Below are some additional guidelines for operating a chainsaw:
- Do not fell trees as a Church volunteer. Leave that work for professionals. You should work only on trees that have already fallen.
- Always wear protective gear. This includes the following:
- Hearing protection
- Safety glasses/face shield
- Boots
- Hard hat
- Chaps
- Gloves
- Do not cut alone. Always have someone nearby—but not too close to you—just in case something goes wrong.
- Never cut wood that is being held by somebody else.
- When starting a chainsaw, make sure the chain brake is engaged.
- Always hold a running chainsaw with two hands. Never use one hand. If you need to use a hand for something else, make sure you turn off the chainsaw first.
- Inspect the chainsaw before starting it to ensure that all the safety features are working and that the chain is tight on the guide bar.
- Never cut with the nose or tip of the chainsaw. This will cause kickback and can lead to serious injury.
- Never use a chainsaw to cut above your head.
- Before you refuel, allow the chainsaw to cool down.
- When walking, either turn off the chainsaw or engage the chain brake.
- Don’t use a chainsaw while standing on a ladder.
- Keep the chainsaw out of reach of children.