By Linda
Breazeale MISSISSIPPI
STATE -- Hurricane Georges has passed, but the deadly
aftermath has just begun. Many
South Mississippi residents purchased their first chain saws
as the storm approached, but the risks abound for
experienced operators as well. Dr.
Laurie Grace, forestry specialist with Mississippi State
University's Extension Service, said chain saw accidents
occur when the operators fail to respect the deadly
potential of their saw and/or fail to wear protective
clothing such as chaps, safety boots, eye and ear
protection, and hard hats. "Accidents
happen when people let their guard down. Inexperienced chain
saw users should realistically analyze the job and decide if
a more experienced operator should be called," Grace said.
"Remember, the chain saw is designed to cut wood. The chain
won't have any problem cutting flesh and bone, and it won't
be like nicking yourself with a knife or razor
blade." Grace
said the aftermath of a natural disaster often brings major
injuries and deaths to both professional and amateur chain
saw users. For example, in the first week after Hurricane
Hugo when through South Carolina, two people were killed
with chain saws in the cleanup efforts, she said. "Professionals
may be preoccupied by the other stresses related to the
disaster and they can drop their guard in the cleanup
process," Grace said. "The federal government wrote
guidelines for professionals, and every rule is written in
blood. Someone was hurt." Grace
said exhaustion also can contribute to accident. "Pace
yourself, and check the saw during a job to make sure it is
working properly," she said. "Read the owners manual
carefully for safety instructions. No job is worth the risk
of injury or death." For more
information on safe chain saw operation, contact the local
county Extension Service office. Released:
Oct. 2, 1998
Family,
Youth & Consumer News
Chain Saw Users
Face Deadly Risks
Contact: Dr. Laurie Grace, (601) 325-8919
Visit: DAFVM
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Last Modified: Friday, 19-Dec-08 10:29:22
URL: http://msucares.com/news/print/fcenews/fce98/981002lg.htm
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