It’s summertime, so it’s a good time for a little refresher on chainsaw operating safety.

Proper gear
safety glasses/face shield – to protect your eyes and face from wood chips
gloves –  for grip and protection
hearing protection – earplugs or earmuffs
leg protection – chaps, leggings or cut resistant pants
proper footwear – steel toes that have good grip
hard hat – if there’s anything overhead
no loose clothing

Proper handling
hold the saw with both hands
be cautious of kickback; do not saw with the tip
turn off saw when carrying or refueling it
don’t cut above shoulder height
hold saw firmly
start the saw on the ground or other firm support; don’t drop start it
looks for nails or other metal in the tree before cutting
maintain secure footing
watch for branches under tension that may spring out when cut
do not push the saw; let the saw do the work for you
do not refuel a hot saw

Proper maintenance
keep saw chain sharp
adjust idle
keep chain lubricated and tensioned correctly
clean the saw

We have a top handle chainsaw available for purchase along with protective gear.  The weight of the saw is evenly balanced under the right arm trigger handle, so workers with a weakened left arm can operate this chainsaw safely.

(Information from www.osha.gov and www.lowes.com)