Operating a chainsaw to help remove debris in the aftermath of Helene can be dangerous, especially for those that have little or no experience with a chainsaw. Be sure to seek training material both in person and online to gain familiarity and understanding of how to operate a chainsaw safely before operating it. Below are some resources and tips for safe operation of a chainsaw:

Personal Protective Equipment:

To prevent harm to ones self and others, always be sure to wear the proper protective gear to prevent accidents. Be sure to wear a hardhat, safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, non-baggy clothing, chainsaw chaps, and closed toe work boots. Learn more about personal protective equipment when running a chainsaw.

Familiarity with your Equipment:

Be sure to read the operator’s manual to understand the safety and operating features of your chainsaw. Know the safety features like the chain brake function, the safety trigger/throttle interlock system, and the right hand guard just to name a few. You may also watch a video explaining some of the main safety features that a chainsaw should have.

Be sure to know the proper method of refueling your chainsaw, and know how to properly maintain the equipment. Having a properly sharpened chainsaw chain will ensure cleaner cuts and a safer cut overall. Maintaining proper chain tensioning can also ensure longer chain life, and safer cutting. A chain that is too loose can derail and result in serious injury, while a chain that is too tight will bind and wear prematurely.

Also, be sure that you understand the proper way to start your chainsaw. For your specific piece of equipment, refer to the owners manual. See this video here for more details about general safety when starting a chainsaw.

Reactive Forces:

Reactive forces can result in loss of control and can cause serious injury. These forces can be mitigated by maintaining secure footing, always hold the chainsaw with two hands while wrapping your hands and thumbs around the handles. There are three major reactive forces when operating a chainsaw.

• Kickback- occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar nose makes contact with a log or branch and is pinched. This can create a motion that brings the bar up towards your face and upper body resulting in a higher likelihood of injury. To prevent this, be sure to always hold the saw with both hands, and never let the nose of the guide bar contact the object you are cutting.
• Pushback- occurs when the top of the bar is stopped or caught on the wood. This can result in the saw coming rapidly back towards you and can cause you to lose control. To prevent this, always be alert to situations that could pinch the top of the chain. Do not twist the saw when withdrawing the bar from an undercut to prevent pinching.
• Pull-in- occurs when the chain on the bottom of the bar is stopped or pinched. This can bring the saw forward and may result in you losing control of the chainsaw. The easiest way to prevent this is to always start a cut with the chain rotating at full speed and the bumper spike in contact with the wood.

To learn more about reactive forces and how to manage them with your chainsaw, please see the video.

Chainsaw Don’ts:

• Don’t work on a ladder or insecure support system while running a chainsaw. This can result in serious harm to yourself or others around you.
• Don’t work alone, always be sure to have someone with you to prevent life-threatening situations when cleaning up tree debris.
• Don’t overreach to make a cut. This puts you in a compromised position where accidents can happen due to overextending the piece of equipment, and not firmly bracing the chainsaw while it is running.
• Don’t use the chainsaw bar to pry, or shovel away limbs or other debris.
• Don’t hold the saw above shoulder height. This could result in the saw easily kicking back and harming your upper body.
• Don’t lose track of your surroundings! Always pay attention to your surrounding environment to prevent harm to yourself and to others. Be mindful of where people are in the area that you are cutting. Always make sure that they are far enough away to prevent possible injury. It is also critically important to maintain a stable environment where you are cutting to prevent tripping hazards, and a clear path to retreat.
• Don’t refuel a hot saw. Always wait until it has cooled to add more fuel to prevent injury.
• Don’t operate a saw indoors, or in a poorly ventilated area.

If you are looking for a chainsaw or personal protective equipment that you could borrow, check out the Asheville Tool Library.

Video Credit: Bryan Wagner

Other Resources:

Chainsaw Safety After Helene- NC State Forestry Extension Factsheet

Crisis Chainsaw Safety Review- Video NC State Extension

Online Safety Training (Women’s Training Video)

• Good online course module that has safety tips applicable to all audiences!

How to Choose a Tree Care Company to Aid in Disaster Clean-Up- NC State Extension

Chainsaw Safety Features and Maintenance- Alabama Extension