Annually, numerous people are killed or seriously injured due to working in confined places or using chainsaws, typically because they are unaware of the dangers, are ill-trained, or lack the proper safety equipment.
Employers can usually avoid the risk of these wounds by training their employees on proper chainsaw safety and operation and giving online confined space course training.
Before You Begin Using the Chainsaw
Before twirling on the saw, learn how to use a chainsaw properly. Employees should keep an eye on the area for anything that could jeopardize their safety. The following are some examples:
• Anything that could fall into the work area from above the building site
• A backup plan in case staff need to get to safety fast.
• Rocks, big branches, tree stumps, or nails are examples of debris.
• Lines of electric power
Workers must always stay at least several feet away from electric power lines if they see them near the construction site. If they cannot do so, the relevant inspector must contact the utility company to have the lines de-energized. Only operators with additional electrical safety training can work within a set distance from an active power line.
Before turning on the chainsaw, double-check that all of the parts are in good operating order. Chain catcher, anti-vibration handle system, chain brake, handguard, muffler, fuel container, throttle, and other equipment are required by OSHA for all chainsaws.
Employees should report a chainsaw that has been vandalized or missing any of the above parts to their supervisor, tag it as endangered, do not use it, and remove it from help until it can be fixed. It is critical to check the gasoline and oil levels before starting a chainsaw. According to OSHA, refueling must be done at least ten feet away from any open flame or other sources of ignition.
Getting the Chainsaw Started
Employees must understand that the saw should be placed on the ground with the chain brake engaged and the start cord pulled toward them. Employees must start a chainsaw at least ten feet away from any combustible materials and the fueling area.
Personal Protection Equipment for Chainsaws
OSHA requires the following personal protective equipment (PPE) when using a chainsaw:
• Protection for the head
• Protection for the eyes and face
• Protective hearing aids
• Protection for your hands
• Protection for the legs
• Protective footwear
Techniques for Safety and Operation
Employees should always use correct chainsaw safety and operation procedures to reduce the risk of injury to themselves or others. These are some of them:
• Checking for debris or other hazards in the fall area
• Avoiding cutting an object by allowing it to fall into neighboring things
• This can result in both things falling in unexpected and perhaps harmful ways.
• Maintaining the tip guard’s position
• Gripping the handle with both hands
Workers should never operate a chainsaw in a way that causes them to be off-center, such as standing on an uneven surface or reaching out too far, to avoid losing their balance or losing control of the saw. All cuts should be made below the waist, and the chainsaw should never be raised above the head level to maintain chainsaw control.
The Working in Confined Spaces training program was created as a foundation for learning more about safe work practices, appropriate control methods, and what the law says about workplace safety.
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