How to avoid kickback, What is kickback?

WORKING TECHNIQUES

There are methods for felling trees with a diameter larger than the bar length. However these methods involve a much greater risk that the kickback zone of the bar will come into contact with the tree.

Freeing a tree that has fallen badly

Freeing a ”trapped tree”

It is very dangerous to remove a trapped tree and there is high accident risk.

Never try to fell the tree that is trapped.

Never work in the risk zone of the hanging trapped tree.

The safest method is to use a winch.

•Tractor-mounted

•Portable

Cutting trees and branches that are in tension

Preparations: Work out which side is in tension and where the point of maximum tension is (i.e. where it would break if it was bent even more).

Decide which is the safest way to release the tension and whether you are able to do it safely. In complicated situations the only safe method is to put aside your chain saw and use a winch.

General advice:

Position yourself so that you will be clear of the tree or branch when the tension is released.

Make one or more cuts at or near the point of maximum tension. Make as many cuts of sufﬁcient depth as necessary to reduce the tension and make the tree or branch break at the point of maximum tension.

Never cut straight through a tree or branch that is in tension!

If you must cut across tree/limb, make two to three cuts, one inch apart, one to two inches deep.

Continue to cut deeper until tree/limb bends and tension is released.

Cut tree/limb from outside the bend, after tension has been released.