How to: Safely Operate a Chain Saw

Operating a chain saw is a very dangerous task for both homeowners and professionals a like; a chain saw doesn't care if it's cutting wood or a body limb! Professionals are trained and become certified on how to safely operate a chain saw; with any repeated use of dangerous machine and human error, professionals are injured and killed each year by chain saws. Unlike professionals who are trained, homeowners each year buy chain saws to cut firewood, branches, and whole trees with little to no experience. Over the last five years the total annual chain saw accidents requiring medical attention increased from 70,000 to 135,000 which is increasing 10% each year. The numbers don't lie there is a problem and the only training the homeowner gets is personal experience or the owner manual purchased with the chain saw, we all know that everyone reads them as soon as they get home. The safety tips on how to safely operate a chain saw.

• Keep a firm grip on front and back handle. Keep your thumb wrapped completely around both handles.
• Keep a Chain saw properly maintained -- Check out our post called Chain saw maintenance
• Wear personal protection equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, hear protection, helmet, chainsaw chaps,  and proper foot wear (all PPE's must be ANSI approved)         
• Position the chainsaw so to keep the cutting attachment clear of your body.  

• Use chain brake whenever moving around while saw is running.
• Don't operate above shoulder height.
• Avoid using or contact with the upper quadrant of the tip of the guide bar. 

Any questions you may have I will be more than willing to answer and no question is stupid besides the one not asked! This isn't a supplement for training or a owners manual!