Safety Tips For Using A Chainsaw

The best thing about outdoor power equipment is that it lets you do all sorts of work in very little time. Tools such as chainsaws require a certain amount of knowledge to use safely. You can also decrease your chance of injury by outfitting yourself with proper personal protective equipment or PPE.

Safe Practices Make For Safe Results

Chainsaw safety is your responsibility whenever you use one at a job site. It’s essential to thoroughly read all instructions and cautions with your equipment. Take a class that teaches you chainsaw safety tips and best practices so you can use your tools competently. Never try to cut anything other than wood with these devices, and never let them contact the ground while they’re running.

You can prevent your battery-powered chainsaw from activating by unplugging it before you work on the chain or perform other maintenance.

Caution is essential, as is outfitting yourself with the proper safety gear. Gloves keep your hands from getting cut by flying chips and rocks. Goggles do the same for your eyes. A proper helmet is essential for chainsaw safety; get a brim in the front to catch the blade if it kicks back. Pick up a pair of OSHA-approved steel-toed boots for maximum foot protection. Chainsaw chaps are specialized leg wraps that you put on over your pants. They strap around your calves and waist and feature strong materials such as Kevlar and high-denier nylon to lessen the chain’s impact if it hits you.

The Right Tool for the Job

Make sure you’re using the equipment for its intended purpose. It’s tempting to get a chainsaw with the longest bar possible, but you only need one long enough to cut the pieces you’re working with. If you fell trees, you only need the bar to be half as long as the width of the trunk because you will come at it from two angles. Check out what sort of work your chainsaw is rated to do, such as farm, professional, or home. Tools rated for homeowners are not designed for constant use, so you should let them cool down and always perform regular maintenance.

You have a lot of work to do, and a gas or electric chainsaw makes it go by quickly.

Always respect your tool by using it properly and staying current with the upkeep. Following these chainsaw tips can keep you healthy and safe.