Chainsaw Safety Tips Every Arborist Should Know
Chainsaws are essential tools for cutting down trees, pruning branches, and managing overgrowth. However, their powerful blades and high-speed motors make them potentially dangerous if not used correctly. Whether you're a professional arborist or a DIY homeowner, prioritizing safety is crucial when operating a chainsaw. Below are key safety tips that every chainsaw user should know to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth tree-cutting process.
1. Wear Protective Gear
Before even starting the chainsaw, ensure you're wearing the right safety equipment. Essential protective gear includes:
Helmet with a face shield to protect against falling branches and debris.
Hearing protection due to the loud noise chainsaws produce.
Gloves with enhanced grip and cut resistance.
Chainsaw chaps or pants, made with special fibers to stop the saw if it comes into contact with your leg.
Steel-toed boots for foot protection from falling objects or missteps. This gear can significantly reduce the severity of injuries, should an accident occur.
2. Inspect the Chainsaw
A well-maintained chainsaw is not only more efficient but also safer. Before each use, check that the chain is sharp and properly tensioned, the safety features (such as chain brakes) are working, and the saw is oiled adequately. A dull or poorly tensioned chain can cause kickback, which is one of the most dangerous chainsaw hazards(Everything Arboriculture)(Forbes Tree Care).
3. Plan Your Cuts Carefully
Before cutting, examine the tree and its surroundings. Determine the direction of the tree's natural lean and plan the fall path accordingly. Make sure that there is a clear escape route for you to move away once the tree starts falling(Forbes Tree Care). When cutting branches, especially above shoulder height, avoid cutting directly above your head to reduce the risk of the chainsaw slipping.
4. Understanding Kickback
Kickback happens when the tip of the chainsaw bar strikes an object or becomes pinched. This causes the saw to jerk violently back toward the user. To minimize the risk of kickback:
Always hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands.
Avoid cutting with the tip of the saw.
Make sure the chain brake is functioning correctly. Following these guidelines can drastically reduce the likelihood of injury caused by sudden kickback(Garden Guides).
5. Use the Correct Cutting Techniques
For felling a tree, it's important to know the proper cuts:
Face Cut: A notch or wedge-shaped cut in the direction the tree will fall.
Back Cut: A horizontal cut made on the opposite side of the tree that completes the felling process. Ensure you leave a hinge of wood between the face and back cuts to control the fall(Bovees, where the growing begins!)(Garden Guides). For smaller tasks, such as pruning, always use controlled cuts and maintain proper footing.
6. Never Cut Alone
Even if you're an experienced arborist, it's always safer to have someone nearby who can assist or call for help in case of an emergency. Tree cutting can be unpredictable, and having someone there could be the difference between life and death if an accident occurs(Forbes Tree Care).
7. Follow Local Laws and Regulations
Certain areas have specific guidelines for cutting down trees, especially in residential areas or near power lines. Be sure to follow these laws and always check with local authorities before beginning any significant tree-cutting project(Everything Arboriculture).
Disclaimer
While chainsaws are efficient tools for tree management, they also carry significant risks. Family Tree Care does not claim to train or encourage anyone to cut a tree down without professional assistance. Always seek proper training, use the right safety equipment, and call a certified arborist for any complex tree removal or trimming. Safety should always be your top priority when working with chainsaws.
