| Definition |
A chainsaw is a portable mechanical saw powered by gasoline, electricity, or battery, featuring a chain with sharp teeth rotating at high speed around a guide bar. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Chemical:
- Exhaust hazards (CO, fumes)
Physical:
- Cuts/Lacerations
- Hearing damage
- Vibration disease (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome)
- Burns
- Flying debris
- Struck by hazards (falling lumber)
- Strain/Sprain
- Kickback
- Electrical shock
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| Controls |
Substitution:
- Use of construction saws (circular, mitre, quick saw, table saw)
Administrative:
- Regular inspection and maintenance
- Appropriate training
- Hazard Assessment
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Basic PPE: CSA/ANSI approved safety footwear
- Task-Specific PPE: Chainsaw chaps, helmet with face protection, hearing protection
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure PPE is being worn.
- Ensure a hazard assessment has been completed.
- Ensure the Worker using the chainsaw is trained.
- Ensure a control zone is set up
Do not
- Interrupt the Workers while they are using the chainsaw.
- Allow Worker to use equipment on a ladder.
- Allow Worker to use a chain saw when another tool is better suited and safer for the work task.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Operate, adjust and maintain according to manufacturers’ specifications and the Applicable Legislation.
- Thoroughly inspect the chainsaw prior each use for defective or dull chain, chain tension, sharp teeth, fluid levels and proper lubrication.
- Put on all required PPE prior to starting the chainsaw.
- Use both hands when starting the chainsaw, one to hold the saw and the other to pull the starter rope.
- Start the chainsaw on the ground or on a stable, clear surface.
- Cut at the base of the blade – do not saw with the tip of the blade.
- Use a high chain speed when reinserting the blade in a cut or removing it from a cut.
- Cut below shoulder height, otherwise the saw is difficult to control and is too close to the face.
- Keep in mind where the chain will go if it breaks. Never position yourself or other people in the line of fire.
- Keep the chain out of the dirt. Debris will fly, the teeth will be dulled, and the chain life shortened.
- Establish a control zone (10 ft min).
- Inspect wood for nails, screw, or gang plates before cutting.
- Tape off or have a spotter if the cut material could fall into an area below
Do not
- Use chain saws that you have not been trained to use properly and safely.
- Start a chainsaw while holding it mid‐air, with one hand, or rested against any part of the body.
- Leave running saw unattended.
- Use a saw that is damaged, is improperly adjusted or is loose / missing parts.
- Force a chainsaw through a cut. If it is properly sharpened and adjusted, it will cut almost by itself (Keep in mind that the hardness of the wood will have a major effect on how quickly it cuts).
- Make cuts with the saw between your legs. Always cut with the saw to the outside of your legs.
- Cut from a ladder or any unstable surface.
- Adjust the chain or guide bar when the motor is running.
- Do not refuel a running or hot saw.
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