5
Rules for safe operation
0. Tree service chain saw
The saw is specially designed for tree service, i.e. for off-ground working in trees, and when
being used as such should only be used be trained operators.
One handed operation of the saw can be dangerous.
Be alert for the phenomena "skating" and "bouncing", greater risk from kickback.
Be cautious not to lose balance of your body due to "drop" at the end of a cut.
If working off the ground the operator must be trained in safe climbing techniques and use
of all recommended safety equipment such as harness, loops, strops, ropes and karabiners
for himself and for the saw.
When hoisting a chain saw using a rope tied to a lifting hook for operation on a tree, ensure
that the lifting hook is not strained by excessive force.
General requirements
Operators of tree service chain-saws working at height from a rope and harness should never
work alone.
A ground worker trained in appropriate emergency procedures should assist them.
Operators of tree service chain-saws for this work should be trained in general safe climbing
and work positioning techniques and be properly equipped with harnesses, ropes, strops,
carabiners and other equipment for maintaining secure and safe working positions for both
themselves and the saw.
Preparing to use the saw in the tree
The chain-saw should be checked, fuelled, started and warmed up by the ground worker and
then switched off before it is sent up to the operator in the tree.
The chain-saw should be fitted with a suitable strop for attachment to the operator's harness:
Example of attachment of chain-saw to operator's harness
secure the strop around the attachment point on the rear of the saw;
provide suitable karabiners to allow indirect (i.e. via the strop) and direct attachment (i.e. at
the attachment point on the saw) of the saw to the operator's harness;
ensure the saw is securely attached when it is being sent up to the operator;
ensure the saw is secured to the harness before it is disconnected from the means of
ascent.
The ability to directly attach the saw to the harness reduces the risk of damage to equipment
when moving around the tree.
Always switch the saw off when it is directly attached to the harness.
Example of attachment of chain-saw to centre rear mid-point on harness
The saw should only be attached to the recommended attachment points on the harness.
These may be at mid-point (front or rear) or at the sides.
Where possible, attach the saw to centre rear mid-point to keep it clear of climbing lines and
to support its weight centrally down the operator's spine.
When moving the saw from any one attachment point to another, operators should ensure it
is secured in the new position before releasing it from the previous attachment point.
NOTE
When replacing guide bar or saw chain, ask your ECHO dealer.