gsganzer
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2003
- Messages
- 3,024
- Location
- Denton, TX
- Tractor
- L3800 w/FEL and BH77, BX 2200 w/FEL and MMM
A mention of a chainsaw accident in one of the other forums prompted me to address this subject. I spent my college years as an arborist and forester and would like to share some tips. The most important thing you have to understand is the potential danger of these useful tools. You'll be requiring over 30 stitches for every tenth of a second that spinning chain touches your skin. And I'll guarantee the scar won't impress the girls. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
First of all, if you're using an older style saw that doesn't have an "anti-kickback chainbrake", vibration isolation and a chain guard to prevent a broken or de-railed chain from wrapping around your hand, then it's time to shell out some money for a modern saw. The risks aren't worth it. Besides, a quality modern saw (husky, stihl) will greatly increase your productivity and comfort, as well as add to your safety. While you're buying your new saw, also purchase some good leather gloves (Don't use a saw without them), hardhat with flip-down ear muffs and face guard and some chainsaw chaps.
Second, never work alone with a chainsaw, or at the very least let someone know where you're working and when you'll be back. Be sure of what you're cutting and avoid cutting with the tip of the bar. A kickback is not a good thing and usually sends the bar violently upward toward your face. Also, watch for limbs under strain. These can spring with amazing force.
Lastly, carry some first aid supplies. I always wore a bandana around my neck for the following reasons: wear as a headband to keep sweat out of my eyes, use as a rag, use as a tourniquet (sp) or use to apply pressure to a wound. I also kept some womens tampons and feminine pads in the glove box. You might laugh, but anyone who owns horses knows these are invaluable for stuffing in a wound to control bleeding (just don't let your pals see them!)
Never, ever operate a poorly maintained chainsaw, if your ill or on medication, overheated or fatigued. It only takes a fraction of a second.....
First of all, if you're using an older style saw that doesn't have an "anti-kickback chainbrake", vibration isolation and a chain guard to prevent a broken or de-railed chain from wrapping around your hand, then it's time to shell out some money for a modern saw. The risks aren't worth it. Besides, a quality modern saw (husky, stihl) will greatly increase your productivity and comfort, as well as add to your safety. While you're buying your new saw, also purchase some good leather gloves (Don't use a saw without them), hardhat with flip-down ear muffs and face guard and some chainsaw chaps.
Second, never work alone with a chainsaw, or at the very least let someone know where you're working and when you'll be back. Be sure of what you're cutting and avoid cutting with the tip of the bar. A kickback is not a good thing and usually sends the bar violently upward toward your face. Also, watch for limbs under strain. These can spring with amazing force.
Lastly, carry some first aid supplies. I always wore a bandana around my neck for the following reasons: wear as a headband to keep sweat out of my eyes, use as a rag, use as a tourniquet (sp) or use to apply pressure to a wound. I also kept some womens tampons and feminine pads in the glove box. You might laugh, but anyone who owns horses knows these are invaluable for stuffing in a wound to control bleeding (just don't let your pals see them!)
Never, ever operate a poorly maintained chainsaw, if your ill or on medication, overheated or fatigued. It only takes a fraction of a second.....