Winter in the Pacific Northwest is always unpredictable. Wind and snow storms hammered Western Washington in early January, knocking down trees and causing power outages for 25,000 people.
More heavy snowfall and windstorms could hit the Pacific Northwest in the coming weeks, causing another round of headaches for homeowners. Your chance of a downed tree or branches increases in late winter, especially after heavy snowfalls damage trees.
Homeowners should prepare for the worst, and be prepared to weather a storm of fallen branches safely. The best time to brush up on basic chainsaw safety tips is before there’s a fallen tree on your lawn.
1] Read the Owner’s Manual
The exact instructions to safely adjust and operate a chainsaw can vary significantly by model or manufacturer. It’s important to read the owner manual cover to cover, even if you’re experienced.
If you’ve misplaced your owner manual, you’re probably still in luck. Husqvarna, Stihl and many other manufacturers offer free digital copies of saw owner manuals on their websites.
2] Wear Protective Gear
Personal protective equipment isn’t optional to safely operate a chainsaw. OSHA recommends all of the following gear:
- Hard Hat
- Ear Plugs
- Safety Glasses
- Heavy Work Boots
- Abrasion-Resistant Gloves
- Leg-Protective Chaps
Avoid wearing loose or frayed clothing which can become snagged in a chainsaw.
During the month of February, Carl’s Mower & Saw is offering 10% off all protective chainsaw chap products.
3] Avoid Working Unsupervised
If you’re a novice never attempt to start or operate a chainsaw outside the sight line of someone you trust. Ask a spouse or friend to stay “close”; experts recommend that bystanders stay at least 30 feet away from a chainsaw operator.
4] Understand Risky Projects
Chainsaws are one of the most dangerous hand tools that can be purchased without a license or special training. They’re responsible for 40,000 deaths and injuries each year. Inexperience isn’t always a risk, either. Most people injured have at least one year experience using a chainsaw. Never attempt a high-risk project, like sawing a tree which is on the ground or attempting to fell a damaged tree Be cautious and realistic about your skills and experience, asking for assistance from a professional is the best way to avoid injury.
Bottom line, chainsaws are incredibly useful. With proper training, preparation, understanding and respect, your chainsaw can be one of your most valuable tools.
5] Assess Safety
Before you start a saw or add fuel, check your equipment carefully against the owner’s manual. Make sure all controls, chain tension, bolts, and handles are working and adjusted to the setting recommended by the manufacturer. Before you start, verify that the lubrication is full, the chain is sharp, and most importantly, that the brake is locked.
6] Safely Start the Saw
Chainsaws should always be started on the ground at least 10 feet from the fueling area. Assume a firm stance and equally distribute your weight between both feet before you attempt to start the saw.
7] Avoid Kickback
Kickback is a sudden, unexpected motion of the nose of the saw toward the operator. It can occur when a chainsaw is accidentally struck against a log or the ground, or when the nose of the saw is used for cutting.
According to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), kickback is the single most-common reason for serious chainsaw injuries. Avoid attempting projects which are out-of-reach or cutting logs on the ground to avoid kickback. In addition, TCIA recommends locking your non-dominant arm to maintain maximum control. and it’s the single most-common reason for serious injuries.
8] Saw Below Hip Level
A chainsaw should always be operated between hip-level and the ground. It’s never safe to raise a chainsaw above your head. Climbing a ladder with a chainsaw to target hard-to-reach branches is never safe.
9] Safe Transport
Do not leave a chainsaw running when it’s not in use or you’re in motion, even if you’re just walking a short distance between branches. Apply the brake, and if you’re walking a significant difference, use a scabbard. Always inspect your work area carefully before you start sawing and remove any potential tripping hazards such as rocks or branches.
10] Smart Storage
A professional-grade scabbard product should be used to cover the chainsaw when you’re transporting it across your property. Finally, make sure your saw is stored in a safe location, where it is out-of-reach of children.
Conclusion: Saw Safe and Saw Smart
Late winter storms can cause downed trees, branches, and headaches for Pacific Northwest homeowners. Resist the temptation to jump straight into a tree-removal project, especially if you’re an inexperienced chainsaw operator. Protect yourself with a safe-saw-knowledge, protective gear, and caution to avoid accidents.
Carl’s Mower is a local, family-owned outdoor power equipment provider that has been serving Whatcom County homeowners and landscapers for 30 years. We look forward to helping you get the most out of your equipment!