[Project name] Standard Operating Procedures Chainsaw Use PURPOSE. This SOP outlines the procedures for conducting a safe chainsaw operation by project staff . SCOPE. The chainsaw is one of the most useful and productive power tools critical to the [your project] mission and goals. It can be also one of the most dangerous. Learning how to operate it properly and maintaining it in good condition can help avoid injury. [Individual projects may elaborate further as the their own scope] ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. [Project needs to tailor the Roles/Responsibilities based on their staffing level] Project Manager (PM) is responsible for the overall program safety including the use of chainsaws by project staff. Project Safety Officer (PSO) is responsible for ensuring staff compliance of this SOP and to ensure staff is trained to use and maintain the project chainsaws. The PSO will maintain the project’s chainsaw training and maintenance records, and ensures saws needing repairs are sent to an authorized repair facility. Field Supervisor (FS) is responsible for ensuring field staff are using the chainsaws safely based on this SOP and the saw’s instruction manual, and to their level of training. Never allows a staff to be alone in the field while using a chainsaw. Field staff is responsible for operating a chainsaw safely and in accordance with this SOP and to their level of training. Prior to operating any chainsaw, staff will be thoroughly familiar with the operational procedures of that saw by carefully reading the saw’s instruction manual. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. All project staff required to use a chainsaw for the project will have chainsaw safety training as conducted by a certifying chainsaw instructor. [Does your project require a specific training course such as forest service S‐212? What are your refresher requirements? State your requirements here.] SAWYER’S FIELD KIT. All sawyers will have the following items with them: First aid kit Radio and/or cell communications Tool kit: appropriate uniform diameter round sharpening and flat files, depth gauge, scrench, extra chains, spare guide bar, spare spark plug, absorption rags Flagging tape As needed: plastic wedges, sledge TRANSPORTATION [Include only what is appropriate for your project] By Vehicle: Keep slide control switch to off/stop position Ensure chain guard/scabbard is securely over the saw chain/guide bar and will not slip off Project name or initials Page 1 Transport in own carry case or hard container such as an Action Packer Secure case/container in bed of vehicle to prevent turning over, spilling fuel and oil, or getting damaged Ensure UL/DOT approved fuel container is secured and cannot tip over; same for bar/chain oil containers Do not transport saw and fuel containers in the passenger compartment By Helicopter with pilot’s approval: Fuel and oil tanks are empty, slide switch to off/stop position, chain guard securely on If transporting by cargo net, secure in a carry case or hard container such as an Action Packer If transporting internally, it must be tied down to prevent movement if turbulence is encountered External load transport for fuel and bar/chain oil containers: must be kept upright during flight, fuel handles and vent levers must be secured to prevent accidental opening Internal transport for fuel or bar/chain oil: must be in secured hard container and kept upright When hand carrying: Chain guard is securely on (or saw is in carry case) and slide switch to off/stop position. 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 CHAIN MOVING PREPARATION. Do not allow other project staff to be within two times the height of the tree being felled; know where other project staff are prior to cutting Do not start your operation until you have: 1. Sized up the situation 2. Determined where the tree will fall based on the lean and shape of the tree 3. Identified and mitigated potential hazards 4. Cleared a work area around the tree being felled 5. Planned two escape routes (primary and alternate @ 45° away from the expected felling line) 6. Established safety zones (where you will be as the tree is falling), preferably behind a tree 7. Secured good footing position and balance for all cuts 8. Have enough fuel and bar/chain oil to complete the job GENERAL OPERATION GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES Field Inspection Re‐check saw to ensure parts are in good condition: front and rear handles, rear hand guard, chain brake, throttle: trigger and lockout, on‐stop switch, guide bar, chain, chain catcher, muffler, air filter, spark arrestor, starter grip and rope, and clutch cover Ensure chain is sharp with proper tension, facing the correct direction, and not in contact with anything Examine the bar guide to ensure it is straight, free of excessive wear , debris, and burrs Make sure the sprocket spins freely and the bar nut is securely in place Check and ensure the chain brake is in working order, off position works Startup Project name or initials Page 2 Ensure all PPE are being worn properly Ensure chainsaw is secured and on the ground; no drop starts allowed Engage chain brake prior to starting Hold down the power head with the left hand on the front handle Use the right foot to hold down the rear handle Holding starter grip with your right hand; do not wrap 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 balance While aligning your body, make sure the chainsaw is positioned to the right of your body to avoid contact during kickback or should the chain jump off the guide bar or break During the cut, make sure you maintain your footing and balance; do not use the chainsaw if you cannot maintain good balance, lose your footing, or need to release your grip on the saw Keep all body parts away from the saw while you are running it If felling a tree down a slope, ensure no one is below you Always cut at a high speed and maintain situational awareness by watching the cut and what’s happening above you When it is imminent that the tree will fall: o pull the saw out as you release pressure on the throttle o apply the chain break or shut it off and notify others that the tree is falling o use your planned escape route or alternate should the need arise o if necessary, leave the chainsaw in a safe place o be in your safety zone at least 20‐30ft away from the tree as it falls o keep a visual on the tree as it falls o stay in your safety zone for at least 30 seconds to ensure all debris has settled When re‐entering a cut, exercise extreme caution; hold the saw firmly and maintain control Guard against kickback (the upward motion of the guide bar that occurs when the tip of the bar contacts an object) as kickbacks can lead to dangerous loss of control. To reduce kickback: o have the basic understanding of how it occurs to prevent sudden “surprises” o maintain attention of the tip of the guide bar at all times to prevent kickbacks by not letting the tip contact a log, branch, ground or other obstructions Use caution when cutting small brush or saplings as slender vegetation may catch the saw chain and whip towards you or pull you off balance Do not overreach; this may cause a loss of balance and control Do not cut above your shoulder height Do not cut branches or trees that are directly over your head Do not operate the chainsaw with one hand; proper use requires two hands During use, observe the chain to ensure proper tension; should the tension become too loose or tight, shut down the saw and readjust the tension Between cuts and while the chain saw is shut down, inspect for damage, other adjustment issues such as the nut securing the clutch cover, fuel or oil cap tight; maintain as necessary Keep the chain sharp and well oiled; check the tension frequently but only when the saw is off. Replace the bar and chain with manufacturer’s recommended or approved equivalent parts Project name or initials Page 3 Do not attempt to fell a tree that is beyond your experience/training/comfort level or if the tree is too big for the size of your saw; if in doubt, get help When limbing, make sure the felled tree is stable o Start limbing branches that are on the up and far side from you first, then up and your side next o Do not cut the limbs supporting the tree; after cutting the up side, try rolling the log over to get log on the ground, then cut the remaining branches o While cutting limbs under tension, be alert for potential spring back that may hit you as the tension is released o Do not reach over the guide bar to remove any loose cut branches o Do not stand on the log you are limbing When bucking, saw log from the uphill side and make the compression‐side cut first Refueling and re‐oiling Transport fuel only in approved (UL or DOT) metal or plastic storage and dispensing cans Ensure the ground is solid, level, free of debris that could catch fire, the area has good ventilation, and no smoking by anyone during refueling Do not place a hot saw on flammable materials Wait for the saw to cool down before