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Last Updated on September 21, 2020 by woodcutter
Chainsaw kickback safety guards is an important facts that has a wide range of uses with chainsaw. However, you need to be cautious when using a chainsaw because it can cause serious injuries if it is not handled properly. Safety measures in some products are usually just a precaution, but there are other products whose safety measures are a legal requirement. Manufacturers and professionals recommend that you inspect your chainsaw to ensure it is safe before using it. The safety measures in a chainsaw are mainly focused on preventing chainsaw kickback injuries. For us to be able to address this problem we need to understand what chainsaw kickback occurs
Chainsaw Kickback
Kickback occurs when the upper tip or the nose of the chainsaw touches an object such as a piece of wood, and it is pushed upwards, or there is swift reverse action towards the operator. Kickback is common when the chainsaw touches an object while the chain is rotating. If you are a beginner or you, do not have enough experience in using a chainsaw you may not know how to react when this sudden upward push occurs. Kick back can also occur when the piece of wood you are cutting closer in approximation pinching the chain of the saw. Here are various ways avoiding chainsaw kickback injuries.
Kickback Safety Measures
- Avoid touching the ground with the guide bar nose when cutting pieces of wood laying on the ground
- Ensure that the chainsaw has the correct tension
- Always maintain full power when cutting
- Use the default gauge settings or the manufactures settings
Cut a single piece at a time
Always ensure that the chain is properly sharpened according to the requirements
Maintain the correct angle and depth of the chain teeth
Operate the chainsaw when standing on the side of cutting path
Always hold the chainsaw in the correct position with both hands for safety purposes
When operating the chainsaw always maintain a safe distance from the cutting attachment
Always wear protective pieces of equipment such as helmets and gloves when operating the chainsaw
Lubricate the chainsaw before using it
Check whether the brake is functioning before you start cutting
Stand firmly and well balanced when using the chainsaw
Make sure there no obstructions near the chainsaw before starting it
Other than the above kickback safety measures, there are other important safety tips that will help you operate your chainsaw smoothly without risking your life.
Operate a chainsaw only after a proper and safe training
Read and understand instructions before attempting operating any chainsaw
Wear a proper Chainsaw kickback safety guards before using chainsaw
Observe how other experienced operators handle the chainsaw and they react to sudden saw movements
Operate the chainsaws that have been manufactured and maintained in accordance with the required standards.
Never start the chainsaw when it is resting on any part of your body
Always engage brakes when starting the chainsaw Never carry the chainsaw while it is still running Ensure that the chain of the saw is not moving when the chainsaw is idling Use the appropriate saw for each job regarding blade size and chain power. Keep your chainsaw free of dirt such as oil, sawdust and dust Always pay attention when operating the chainsaw so that you can be able to react accordingly if the saw misbehaves. Be aware of your working environment – power lines, animals, kids, building, and topography among other things
A chainsaw can be very useful in handling various tasks such as chopping firewood, cutting huge branches and logs among other uses. However, you need to notice the above safety measures to avoid events such as kickback injuries. Safety is crucial whenever you are operating a chainsaw. Chainsaws are very helpful when it comes to cutting but can turn out to be a nuisance when used improperly. Wearing Chainsaw safety guards is one of the best ways to protect yourself from injuries caused by chainsaws. Incidences of kickbacks can easily be prevented from causing injuries. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are the standard equipment that should be when operating a chainsaw by the occupational health and safety agency.
Some of the recent PPE Include for chainsaw safety guards
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Eye Protection PPE
Here, you need safety glasses, shields and goggles to protect the eyes from small chips from wood. Face shields that meet safety regulations should also be used but together with the goggles and eyeglasses. A face shield alone does not provide the adequate protection needed to keep the eyes safe from injuries.
Leather Gloves and Mitts
Leather gloves are ideal for absorbing some of the vibrations from the saw and protecting the hands from fatigue and tingling. The best leather gloves must be reinforced with a ballistic nylon on the back. The gloves are ideal and can help prevent unnecessary cuts when sharpening the saw.
Foot Protection PPE
Protective footwear must be of standard safety and approved for occupational safety and health bodies. The safety boots should be heavy and well fitting. They should be made from materials that are resistant to cutting just in case the saw comes into contact with the leg. Ballistic nylon is one of the best materials that resists cut from the chainsaws. When working in tough terrains, cork or grip soles are advised.
Head Protective PPE
A Chainsaw kickback safety guards head hat that is highly visible in color is the recommended choice.
Hearing Protective PPE
Hearing protective devices must also be worn to prevent damage to the ears from the loud sounds of the chainsaws. This common especially when using a gasoline operated chainsaw.
Leg Protection Clothing
Here, you will need chaps or trousers sewn with ballistic nylon that resists cutting. Trouser pants protecting the belt line are also advised. The clothes must be fitting and without any cuffs.
Fall Protection
Fall protection equipment include needed when climbing high in the trees, Know when you need one and always have them with you when climbing. Some of this equipment includes things like body belts, lanyards and harnesses.
The above list forms our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Clothing when operating a chainsaw. All the protection measures mentioned above should be worn at all times no matter the size of the job. Most manufacturers Everything needed to outfit a professional chain saw user in one box sell this protective equipment as a whole. The Husqvarna 531307180 Chain Saw Protective Apparel Power Kit, Professional, is one good example coming with everything you need to be safe. Buying a kit always ensures you don’t miss out on any PPE. Husqvarna offers three levels of protective gear. These levels are the homeowners, the landowner and for professional use. The homeowner equipment has a soft hat with the next two levels having a hard hat. It is highly recommended equipment and comes at a relatively low price.
Chainsaw Kickback Safety Guards
Most accidents occur due to people ignoring such small and simple safety measures. No matter how careful you are when working, accidents can occur at any time. Some of the common causes of accidents when working with a chainsaw include:
Poor operation of the chainsaw safety chain
The chainsaw might appear complicated but is one of the easiest machines to use. Most accidents occur due to improper use of the chainsaw. Is the chainsaw safety chain tightly fitted or loosely fitted? The chain must be properly tightened without creating too much tension or making it too loose. Some of the electric chainsaw kickback cases can easily be prevented if the chainsaw chain is properly set. All loose nut and bolts must be fastened with regular maintenance to the chainsaw performed.
Properly positioning yourself when cutting is also crucial to preventing injuries. Look out for the directions the trees and branches will fall. Passersby must have some distance away from the chainsaw when felling trees. Even with the PPE, care extra care should be taken when cutting using chainsaws. The PPE are only precautionary measures meant to prevent the extent of injuries.
Lastly, ensure you get the best chainsaw tip guard and PPE from the best companies. Manufacturing the best chainsaws alone is not ideal if companies cannot manufacture the best PPE to accompany their chainsaws. Husqvarna is a good example of a company with excellent chainsaw PPE.
- More than 28,500 chainsaw injuries occurred in 1999.
- Thirty-six percent of chainsaw accidents result in injuries to the legs and knees.
- The average chainsaw injury required 110 stitches.
- Medical costs for chainsaw injuries exceed $350 million per year.
- Over 40,000 people are injured by chainsaws every year.
- The two most common places for injuries are the front left thigh and the back of the left hand.
- One in 5 chain saw injuries are from kickback.
- Kickbak is the single greatest cause of injury to chain saw users.
- A muffer on achain saw can reach as 900 degrees F.
Safety Measures for Using Your Chainsaw
The best chainsaws for cutting trees is a machine that carries various hazards to the operator or people nearby. It is important to wear protective equipment and to know how to use it safely. Full head protection, thick gloves, special leg guards and safety boots with steel tips should be worn. Also, do not cut with the tip of the Guide bar. The machine must hold firmly. Do not cut at a height higher than the shoulders. Not to extend arms much; Chain, brake, lock, etc. Check that the carburetor for properly adjust and if it is a gasoline chain saw, it must be recharge when the engine is cold.
In addition, having sharp chain spare parts is very important. An uneven chain, makes the job more difficult and increases the chance of an accident. When driving, the chain saw must be keep at a safe distance. Since it rotates at high speed and because of the nature of its work, is not covered. Other hazards come from trees, splinters and cut branches, which can injure the worker in his fall or by projection. The operator must also work with earmuffs to reduce engine noise. Even though the exhaust muffler, continue work can be harmful if no ear protection is use. They are also hazards to consider the vibrations of the equipment during its work. The contact with hot surfaces of the engine or the muffler, the accidental breakage of the chain, etc.
Safety measures to avoid accidents with chainsaws
- First of all, carefully read the instruction manual of the tool you have.
- Check that chain brake, chain retainer hook, throttle trigger lock, master control lever, and spark plug work properly.
- Use the saw only to cut wood objects, this will prevent accidents and damage to the tool.
- Wear a safety protect helmet for the head and face; Safety glasses with upper and lateral protection; Earmuffs or earplugs to protect the ears; Leather or cotton gloves to handle the chainsaw; Protective blankets or trousers for legs and thick safety boots with non-slip soles and iron tips. Avoid all kinds of loose clothing, scarves or ties, as garments can get caught in moving parts. Always use certified products for use with your best chainsaws.
- Before using the chainsaw, be sure to be fully lucid and rested, since it requires a lot of concentration and strength to handle it properly.
- To avoid bouncing or the risk of kickback injuries, use a reduced kickback Guide bar, low kickback chain and chain brake. Also, avoid that the tip of the Guide bar rubs with any other object, since the Guide bar would jump upwards and backwards constituting a serious danger.
- To ensure accurate cutting and for your own safety, avoid holding the saw by stretching the arms excessively or making cuts above the shoulders.
- To move on foot with the tool in hand, be sure to turn off the engine and place the sheath on the chain and the Guide bar. When traveling in a vehicle, grasp the tool to prevent it from overturning and spilling the fuel.
- To refuel, wait for the engine to cool. Note that if the chainsaw has no fuel, it should be allowed to cool for 30 minutes. Open the filler cap very carefully, because of the pressure, gas can emanate and cause severe burns.
- Never smoke while recharging the chainsaw and always keep in mind that the best chainsaws is designed for outdoor use and never indoors.
- In order to be able to replace the chain in the event of damage, always have several spare chains that are sharp and in accordance with the model of your tool.
- Always use original accessories and spare parts.
- When cutting a tree, observe well which side is exerting pressure, placing in the opposite direction to prevent it from falling on it.
- Turn off the chainsaw when it is not in use. Make sure it is not accessible to people who are not authorize or has training to handle it.
Trish Blassingame says
Your article definitely highlights the accidents which can occur! Years ago I learned that a person wanting to own and use a chainsaw in the UK had to be licensed, a great idea!
Thanks for the stats and the links as well.