| There are several things you should keep in mind | | | | chainsaws being used for removing trees and |
| when removing trees and other debris after a | | | | branches. Here are some tips to keep yourself |
| hurricane, whether you are a professional or not. | | | | safe: |
| Safety is very important simply because most | | | | Follow the instructions in the manual so that you |
| injuries and deaths occur after a natural disaster, | | | | safely operate the equipment and maintain it |
| during the cleanup process. | | | | according to instructions. |
| Here are some important safety tips: | | | | Wear personal protective clothing at all times that |
| Never work alone. Always clean up with other | | | | is appropriate for the job at hand. |
| people so that if anything happens someone will | | | | Always keep both your hands on the handles. |
| be able to help you immediately and make sure | | | | Most chain saw injuries involve the hands and |
| you have a proper first aid kit on hand at all | | | | occur because the operator is using only one |
| times. Know how to use it in an emergency. | | | | hand. |
| Don't overexert yourself. Most people become | | | | Never cut above your waist. Head injuries from a |
| injured because they keep working for extended | | | | chainsaw usually occur when making overhead |
| periods of time when they should stop to rest. | | | | cuts. |
| Never lift over 50lbs., and always lift properly | | | | When cutting limbs that are bent, twisted, or |
| using the legs and not the back. | | | | caught under another object, take extra |
| Establish a safe working area by assessing the | | | | precautions because they may hit you or pinch |
| site beforehand to identify any hazards that may | | | | the saw. |
| become a problem, and figure out what could | | | | Take your time when working with a chainsaw. If |
| cause injuries. | | | | you aren't paying attention while working with a |
| Set out a plan complete with communication | | | | chainsaw, you're more likely to cause injury to |
| signals so that if an emergency occurs, everyone | | | | your legs and feet. |
| is on the same page. | | | | If you're feeling tired, take a break. Fatigue can |
| Create a perimeter around the work area two | | | | be dangerous when operating heavy machinery. |
| times the height of the tree you are working on. | | | | When you have to refuel the saw, shut |
| You will need more distance, however, when you | | | | everything off. Also do this if you have to carry |
| have to fell a tree or drop limbs. Mark the area | | | | the chainsaw more than 100ft. or through areas |
| you will be working in with tape or cones and | | | | that are difficult to navigate or are very slippery. |
| keep anyone not involved in the process at a | | | | If you approach a chainsaw operator, make sure |
| safe distance. | | | | they know you're coming before you do so. |
| Chainsaw Safety | | | | Because of the sound level of a chainsaw when |
| Because chainsaws are one of the most | | | | running, operators usually can't see or hear other |
| dangerous tools you can use, safety is of the | | | | people around them. |
| utmost importance. The potential to become | | | | Never cut the upper tip of a chainsaw, to avoid |
| injured during a cleanup job following a hurricane is | | | | kickback. |
| higher simply because there are so many | | | | |