Safe Operating Procedures for Chainsaws
Purpose
To define the safe operating procedures in a manner that informs and instructs employees of
[Employer/Organization Name] on the key health and safety hazards and controls and controls to
remember when using the chainsaw.
Hazards
The following hazards may occur when using the chainsaw:
Critical injury or fatality
Cuts
Hearing damage
Musculoskeletal disorder
Fire (refuelling or fuel leak)
Wood dust
Chain kickback
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety footwear
Eye protection
Mesh face shield
Hearing protection
Head protection as required
Gloves
Appropriate clothing (e.g. snug fitting clothing and safety chaps)
No loose clothing, jewelry or hair
Safe Operating Procedure
Complete a pre-use inspection. If any defects are noted, the equipment must be removed from
service and the supervisor must be notified immediately to ensure equipment is repaired.
Operators must have read and understood the operator’s manual.
Ensure operator’s manual for equipment is available to operators.
Ensure guards and shields are firmly in place and in good condition. Do not operate the
equipment without appropriate guards, shields, plates and other safety protective devices in
place.
Ensure safety decals are legible, order replacements if they are not.
Ensure the equipment is used properly as per manufacturer’s directions.
Complete a walkaround of the immediate work area prior to starting. Look for obstacles that may
need to be removed.
Only qualified operators shall use the chainsaw.
Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the chainsaw.
Sharpening the cutting chain requires two steps, sharpening the cutting edge and adjusting the
depth gauge setting. When in doubt, see your servicing dealer for repairs and advice.
Use only replacement bars and cutting chains specified by the manufacturer, or the equivalent.
Guide bars and cutting chains affect not only performance, but kickback safety as well.
Maintain proper chainsaw tension. A loose chain can come off the guide bar and strike the
operator.
Never force a dull chain to cut.
Do not operate a chainsaw if you are fatigued, have been drinking alcoholic beverages, or have
been taking prescription medication or non-prescription drugs.
Do not allow other persons to be near the chainsaw when starting the saw or cutting with it. Keep
all bystanders and animals out of the work area.
Do not operate a chainsaw that is damaged, improperly adjusted or not completely assembled. Be
sure that the cutting chain stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released. If you are in
doubt regarding the mechanical condition of the saw, consult your servicing dealer.
Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chainsaw at least 3 metres (10 feet) from the fuelling
point before starting the engine. Do not smoke while refuelling your saw. Refuelling must be
done outdoors only in well-ventilated areas with the chainsaw turned off.
Operate the chainsaw outdoors in well-ventilated areas only.
Ensure that the chain brake is functioning properly and adequately stops the chain.
Check the chain tension before starting. Make sure the blade is sharp. Lock your elbows and
spread your feet apart.
Keep all parts of your body away from the cutting chain when the engine is running.
Never cut above shoulder height. Keep saw blade off to the side of your body. Never use one
hand. Go into the cut at full speed. If the saw gets bound, stop the saw before removing the
blade.
Use an anti-kickback chain. Avoid getting the tip of the chainsaw near any obstructions.
When cutting, hold the saw with both hands, with thumbs and fingers encircling both chainsaw
handles. Grip the saw with the right hand on the rear (throttle) handle and the left hand on the
front handle (even if you are left handed). A firm grip will help you maintain control of the saw
in the event of a kick back or other unexpected reaction. Keep the chainsaw handles dry, clean
and free of oil or fuel mixture to prevent slipping and to aid in control of the saw.
Chainsaws are designed to be run at full speed. Maintain a full throttle setting while cutting to
maximize your productivity and to reduce fatigue for safer operation.
Cut while standing slightly to the side, out of the plane of the cutting chain and guide bar to
reduce the risk of injury in the event you lose control of the saw.
Carry the chainsaw with the engine stopped, the guide bar and cutting chain to the rear, and the
muffler away from your body. When transporting your chainsaw, always use the appropriate
guide bar scabbard.
Never start the saw in your hand as this leaves only one free hand to control the running saw.
Do not operate a chainsaw in a tree or from a ladder unless you have been specifically trained
and are equipped to do so. If you are in doubt, contact the supervisor before proceeding.
To avoid the risk of kickback, make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from
obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch or any other obstruction
while you are operating the saw.
Do not cut near chain link fence, wire fence, or in areas where there is loose or scrap wire.
Do not start cutting trees until you have a clear work area, secure footing and a planned retreat
path from the falling tree.
Be careful in the event that the wood closes in and pinches the saw. The push force that is
exerted when the top chain is pinched can add unexpectedly to any pull force you may use when
attempting to pull the saw free. You may pull the moving chain into yourself.
Use extreme caution with cutting small-sized brush and saplings because lender material may
catch the cutting chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
When cutting a limb or sapling that is under tension (called a springpole), be alert for springback
so that you will not be struck by the limb or chainsaw when the tension in the limb is released.
Chainsaws are made to cut only one thing, wood. Do not use a chainsaw to cut other materials,
and never let your chain contact rocks or dirt during the operation. Remember that your chainsaw
is moving in excess of 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour. In just one second of contact with a
rock or the ground, each cutter will be impacted more than ten times.
Never force a dull chain to cut. When it is sharp, the chainsaw is designed to feed itself into the
wood, and needs only light pressure to cut efficiently. Dull chains produce fine wood dust, a sure
sign that maintenance is required.
Fueling must be done outdoors and while the equipment is off.
Repairs to the equipment must be performed by qualified personnel, using original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) parts or equivalent.
Additional Resources
CSA Standard Z62.1 Chainsaws
SOP for Fuelling
Document Management
Effective Date:
Revision Date: