Connecticut State Department of Public Health

 

 

 

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION

 

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

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Reuben F. Bradford

Commissioner

 

For Immediate Release: November 6, 2011

 

Contact: Scott DeVico

860-209-0334

scott.devico@ct.gov

 

 

Officials Stress Importance of Safety When Using Chain Saws

 

(HARTFORD,CT) – As cleanup continues after the rare October snow storm which caused widespread tree damage throughout Connecticut, state officials are reminding residents to make safety their number one priority when using chain saws.

 

Using a chain saw is very dangerous. You can lower the risk of injuries by using the right personal protective equipment and safely using your chain saw.

Before Starting a Chain Saw

 

  • If you have little or no experience using a chain saw, hire a licensed professional to remove tree limbs and downed trees safely from your property.
  • If a tree or large branch is leaning toward or on your house, removal should only be done by a trained professional.
  • Before moving or cutting tree limbs, make sure there are no wires tangled in the limbs.
  • Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure that they are functioning properly and that they are adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Make sure that the chain is always sharp and the lubrication reservoir is full.
  • Start the saw on the ground or on another firm support. Drop starting is never allowed.
  • Start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area, with the chain’s brake engaged.

 

Fueling a Chain Saw

 

  • Use approved containers for transporting fuel to the saw.
  • Dispense fuel at least 10 feet away from any sources of ignition when performing construction activities. No smoking during fueling.
  • Use a funnel or a flexible hose when pouring fuel into the saw.
  • Never attempt to fuel a running or HOT saw.

 

Chain Saw Safety

 

  • Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when operating the saw, which includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing and head protection.
  • Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks from the saw’s chain path. Look for nails, spikes or other metal in the tree before cutting.
  • Shut off the saw or engage its chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain.
  • Keep your hands on the saw’s handles, and maintain secure footing while operating the saw.
  • Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.
  • Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind aginst the saw.
  • Watch for branches under tension, they may spring out when cut.
  • Gasoline-powered chain saws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback.
  • Be cautious of saw kick-back. To avoid kick-back, do not saw with the tip. If equipped, keep tip guard in place.

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