Chainsaw Safety & Cut Planning

Step by step

1. Step 1

   Pre-start check: chain tension and sharpness, chain brake, throttle interlock, bar oil, fuel, anti-vibration mounts, muffler and guards.

2. Step 2

   PPE on: helmet with eye and hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw-protective leg wear on the ground, boots.

3. Step 3

   Start the saw on the ground or braced, chain brake engaged, never drop-started while suspended.

4. Step 4

   Plan the cut: where the piece goes, where the saw goes when the cut ends, your escape route, and the position of your rope and body.

5. Step 5

   Keep the upper quadrant of the bar tip out of the wood — that is the kickback zone. Cut with the body of the bar.

   Thumb wrapped around the front handle. Elbow locked, not bent, when reaching.

6. Step 6

   Two hands on the saw whenever it is running, unless a specific one-hand cut is unavoidable and planned.

7. Step 7

   Brake on and secure the saw before repositioning aloft. Never let a running saw hang free near your line.

8. Step 8

   Call the cut. Confirm the ground crew is clear and answering before the chain touches wood.

Cautions

• Climbing line and saw never occupy the same space. Track your rope on every cut.
• Fuel only with the saw off and cool, away from ignition sources.
• Fatigue causes cuts. Stop, drink, sharpen, restart.

On-site checklist