Chainsaw Safety: Training Employees in Safe Handling

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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July 01 2010 | chainsaws | No Comments »

Homelite Chainsaws for the DIY Guy

Homelite Chainsaws have been developed specifically with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. Basically, they are simple for the weekend backyard denizen to operate. Homelite chainsaws take some of the grunt out of yard work. They have a reputation for reliability.

Why Choose a Homelite Chainsaw?

For starters, Homelite is a reliable company with a strong history. This company began in 1921 when Charles H. Ferguson founded the Home Electric Lighting Company in Port Chester, New York. It was later renamed Homelite and made its first electric chainsaw in 1946. A few years later, in 1949, it manufactured a one-man chainsaw and from then on, this company proved itself as a leader in the power equipment industry. But they never stopped improving their line. In 1963, they introduced a lightweight chainsaw that weighed only twelve pounds. Homelite understood the need for a product line that would be easy to use and efficient. Their compact models offer today's homeowners power for their backyard projects at a price they can afford. Buying a Homelite chainsaw is a solid investment backed by this company's reputation and skill in manufacturing a line of tried and true products.

Let's Look at Homelite Chainsaws

Homelite has many models of chainsaws to choose, each with special features for particular types of work. Before being dazzled by their product line, determine your own personal need for a chainsaw. Homeowners won't need the most expensive professional models, which may be too cumbersome and awkward for ordinary backyard use. Homelite specifically has a line of chainsaws geared to do-it-yourselfers, and the features of these models may be exactly what you need. For the average homeowner, the chainsaw bar lengths are 14, 16, 18 or 20 inches. To help you understand what that means, a 14 inch bar can cut through twice its length or 28 inches. Once again, you need to decide what you will be using the saw for before making your purchase.

Chainsaw Safety

Homelite also stresses safety when using their chainsaws. Only use this machine while wearing heavy work gloves, as well as eye and ear protection. The Homelite chainsaws have safety features, like cut-resistant "chaps", which have fibers that release at the saw's impact. This is designed to prevent the skin getting cut. Most do-it-yourselfers prefer the Homelite Ranger model with a 16 inch chainsaw bar. It's powerful enough to take down a small tree and compact enough for regular yard work.

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June 14 2010 | chainsaws | No Comments »

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