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CHAIN SAW SAFETY
Stihl offers several videos covering the safe use of chain saws. Safety precautions should be followed for proper and safe usage. You may go to the Stil web site and watch the videos, or order the full set of safety dvd’s. Woodchucks and Stihl are committed to the safe use of all landscape equipment.
Sadly, too many consumers go to a local big box store and purchase a chain saw or other piece of landscape equipment. Generally, you make the selection yourself. Did you receive any personal training on that chain saw? Especially the safety procedures and tips? Were you encouraged to read the manual and primarily the first pages of that manual which cover the safety precautions of that chain saw or other piece of landscape equipment? Did the sales person discuss kickback with you? Were you made aware of any of the safety gear that is recommended? Woodchucks and Stihl are commited to safety!
Product Safety Manuals
Consumer Reports recommends the following basic safety tips for chainsaw usage:
- Wear eye and ear protection, gloves, tight-fitting clothing, cut-resistant leg chaps, boots, and a hard hat with a protective face screen.
- Keep the cutting chain properly sharpened, tensioned, and oiled. (Hint: Always have a second, sharpened chain on hand so that you can keep working when the first gets dull.)
- Grip the saw with both hands and keep both feet firmly on the ground.
- Saw only tree limbs you can reach from the ground. Never saw on a ladder or while holding the saw above your shoulders.
- Avoid sawing with the tip of the chain and bar, where kickback typically occurs. While plunge, boring, and other cuts that use the bar tip are essential for some kinds of sawing, they’re for experienced users and raise the risk of kickback.
- Felling (cutting down) a tree is a job best left to the pros, particularly for trees larger than about 6 inches around. While trees often fall in the direction they’re leaning, knowing where a tree will come down can be tricky. You’ll also need two safe escape routes when the tree begins to fall. The Web site of the University of Missouri’s extension center is among several with illustrated tree-felling techniques. Again, however, given the risks involved, we suggest calling a pro instead.
- Carry saws safely. For vehicles, secure them in the trunk or cargo area. Use a bar sheath or carrying case to protect yourself and the bar and chain. For hand-carrying, be sure that the engine is stopped and face the bar and chain to the rear. Also be sure the muffler is away from your body in case it’s still hot.