How To Maintain Safety While Using Chainsaws

A chainsaw is a sturdy tool that comprises of an inbuilt saw blade wrapped around a fairly lengthy metallic guide bar and a gasoline cylinder or an electric motor for chopping down trees and logs. The design of the chainsaw is akin to that of a bicycle hurtling on sprockets. It boasts of over 30 sharp teeth encased around it evenly. Chainsaws are the numero uno choice of most people who prefer using them over other cutting tools especially when it comes to chopping timber, tree, etc. since their blades are very agile. Chainsaws render axes, handsaws, and other related machines inefficient due to the fact these machines give off rough edges after a cut has been initiated. On the other hand, chainsaws are renowned for providing smooth and intricate finishes.

However, there are certain downsides of using chainsaws as well. As a heads up, they can be relatively dangerous to operate and turn out be a fatal misadventure that spells doom for their user. With razor sharp blades and their ability to cut almost anything that comes in their way, users should be extra careful when handling chainsaws to avoid getting serious injuries. They can take the help of a safety guide for chainsaws and read up all the necessary information or refer to it for future usage. Down below we have collated some safety essentials one must bear in mind while dealing with chainsaws. Have a quick read-

#1. Operational Safety

Firstly, you ought to carefully read the owner’s manual that comes with every chainsaw. Go through the instructions first before attempting to use any chainsaw. Take into account the weight of the chainsaw and review your health, etc. Make it a point to operate the chainsaw in ventilated areas only while wearing personal protective equipment. Also, while cutting with the top or bottom part of your machine, always avoid the ‘blowback’ zone, which is a steep 90-degrees from the centre front upwards. Lastly, only rely on chainsaws that you have trained yourself to use rightly and securely.

#2. Proper Usage

Always make it a point to use chainsaws with the chain section facing downwards from the handle bar. This ensures that your saw pulls gently and makes it easy to manoeuvre by keeping a sturdy grip. Since modern chainsaws are equipped with automatic braking systems that you can easily chop away the underside of a branch and wish away all the unnerving spookiness as the blade pushes towards you. Thus, ideally you are safe against kickback movement of the blade if you are using a newer chainsaw.

#3. Safety Apparatus

Always put on your safety gear before turning on chainsaws. You can avail safety chaps that are endowed with the ability to stop any briskly hurtling chain from causing unwanted injuries and salvage your thighs from being dismembered. Additionally, wearing a helmet with a face screen and ear protection device keeps your head, eyes and ears secure from flying debris. Likewise, you can also protect your skin by opting for steel-toed boots as well as long-sleeved shirts by using them as a firewall against abrasions and scratches.

#4. Basic Know How

There are certain things that come with experience. For instance, if your job entails abrupt to and fro movements from one spot to another with a running chainsaw in hand, always remove the right hand from the back handle and march ahead with your left hand holding tightly onto the front bar to reduce the possibility of your chain spinning uncontrollably if you accidentally trip or stumble.

#5. Maintenance

Maintenance is a must have essential for chainsaws. In order to remain sharp and prolong precision, chainsaws require some priming and timely check-ups. Before you begin with any maintenance work, turn off the chainsaw by directly disconnecting the spark plug on gas-powered models or an electric power source in mechanical chainsaws. Secondly, check air filter to ensure they are wiped clean, and adjust the settings of the chain tension if the need may arise. Subsequently, inspect oiling of the chain brakes, throttle lockout and oiler.

Now that you know the ins and outs on some safety tips for dealing with chainsaws, you must ensure that you use them judiciously keeping your health in the forefront.