Chainsaw safety

[ericm979]

Here's the whole setup for the homeowner for $100..

Husqvarna Protective clothing PPE Homeowner Kit

That's a good deal. I have that helmet. It's good other than needing a cloth head band instead of the plastic one.
I used https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RMGQPY

 

[cmyoung2]

I use the Labonville wrap around chaps, have used the Husky's from Lowes and Stil wrap arounds. Just wore them out and tried different stuff. I like the wrap arounds, just more protection and they stay in place better for me. The big thing is to wear some sort of chaps, everytime. Hard toed boots can save some pain, I've cut my boots, not my foot-yet. Eye and ear protection, if combined with a helmet even better. If just cutting firewood, not in the woods, I just use ear muffs and glasses. Use glasses under the helmet face guard.
About 50% of chainsaw injuries are above the waist, may consider the protective shirts. I haven't gone there yet.
Make sure your chain catcher is still in place, it really helps stop the loose chain, but they do disappear.
Usually burn 6-10 full cords a year, cut a little bit of timber. So far have not had a reportable injury, 60+ years old. But i have nicked chaps and boots that could have been bad if not for the extra layer. Been working with farm safety stuff for 40+ years, have seen way too much nasty stuff that could have been prevented.

 

[s219]

Labonville are the best chaps in my experience, and they will last longer too. The stuff from box stores tends to be cheap and the fit is a gamble. Safety toe boots are a must. Make sure you have ear/eye protection too. Helmet for felling.

 

[ericm979]

Helmets are a good idea when you're working in the woods. Lots of stuff falls from trees.

 

[lakeside]

I experienced an accident a few years ago that would have been life changing if it had not been for me wearing chaps. I laid a still running chain against my left thigh but all that happened was I ruined an almost new pair of chaps.

Since then, no matter how little I'm cutting I wear my old, cut chaps over my new pair. I figure I'd rather cut an old pair of chaps instead of a new set. If the chain somehow hits the very same spot, I still have the new pair underneath. I wear Kevlar gloves, a Kevlar vest and a logging helmet with a face shield. I also wear safety glasses and steel tied boots with a steel insoles. Sure, somebody may/will call it overkill, but I don't care. I'm the guy with the chain saw.

 

[oosik]

I thinned my stands of small pines for many years with a larger Stihl. I had two close calls - toe of my boot and upper leg of my pants. I was "saved" because I wear steel toed boots & multi layered pants. I then realized that FATIGUE was the problem and went to a much smaller Stihl.

My motorcycle riding buddy was not so fortunate. He was reinforcing his deck for the install of a hot tub. Somehow, while under the deck, the worm drive circular saw made contact with the top of his thigh. Blood spirting, blood everywhere.

His luck was - he was a paramedic in Vietnam. Knew exactly how to control the situation until I got him to the emergency room. The "situation" was repaired and he came out no worse for wear.

It scared the living daylights out of me though.

 

[Ortimber]

The best safety gear is your brain. Before cutting, take a second to assess the situation and cut accordingly.

Control the tip of the bar. IMHO, that is the most dangerous part of a chainsaw. Like a gun, keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times.

As far as gear, I always wear a helmet, gloves, good boots, hearing protection.

Eye protection and chaps come in depending on the task at hand. Cutting above shoulder height or limbing on the ground gets me in all the safety gear.

Keep your chain sharp. Dull chains wear you out fast.

 

[radios1]

the Chain catcher should have prevented the chain from lashing back at you!. Chainsaw safety features - Wikipedia

 

[nyone]

One more thing is to never be inline with the bar.
If the chain breaks it cant hit whats not there. I have never broke a chain but threw one off the bar. All of my chain catches are in place but have been hit by the chain.

 

[1930]

I appreciate all the responses. I am gonna change how I use the saw next time I pick it up.