5. HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
5.1 GENERAL CHAINSAW SAFETY INFORMATION
Chainsaws pose a very significant health and safety risk, even to careful and informed
operators, for example, the use of a chainsaw in the workplace requires extensive training
and certification. The dangers of using and applying a chainsaw should not be taken lightly.
Seek guidance, training or employ a professional to carry out the task if uncertain or nervous
of the potential risks and dangers involved.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– Due to the nature of a chainsaw, no PPE equipment can provide 100% protection against
chainsaw
cuts.
– Equipment specifically designed for use with a chainsaw shall be worn, consisting of;
•
Safety helmet (EN 397).
•
Mesh visor (EN 1731).
•
Hearing protection (EN 352)
•
Gloves (EN 381-7) with protective guard on back of left hand.
•
Leg protection (EN 381-5).
•
Non-slip boots (EN 345-2).
•
High visibility jacket.
Leg protection is achieved with a chain clogging material designed to stop the saw chain
before it penetrates fully through and into flesh. The gloves, boots and leg protection should
be marked with the symbol below and indicate the chain speed to which they have been
tested.
Preparation
–
Before use inspect the guide bar grooves for distortion, the guide bar rail for cracks, the
nose sprocket teeth condition, saw chain tension and condition, drive sprocket condition
and operation and operation of the chain brake.
– Never operate the chainsaw alone in case of emergency. Have an assistant
invisual/communicative range.
– Ensure the site is assessed for risk potential and a safe working distance is marked to
prevent bystanders entering.
– In case of accident, ensure means of contact with emergency services are possible and
adequate
information is available to facilitate an urgent recovery.
– Always carry a basic first aid kit containing large wound dressings.
– Identify all services (e.g. gas, water, electric, phone etc.), Particularly overhead before
felling commences.
– Ensure a distance of at least twice the tree height is observed from all obstacles and
dangers.
– Keep bystanders a minimum of 10M away and all access points into the work area marked
accordingly.
– Tree felling must only be carried out by a single individual and only after the danger
zones and escape routes have been identified and cleared.
– Do not fell when wind conditions may influence/control the direction.
– Close observation and inspection for dead or diseased wood and insecure limbs or
branches must be carried out prior to any cutting. Dead wood can cause unexpected
reactions during a routine felling.
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