14
FIG.F
THE FELLING CUTS
Felling a tree requires at least two different cuts, the
face cut and a back cut. The face cut consists of two
cuts which removes a wedge of timber (typically this
is at an angle of between 45° to 90°) from the trunk
and partially determines the initial direction of fall
Fig.G. The wedge cut should be no deeper than 1/3rd
of the diameter of the tree trunk. There are numerous
ways in which to cut this wedge, the inexperienced
user should concentrate on the basic 60° to 70° face
cut with a flat bottom.
The back cut is made behind the wedge cut
approximately 1 to 2 inches above the notch made by
the wedge cut Fig.H. Make sure that the cut is made
parallel to the notch. Make the cut quickly and
smoothly while watching the cut and the tree. Do not
cut all the way through the tree. You must leave about
1/2 inch of wood between the back cut and the notch;
this is called the hinge which will control the rate and
determine the final direction of fall Fig.I. If the back cut
is not made parallel to the wedge bottom cut the
direction of fall will be affected. Fig.J. shows how the
direction of fall will be affected if the back cut is not
parallel to the bottom wedge cut.
Warning!
If the wedge cut is not made deep enough,
when the back cut is being made the weight of the
tree could pinch the cutting chain. To prevent
pinching, plastic or hardwood wedges can be
hammered into the back cut behind the cutting chain.
If wedges are used, care must be taken when re-
inserting the cutting chain into the partially cut, back
cut, that the saw chain does not come into contact
with the wedges.
As soon as the tree begins to fall, remove the saw
from the back cut and switch it off and retreat along
one of the predetermined escape routes, walk don’t
run. You need to clear the area quickly so that if
anything goes wrong you will be at a safe distance
avoiding injury.
Only when you hear the tree hit the ground is it safe to
stop and turn around.
WARNING!
If the felled tree becomes ‘hung up’ (the tree becomes
caught up in surrounding trees). The inexperienced
user should not attempt to free the tree from this
position. It will require a skilled and experienced
operator to safely remove the tree. Under no
circumstances should a ‘hung up’ tree be left in this
position. If it cannot be removed immediately, warning
signs and a safety barrier must be erected around the
area.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Suitable personal protective equipment should always
be worn – no matter how small the job. European
standards for chainsaw PPE are published as part of
EN 381 Protective clothing for users of hand-held
chainsaws.
There are various types of protective clothing
designed specifically for protection against serious
injury when using a chainsaw. This clothing can be
purchased from a reputable power tool supplier or it
can be hired from one of the larger hire shops.
It is strongly recommended that the following
protective clothing is worn when using a chainsaw.
1.
HEAD PROTECTION
A safety helmet to EN 397.
Should be worn and adjusted to fit correctly.
2.
HEARING PROTECTION
Ear protectors to EN 352-1.
Should be worn at all times when the chainsaw is
running.
3.
EYE PROTECTION
A mesh visor to EN1731.
Worn in conjunction with the safety helmet or
safety glasses to EN166 Should be worn at all
times when using a chainsaw.
4.
UPPER BODY PROTECTION
A chainsaw jacket to prEN381-10.
Can provide additional protection where
operators are at increased risk and is
recommended especially when using a chainsaw
above waist height.
5.
HAND PROTECTION
Gloves to EN 381-7.
Should be worn except where there is a risk of
snagging.
6.
LEG PROTECTION
Chainsaw trousers to EN 381-5.
Giving all round leg protection are recommended
for occasional users of chainsaws.
7.
FOOT AND ANKLE PROTECTION
Chainsaw boots to EN 345-2.
Bearing a shield depicting a chainsaw to show
compliance with EN 381-3 should be worn. For
occasional users, working on even ground where
there is little risk of tripping or snagging on
undergrowth.
Protective gaiters to EN 381-9 can be worn in
conjunction with steel-toe-capped safety boots.
Note: No protective equipment can ensure 100%
protection against injury from a hand held chainsaw.
Ref.
Description
F.1
45° Safety escape route
F.2
45° Safety escape route
F.3
Danger areas
F.4
Line of fall
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