasses. workplace if they believe there is a serious {{ Appropriate protective footwear per OSHA hazard or that their employer is not following standards. OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities {{ Leg protection such as work pants or chaps. confidential. {{ Work gloves. • Exercise their rights under the law without {{ Fall protection as necessary. retaliation, including reporting an injury or • PPE should be used in conjunction with raising health and safety concerns with their engineering and administrative controls employer or OSHA. If a worker has been whenever possible. retaliated against for using their rights, they must file a complaint with OSHA as soon as Training possible, but no later than 30 days. Employers of workers using chainsaws must ensure that their employees are able to perform For additional information, see OSHA’s Workers tasks safely. If using chainsaws, training and page (www.osha.gov/workers). job hazard analyses should assist workers in How to Contact OSHA anticipating and avoiding job-related injuries. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Train workers about: Act of 1970, employers are responsible for • Specific work procedures, practices and providing safe and healthful workplaces for requirements, including general and specific their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure safety and health hazard recognition, these conditions for America’s working prevention, and control. men and women by setting and enforcing • How to safely perform assigned work tasks. standards, and providing training, education • The specific hazards and controls associated and assistance. For more information, visit with each task. www.‌osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA • How to safely use, operate, and maintain (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. tools, machines and vehicles which workers may use or encounter on the work site. • Applicable OSHA standards, such as those for logging, PPE, bloodborne pathogens and medical services and first aid.

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627.

DTSEM FS-3920 09/2018