Did you know that a dull chainsaw can be dangerous? That's why it's critical that everyone using a chainsaw should understand chainsaw safety. Just like driving the message home in advertising is based on repetition, the same principal applies to chainsaws when it comes to their proper use. Using the right techniques for sharpening, handling and cleaning will help to leave you injury free. This article covers the highlights that you should keep in mind.
Important Chainsaw Safety
Chainsaw safety is extremely important, especially when you consider the importance of your extremities. The most important aspect of chainsaw safety is knowledge. You are doing great by reading this article, but it surely isn't going to teach you everything you need to know. So, read this article and then go and read some more!
A great place to start on your quest of chainsaw knowledge is with an expert. Find a retail establishment that is experienced with chainsaw sales and pick their brains. They should be able to provide you with a lot of information, including proper handling, cleaning, and sharpening of the chainsaw. They are also going to be there to help you choose which chainsaw is right for you and your specific needs. Since there are several different sizes of chainsaws, it is imperative that you get one that is right for you.
Once you leave the store with your new chainsaw safely tucked in the trunk of your car, head home and read up on the manual. This is the best place to find information on chainsaw safety as it is specific to your product.
The safest use of a chainsaw is when it is completely sharpened. A dull saw is more dangerous to you than a sharp one. Whenever you are sharpening your saw, you should be wearing very thick gloves. To make this even safer, take it to a professional! Then you can be assured that your blade is as sharp as possible and you won't be risking any of your fingers in the process.
Ultimately, the most important safety is awareness. You need to be aware of your chainsaw and your surroundings. You need to be in the right mental state as well. Make sure you are rested and not impaired by any alcohol or medications. You will be safest running your chainsaw when you are in the right state of mind.
Chainsaw safety is extremely important for you and anyone within your vicinity! Take your time to learn as much as you can about this machine in your hands. Utilize the expert at the store where you purchase your chainsaw and read the manual thoroughly. Take precautions to ensure that your chainsaw is always sharp and running properly. If you are unsure of this, then take it to a professional for sharpening and maintenance. Finally, always be aware of your surroundings, your physical strength, and your mental state. Follow these guidelines and you are certainly more likely to hold on to all of your limbs!
STIHL SHOP is a national chain of independent, locally owned specialist outdoor power equipment dealers including stihl chainsaws
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February 19 2010 | chainsaws | No Comments »
The first thing that should come to mind in using a chainsaw for the first time is chainsaw safety. They are wonderful tools, but can cause serious injuries in the wrong hands. The wrong hands, in the case of employers, can be those of an employee what has been using chainsaws without proper training. From using the right protective equipment to following correct procedures, chainsaw safety is essential. The following article covers what you need to keep in mind when you hire new employees who will be using the chainsaw.
Chainsaw Safety Training - The Important Points to Cover With Each of Your Employees
Did you know that more than 30,000 people are injured each year while using a chainsaw? And, that figure is in the United States alone. Since worldwide numbers are not readily available we can see that the actual number is much higher. For this reason, particularly if you are an employer whose employees use a chainsaw regularly, safety training is an absolute must. By providing proper training for those affected employees, you can reduce your on the job injuries, reduce your workers' compensation insurance costs, and have a much cleaner safety record.
First and foremost, ensure that any new employees that are hired are trained on the proper use of the chain saw before they use it. Regardless of the employees experience level, it is your job that any new hire is trained before being allowed to use this dangerous tool. Why? At least two reasons: 1) It is an OSHA requirement that all new employees be trained before they enter a hazardous workplace, and 2) you took the time to find, hire, and retain this new employee and you don't want to have to start over again. Is this selfish on behalf of you the employer? Absolutely.
Much of your chainsaw safety training needs to revolve around the use of the proper personal protective equipment or PPE. Much time should be spent discussing the use of hard hats, proper hand protection such as gloves, eye protection in the form of safety glasses, and hearing protection such as ear plugs. Proper training on PPE will go a long way to ensure that your employees who use a chainsaw on the worksite will remain safe while on the job.
Finally, make sure that your employees are trained on the proper process of starting the chainsaw. Although this sounds overly simple, many accidents occur by employees doing an "air drop" technique to start the saw. This is where the operator holds the starting cord with one hand and drops the saw forcing the start of the tool by gravity. Many employees think this is the "cool" way to start a chainsaw and many an operator have lost their hands while attempting this. There is only one proper way to start a chainsaw and that is with the tool in complete control at all times. Your employee's should know that safety is important at your company and that any violations might result in discipline or termination.
If you want to use a comprehensive training solution, check out this chainsaw safety training video.
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February 18 2010 | chainsaws | No Comments »