Chainsaws

If you are buying or intending to operate a chainsaw for the first time, start on one with a short chain bar, 30cm to 40cm long. However even a person starting with a small bar chainsaw requires initial instruction, training and supervision, and a sound knowledge of basic maintenance and safe work procedures. 

A formal chainsaw course is best, but minimum training can be provided by an experienced person, preferably one who has received formal training. 

Together you should go through the manufacturer's manual following the steps of starting and stopping, using the chain brake when not cutting, correct safe grips and stances, correct sharpening, and simple cutting exercises on pieces of felled timber. 

The period of instruction should be long enough to ensure the trainee has a good understanding of all aspects of safe chainsaw operation - and should possibly include an hour's exposure to normal operating conditions and methods. 

Certificated chainsaw courses are compulsory for all forest industry workers who use chainsaws in their work. Courses are also available for non-forestry workers, such as farmers and council workers. 

Read the manufacturer's chainsaw manual from cover to cover and ensure you understand the manual. 

• Check your chainsaw thoroughly before every use. 
• Make sure the bar, chain and sprocket are in top condition. 
• Check that bar oil is flowing and the chain brake is working. 
• Sharpen your chainsaw and top up with bar oil each time you stop to re-fill with fuel. 
• Always wear suitable protective clothing. 
• Never use the saw to cut anything above shoulder height (between knee and waist-high is safest.) 
• Never operate the saw beyond your ability. 
• Carry a chainsaw with the motor off and the saw blade pointing to the rear. 
• Always have a properly equipped first aid box with you. 

• Keep other people and animals away from the working area. 
• Make sure there is a second person within calling distance. 
• Use the saw to cut only wood. 
• If tired, stop the saw and rest a little. 
• Avoid using a chainsaw in wet or windy conditions or in poor light. 
• Wait a few minutes for the motor to cool before refuelling. 

You should always cold-start a chainsaw on the ground. Get down on your left knee, with the toe of your right boot firmly on the base plate of the trigger guard. Have the chain brake off, as you will be using the choke in cold starting. 

You should NEVER 'drop-start' a chainsaw by thrusting the saw down with your left hand and pulling the starter cord up with your right. (This is an extremely hazardous practice.) 

The approved safe way to warm-start a chainsaw while standing is by bracing the trigger guard between your knees, ensuring the chain brake is engaged, and keeping your left forearm rigid while pulling the starter cord with your right hand. 

You should always choose a flat piece of ground, clear of debris, before cold-starting a chainsaw on the ground. 

While cutting, always: 

• run the chainsaw motor at full revs. This makes the job safer, as there is less chance of pull-in or kick-back; 
• position your body to the left of the chainsaw so if it kicks back uncontrollably, it goes over your right shoulder; 
• keep a firm grip with your left hand on the front handle, with your thumb securely below the handle. The swivel of your wrist in a kick-back situation will activate the chain brake; 
• make sure the chain is tensioned correctly; and 
• observe the size of wood shavings. (If they become dusty your chain could need sharpening).

Australian Standard AS 2727-1997: Chainsaws – Guide to safe working practices, provides further information on safety precautions that chainsaw operators should observe.

To avoid kickback: 

• be constantly aware of the position of the upper quadrant of the blade tip. (This is the part that triggers a kickback when it hits resistance); 
• never engage the upper quadrant of the guide bar with whatever you are cutting and avoid contact with any hidden branches or obstructions. Ensure there is a clear work area; 
• always clear away brush, vegetation and any obstructing debris before attempting a cut that might trigger a kickback; and 
• avoid cuts that will cause the chainsaw to jam in a tree trunk or limb. 

To avoid jamming the saw: 

• always cut into the compression wood first until the cut starts to close; 
• always make the compression cut beneath if the log or limb is suspended from one end, (and on top if it is supported at both ends); 
• cut from the other side towards the compression cut; and 
• make a habit of using a wedge to prevent the compression cut jamming tight on the chainsaw blade.

To maintain safety control: 

• hold the chainsaw firmly, making sure the left hand encircles the top handle squarely, with the thumb underneath; 
• ensure the chainsaw is fitted with a chain brake - preferably inertia activated; and 
• always set the depth gauge in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations (refer to the operator's manual). 

To avoid starting a fire: 

• never smoke while filling or operating the saw; 
• refuel in a clean area; 
• refuel the saw only after the motor has cooled down (e.g., after re-sharpening.); 
• make sure fuel caps are screwed on tight and any fuel spillage is wiped off; 
• move at least three metres away from the fuelling area before starting; 
• use only safety-approved fuel containers which comply with  Australian Standard AS/NZS 2906: 2001;
• keep a fire extinguisher, knapsack spray or water pump and shovel nearby.; and
• ensure persons who would need to use the firefighting equipment are properly trained.

Chainsaw specific PPE should be worn when using chainsaws, including: 

• either a face shield or safety glasses; 
• a safety helmet; 
• approved ear plugs or muffs; 
• gloves; 
• safety boots with non-slip soles; and 
• leg protection (safety trousers or 'chaps').

Further information on PPE for chainsaw use is in Australian Standard AS 2727-1997. 

When using a chainsaw for extensive cutting, always have nearby: 

• a supply of ready-mixed two-stroke fuel; 
• bar oil; 
• tools for tightening the chain - or removing the drive sprocket outer casing to clean out debris - or re-seat the chain should it dislodge; 
• cloth or absorbent material to wipe any spilt fuel or oil from the chainsaw after refuelling; 
• a file and file guide for sharpening the chain after every refuel; 
• some sort of portable vice to grip the chain bar during sharpening; and 
• a small brush to regularly clean the air filter and around the chain sprocket. 

Always: 

• store fuel and tools at least 10 metres from where you are cutting; and 
• choose a flat place for tools and fuel, where the ground is free from flammable vegetation.

Maintenance after use

After completing chainsaw work, always: 

• reverse the chain bar, top to bottom, to avoid wear on one side; 
• clean out the groove on the chain bar; 
• clean the chainsaw, particularly the air filter, cooling inlets and inside the sprocket cover; and 
• clean the chain brake mechanism.

Have your chainsaw serviced regularly - in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Guidance on tree felling is available from Safe Work Australia - Guide to managing risks of tree trimming and removal work.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have a primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their workers while they are at work. This duty means the PCBU must eliminate risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable, and if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks to health and safety, they must minimise those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

If the chainsaw owner is a PCBU, and the chainsaw is used by a worker, it is the PCBU's responsibility under the WHS Act to provide a safe working environment and to introduce safe work procedures to prevent workers being exposed to hazards. 

The PCBU must also provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to enable workers to work in a safe manner. 

Workers must follow instruction and training provided, must use the personal protective equipment provided, and must report hazards to their supervisor. 

Self-employed people must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and of others in or near the workplace. This includes people like farmers, who are major users of chainsaws. 

Hire service managers should, as far as practicable, provide safety information, preferably with a safety demonstration, to customers hiring chainsaws. 

A first aid box should be kept close by when a chainsaw is being used. The box should contain the sort of bandages and absorbent padding needed to deal with a major chainsaw injury. As far as practicable, a first aid trained person should be available at the workplace. 

The WHS Act (s. 47) provides that persons conducting a business or undertaking must consult with workers and health and safety representatives, if applicable, on matters relating to work health or safety. Furthermore, workers must be given a reasonable opportunity to express their views, contribute to the decision-making process and be advised of the outcome of the matter under consultation (s. 48).