The Chainsaw: Friend Or Foe?
Release Date: July 20, 2005
Release Number: 1595-016
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Dennis
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The chainsaw, an indispensable machine for clearing out the thousands of downed trees left behind by Hurricane Dennis, is a formidable power tool that can cause severe injuries or even death in less than a second. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) urge everyone using this tool to exercise caution and practice chainsaw safety guidelines.
Here is a basic set of guidelines to reduce the risk of injury from a chainsaw.
- Wear protective clothing – gloves to give you a good grip, a hard hat, safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with non-slip soles and trim-fitted clothing that won't get caught in the chain.
- Follow instructions in the owner's manual for starting and operating the saw.
- Stand to the side of the saw so you won't hit your leg when the bar cuts through the tree.
- Hold the saw parallel to the ground with your control arm straight for better control and to reduce the chance of "kick back."
- Keep both hands on the saw while it is running and avoid cutting above mid-chest height.
- Never try to cut a tree with a diameter greater than the length of the chainsaw blade.
- Be extremely careful when cutting limbs or trunks of trees that are bent or under tension; the branch can spring back into the operator.
- Carry the saw below the waist with the engine off and bar pointed to the rear.
- Do not work alone. Have a companion nearby and keep bystanders and helpers at a safe distance so they will not be injured by the saw, flying chips, sawdust or a falling tree.
Many of the outlets that sell chainsaws will be able to provide users with a chainsaw operation safety manual.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 20-Jul-2005 08:15:21