| Contrary to popular belief, all the stories you hear | | | | Wear the right gear. A chainsaw can easily be a |
| each spring and summer about chainsaw accidents | | | | deadly weapon, so it is important to dress in all |
| are not caused by uncoordinated gardeners and | | | | the right gear including gloves, chaps, a helmet, |
| homeowners. The vast majority of accidents are | | | | safety goggles or glasses, hearing protection and |
| actually caused by cavalier and inexperienced | | | | solid boots. |
| chainsaw users attempting projects they simply | | | | Use the buddy system. Never start on a |
| aren't ready for. What most people don't realize is | | | | chainsaw project alone. Always have someone at |
| it takes years of supervised practice and training | | | | least observing if not assisting as you work. This |
| to be able to safely use a chainsaw, and even the | | | | person might want to have a cell phone or access |
| most seasoned of chainsaw operators often ends | | | | to a telephone or monitored home security |
| up with a few fingers missing over the course of | | | | system if working around the house, to call for |
| many years' usage. If attempting to use a | | | | help quickly and easily should anything go wrong. |
| chainsaw on your own, it's important to keep | | | | The kinds of injuries that happen due to |
| some of these important safety tips in mind in | | | | chainsaws are not basic first aid fixable. They are |
| order to stay safe, and maintain good home | | | | instead the kind that involve blood transfusions |
| security for you and your family. | | | | and the reattachment of limbs. Be aware of the |
| Honestly assess your abilities. If you believe the | | | | dangers when working with a chainsaw, and think |
| chainsaw you have or that you have borrowed | | | | about whether the home security risk is worth |
| from the neighbors is slightly too heavy, or not | | | | doing the job yourself! |
| quite adequate for the job, do not go forward to | | | | Be prepared for kickbacks. A kickback happens |
| "see how it goes." There is no reason not to call | | | | when the guide bar is tossed backwards in your |
| in professional assistance, or at least an | | | | direction, and the chainsaw swings in an |
| experienced friend, especially for a big job. A | | | | uncontrollable arc. This happens when the saw hits |
| good example is falling a tree- which should | | | | a solid object or becomes pinched, or even if the |
| always be done by an experienced professional. | | | | gauge setting is low. Many modern saws have a |
| Give the chainsaw an inspection. Be sure that all | | | | leather mitt designed to protect your hand in the |
| the parts of the chainsaw are lubricated, that the | | | | event that this should happen, so be sure to use |
| tension in the chain is sufficient, that the teeth are | | | | it if there is one. Holding the saw incorrectly (a |
| sharp, that the settings are correct, that all | | | | saw should always be held with 2 hands close to |
| appropriate safety devices are installed and | | | | the body, feet planted firmly), or cutting above |
| functioning, and that no loose parts or bolts are | | | | shoulder height can both cause kickback. |
| incorrectly placed or missing. Again, if you are not | | | | Only cut wood. Most people don't realize a |
| sure how to check for these things, ask someone | | | | chainsaw is only designed for cutting wood, so |
| who does or skip the chainsaw altogether! | | | | only cut wood with it! |