5. HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
– Remove any scrub or other obstructions from the area to enable a quick escape route and
ensure visibility of the chain is not impeded during cutting.
– Plan work to reduce manual lifting, i.e. lightest off cuts move furthest.
– If work is a result of wind blow, ensure no unstable trees or limbs pose any further
danger.
– Never stand on anything other than the ground.
– When preparing to work on the ground, e.g. cross cutting or limbing, ensure no obstacles
are hidden or obscured from view. Contact with such an object can result in loss of
footing or kickback from the chain saw.
5.2 CHAINSAW OPERATIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION
– Do not operate the chainsaw without being completely familiar on all safety aspects,
functions and most importantly how to stop the chainsaw in an emergency.
– Do not operate the chainsaw above shoulder height.
– Regularly clear cut material as build up will create a hazard under foot.
– Never use the chainsaw if the (stopping) switch is
FAULTY
or not functional.
– Prior to each use inspect the chainsaw for damage. Ensure all safety features and
mechanisms function correctly and that the cutting means is of the type and design as
specified by the manufacturer.
– Adopt a secure and balanced stance, bend knees instead of back. Hold the saw close into
your body for balance.
– Maintain a good grip with both hands on the saw. The chainsaw is solely designed for
operation of the rear handle by the right hand and the left handle on the front handle.
Grip the front handle with left thumb underneath to allow resistance in case of kickback.
– Stop the chainsaw before setting it aside.
– Only begin cutting with saw chain speed at maximum.
– Kickback occurs when the saw saw chain is stopped suddenly resulting in the tip or the
guide bar being violently thrown up towards the operator’s head/face. Correct stance and
knowledge of the operating procedure can greatly reduce that risk.
– Operate the chain brake before moving with the saw. If moving more than a short
distance, stop the saw and refit the bar guard.
-
Do not attempt to use the chainsaw if tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol or other
drugs.
Felling
– Remove lower branches/limbs from the tree up to shoulder height.
– When removing the lower branches ensure the operator is protected from kickback by
using the tree stem for protection and keeping the guide bar out of line with the body
(off set).
– Ensure the felling cut is completed in one cut for safety.
– Never leave a partially felled tree.
– When the tree begins to fall move back and away at 45º as quickly as possible. Branches
on the underside of the tree can cause the stem to move sideways or backwards
dangerously.
– In the event of a tree becoming hung in another tree or obstacle seek assistance from a
professional. A hung tree poses many dangers and creates more potential risks than
felling a normal tree. Do not abandon a hung tree, walk under or attempt to climb one.
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