Lauren Wynn
is the Program Specialist who coordinates the Georgia Farm Bureau Safety Program.
Georgia Farm Bureau Safety Program
A chain
saw is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes,
such as cutting firewood and clearing land. However, operating
a chain saw can be five times more dangerous than driving
a racecar. Some of the hazards associated with chain saw use
are: kickback, burns, electrocution and loss of control.
Many
chain saw accidents are caused by kickback. Kickback is the
reactive force that happens when the nose or tip of the guide
bar comes in contact with a solid object or is pinched and
recoils toward the operator. Saws manufactured since 1985
come equipped with at least three anti-kickback features.
Reactive forces can cause loss of control and result in a
serious injury.
One
of the easiest ways to prevent injuries is with protective
clothing, including a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection,
gloves, long sleeve shirt, long pants and sturdy boots or
shoes.
Eye
protection is necessary to prevent chips from getting in your
eyes. An object the size of a pea traveling at six miles an
hour can knock your eyes out, so flying wood chips have the
potential to cause even more damage. To reduce the risk of
an injury, you should wear goggles or safety glasses with
adequate top and side protection.
Operating
a chain saw for longer than twelve minutes without hearing
protection can damage your hearing. It is also essential to
use ear plugs or muffs.
You
should not drop start the saw. When you drop the saw to the
ground, you can easily lose control. Start the saw by either
placing it on firm ground or by holding it between your legs
just above the knees. Make sure the guide bar and chain are
clear of any obstructions.
Always
hold a running saw firmly with both hands. Whether you are
right or lefthanded, your right hand should be at the rear
handle and trigger and your left hand should be on the front
handle bar. Prolonged use of a chain saw could result in carpal
tunnel syndrome or a condition known as white finger disease
due to the vibrations. These conditions produce numbness and
reduce your hands' ability to feel.
As with
any equipment, you should read the manufacturer's instructions
before operating a chain saw to get the full benefits of this
tool.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
|