How to Enhance Safety When Using a Chainsaw
Whether you work in forestry or you have a log fire to keep burning steadily, using a chainsaw will likely be a regular activity for you. These tools are useful for doing DIY projects or felling large trees, but they can also be dangerous at times. This is why knowing how to use a chainsaw correctly is important.
Understanding how to use a chainsaw is one thing, though; it is another one to do it as safely as possible. Thankfully, this post has outlined three of the main ways to enhance your safety when using a chainsaw.
Keep the Chainsaw Sharp
A sharpened chainsaw can be a lot safer to use than one with a dull chain. When a chainsaw is used with a dull chain, this will usually ride in the cut without actually cutting deeper into the wood. This is why a blunt chainsaw will usually require more force, which is a situation that should be avoided, as discussed later.
Another sign of a blunt chain can occur when the chainsaw produces wood dust instead of chips. If either of these signs appear, you should sharpen the chain. A chainsaw sharpener is a good investment if you are regularly using this tool to cut wood or other materials. These devices can sharpen chains quickly, with more precision than hand filing. After sharpening, the chainsaw will be more effective.
Understand How to Prevent Injuries
Using a chainsaw can be a dangerous task. The majority of injuries caused by a chainsaw occur to the arms, hands, and legs. They are often the result of the chainsaw kicking back, and this is when the chainsaw’s guide bar suddenly jerks upward. Some modern chainsaws are designed with a chain brake that stops the chain if a kickback happens.
If a kickback occurs, the placement of your hands could prevent injuries. You must wrap your left hand’s thumb around the front handle when cutting through wood. When moving on to cut the next branch, you must keep your left hand on the front handle at all times. Do not carry the chainsaw with your right hand on the back handle, as this could cause the engine to accelerate and the chain to spin if you fall.
Wear the Correct Safety Gear
Although most people can, and will, operate a chainsaw in ordinary clothing, wearing the right protection can keep you safe if accidents happen. After all, overalls aren’t going to stop a moving chainsaw. There are numerous pieces of clothing available that will protect different areas of your body, such as special chaps or trousers that can stop a spinning chain from cutting your thighs.
It is also advised that you wear a suitable helmet that offers protection for the face and ears. This would be offered in one product, instead of having to buy separate protection for yours ears, eyes, and head. You must also buy strong, steel-toed boots that have been made from cut-resistant material, which is normally full grain cow leather.
Once you understand the three ways to improve safety when using a chainsaw, you will be much more confident when cutting wood.
