Every year, several people are killed or gets seriously injured due to working in confined spaces or caused by chainsaws often because they are unaware of the dangers, poorly trained, or do not have the correct safety equipment.
Typically, employers can eliminate the risk of these wounds by training their workers on proper chainsaw safety and operation, appropriate personal protective equipment, and by providing online confined space course training.
Before You Start the Chainsaw
Proper chainsaw operation starts before then twirling on the saw. Employees should monitor the area for anything that might put their safety at risk. Some of the instances include:
- Anything above the construction site that could dislodge into the work site
- A getaway route in case employees require to reach safety quickly
- Debris such as rocks, large branches, tree stumps, or nails
- Electric power lines
If workers observe electric power lines near the construction site, they must always remain at least several feet away from the lines. If they cannot, the appropriate inspector must contact the utility organization to de-energize the lines. Only operators who have had extra electrical safety training can work within certain feet of an energized power line.
It is essential to make sure that all chainsaw parts are in appropriate working condition before attempting to power on the saw. OSHA needs that all chainsaws have the following parts such as chain catcher, anti-vibration handle system, chain brake, hand guard, muffler, fuel container, throttle, and many more.
If employees find a chainsaw is vandalized or that any of the above parts are missing, they should report it to their controller, tag it with endangerment; do not use, and remove it from assistance until it can be repaired. Before starting a chainsaw it is vital to check fuel and oil levels. OSHA requires refuelling to take place at least ten feet away from any open flame or other sources of ignition.
Starting the Chainsaw
It is vital to understand that employees should place the saw on the ground with the chain brake occupied and pull the start cord toward them. It becomes necessary that employees always start a chainsaw at least ten feet away from the fuelling area and any combustible materials.
Proper Chainsaw Personal Protection Equipment
The following are the PPE that is needed by OSHA during chainsaw operation:
- Head protection
- Eye and face protection
- Hearing protection
- Hand protection
- Leg protection
- Foot protection
Safety and Operation Techniques
To diminish the risk of injury to themselves or others, employees should always practice proper chainsaw safety and operation techniques. These include:
- Making sure the fall area is free of debris or risks
- Circumventing cutting an object so that it falls into nearby objects
- This can cause both objects to fall in unforeseen and perhaps some dangerous ways
- Keeping the tip guard in place
- Gripping the handle with both hands
- Whenever possible, avoid cutting an object under tension
To avoid losing balance while using a chainsaw or losing control of the saw, workers should never use a saw in a way that causes them to be off-center, such as standing on an uneven surface or reaching out too far. To manage control of the chainsaw, it is pivotal that all cuts need to be below the waist and the chainsaw should never be raised above head level. If engineers are carrying the chainsaw more than 50 feet or through challenging terrains such as slippery surfaces or thick underbrush, they either grip the chain brake or shut off the chainsaw.
Working in Confined Spaces training program has been specially designed as a foundation to the topic so learners can know more about safe work practices, suitable control measures, and what the law says in regards to being safe at work.