Recently, we have experienced many tornadoes in our area. Many trees were down, and many were using chainsaws to remove damaged trees. Homeowners were operating chainsaws for the first time without any training or precautions. Operating a chainsaw is more than just pulling the start cord and pressing the throttle. Each year, improper use of chainsaws takes many lives in the United States.
I have witnessed landscapers operating chainsaws from ladders using one hand and not using any protective gear. I knew someone who was operating a chainsaw from a ladder. The tree fell and hit him from the ladder; he is no longer with us. Anyone who operates a chainsaw should read the safety manual and follow all safety requirements.
The following are some safety practices:
- Wear leg protection made with cut-resistant material
- Eye and safety protection
- Wear a hard safety hat when cutting from overhead or if there are overhead hazards.
- Wear hearing protection
- Always have a first aid kit onsite.
Also, both hands should be on the handle while running a chainsaw; it’s unsafe to operate a chainsaw above the shoulder and clear all obstacles that hinder a safe operation.
Planning the direction where the tree is going to fall is essential. A clear path to fall the tree is critical. Ensure that the tree will not fall on any objects, such as a building, a motor vehicle, or anything of value. It’s usually easier to drop a tree in the direction where it’s leaning, but make sure the path is clear.
For more information about chainsaw safety, contact Grantly Ricketts, UF IFAS Extension Commercial Agent, at 772-462-2847 or gricketts@ufl.edu.
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