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SAFE WOOD CUTTING PRACTICES
Operating a chain saw safely requires that the chain saw be in proper working order, with the chain properly tensioned.
It also requires sound judgment, knowledge of proper cutting methods, and having a plan for every cut you make.
WARNING! Do not let any person use your chain saw unless he or she has read the operator’s manual
and this safety manual, and fully understands all instructions. Never let children or minors operate the saw.
WARNING! Do not let helpers hold wood for you to cut. Keep helpers and bystanders a safe distance
away. Don’t reach in to grab cut material until the saw chain has come to a complete stop.
Use your saw only to cut wood or wood products. Do not cut metal, sheet metal, or
any non-wood materials.
Maintain good control at all times, using a secure, balanced stance and a firm, two-
handled grip.
Stay on the uphill side when bucking or limbing logs, which might otherwise roll
toward you after being cut.
STAY ABOVE LOG ON
DOWN SLOPE
WARNING! Keep both feet on the ground. Do not work from off-the-ground positions.
Working from ladders is extremely dangerous because they can slip, your footing is confined, and your control is
extremely limited. Working aloft should be left to the experts.
WARNING! Do not work from metal ladders when there are power lines close by. Do not work on any tree if any
of its branches may be in contact with power lines. If a tree hits a power line DON’T GO NEAR! Notify the power
company as soon as possible.
Work only when there is adequate lighting to see clearly.
When there are several workers, they should be stationed where they will not interfere with one another. During felling
and limbing operations, only the chain saw operator should be working on a tree, which can shift at any time.
When felling a tree or any chain saw process, keep people and animals away a distance of at least twice the height of
the tree. This “rule” also applies when hung-up trees are being dragged down.
Before cutting, clear the area of materials likely to be ignited by the saw or that may interfere with your footing or the
cutting process. Be sure the path of retreat is clear. It is wise to plan two exit paths in case one becomes blocked
during the tree’s fall.
WARNING! If a tree starts falling toward you, or you see a branch ready to fall,
LEAVE THE SAW AND GET AWAY FAST! Any tree with a hollow rotted trunk, thick
loose bark, and suspended dead branches is extremely dangerous to disturb by cutting.
Such trees should be taken down by professionals.
WARNING! Be extremely careful when attempting to fell trees during periods of
high wind or with unbalanced forces from heavy precipitation. If a fallen or broken
tree creates an emergency, leave removal to the professional tree removal services.
WARNING! Anytime you use a chain saw, beware of electrical lines in the
area, electrified branches in contact with power lines, or electrical lines that
may have been knocked down by natural occurrences such as an ice storm,
heavy winds, or fallen limbs or trees. Also beware of electrical fences while
using a chain saw. DO NOT CUT NEAR ELECTRICAL LINES!