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Safety measures essential during farm chainsaw use

By MEGGIE I. FOSTER
Assistant Editor

LONDON, Ohio — A chainsaw may be one of the most common and simple power tools on a farmstead, but it is also one of the most deadly, according to Ohio State University Extension Forest Industry Specialist Damon Hartley.

“The funny thing about the chainsaw is the less you use it the more likely you are to get hurt,” said Hartley. “Studies have shown that the chainsaw is the most dangerous power tool you can own. There is no blade guard, it runs 300-400 RPMs, and there is nothing between you and it but air. Scary.”

In an effort to educate everyday chainsaw users, Hartley presented Chainsaw Safety 101 during the Farm Science Review on Sept. 19 in London, Ohio.

Hartley discussed a series of safety measures used “to minimize the risk of getting hurt” and recommended for chainsaw users to follow whether they are cutting down limbs, trees or just wood pieces for firewood.

First, Hartley suggests wearing saw chaps, calling it “the most important safety measure” to take when operating a chainsaw. He explained, “75-85 percent of all chainsaw injuries are injuries to the legs and hands. Probably 90 percent of those are to the legs, especially the left leg because it’s usually out in front.”

Made of havlaer and nylon, the tiny little fibers beneath the overlay fabric of the chaps wrap around the blade and stop the sawing mechanism before it can cut through to the leg, Hartley said.
“You can buy a pair of chaps at stores like Lowe’s, TSC or online vendors, anywhere they sell saws,” he added. “They’ll cost you anywhere between $75-$85 to buy, which is still way less than a trip to the ER.”

Next, Hartley recommended a helmet system consisting of a helmet, ear plugs, safety goggles or a safety shield.

“Over a period of time, the loud noise of a saw can cause hearing damage, so earplugs or earmuffs are extremely important,” Harley mentioned, adding that a good safety helmet with all the extra features such as ear muffs and a safety shield can be purchased for $30-$40.

Other added benefits of a helmet system include, protection from falling objects and throwback pieces.

Also, Hartley suggests wearing a good pair of padded gloves, which will prevent catching splinters and suffering from painful white-knuckle syndrome.

“White-knuckle syndrome occurs because of the constant vibration of the saw, causing numbness in your hands, so padding of the gloves will help minimize those shocks,” he said.

Also, Hartley recommends wearing a pair of steel-toed boots.
“Rubber or leather, either will work, but you’ve just got to have good boots,” he added. “There are actually precious few safety features on the chainsaw itself, so it’s really important that they work in the correct order.”

Discussing the features of the saw, Hartley went into detail explaining the chain break and hook.

“You need to engage the chain break before you start the saw, when you hear it click you know it’s working, also you should test it when it’s running,” he explained.

The hook, he said, is designed to protect against kickback. “You’ve got to have that guard in place, it’s protection for your hands,” Hartley added.

When carrying a saw, he recommends keeping the muffler away from legs and point the sharp points toward the back.

When operating a chainsaw, he said to never use a dull chain.
“It takes a lot of practice to sharpen a blade yourself,” Hartley said. “I would recommend buying 4-5 extra loops of chain, when 1 is left hanging, take the other 4 or 5 in to get sharpened.”

At $2-$3 per chain to sharpen, Hartley said a small engine repair shop, sharpening shop or good saw shop can all sharpen saw chains.

When starting a chain, he offered three different safe options for users of all skill level. One – place one foot through the handle on the ground and pull the start towards the body. Two – place the saw between the legs, with the blade pointing forward, take the left hand and pull up to start. Three – lay the saw over a leg, pull towards the body to start.

“Never drop start a chainsaw, this is so dangerous, because you’re trying to control a giant gyroscrope,” Hartley warned.

When preparing to operate the saw, he recommends making a risk assessment of the area.

“Which way is the tree leaning, are there vines, dead branches, which way is the wind blowing,” he listed. “Some trees are going to be above your ability, and at that point I would recommend calling a professional.

“Next, clear brush away in the area and open the base of the tree on the side you plan to drop the tree,” he said. “I would recommend cutting a 90 degree wedge open wide to where you want to fall the tree. Then you need to bore through the back of the tree to set the hinge. The hinge should be 1/10th of the diameter of the tree. It works just like a door hinge to fall the tree.”

For information on chainsaw safety, visit http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu

9/24/2008