Chainsaws are prone to hazards if they are not properly maintained, or used as instructed.  It is one machine that can cut through wood and flesh very easily. Therefore, you should really take care of yourself whenever you are using it to cut wood. It can actually magnify its effect to other things within your surrounding even people.

Therefore, you should always read the user manual, from basic maintenance tips to use and storage. Otherwise, you might end up with a catastrophic incident in your hands. Likewise, you should never use any ineffective blunt chainsaw.

Here are top Safety rules you should strive to maintain in order to exhibit safety whenever you are using a chainsaw.

1. Be self-prepared

Before going to saw anything, you should always have your first aid kit ready and set somewhere near your work area. Moreover, you should let people know where you are working. In relation always have a fully charged mobile phone close by for convenience in case you are alone.

You should also park your car somewhere safe with an easy exit in case things turn for the worst.

In terms of being thoroughly prepared, you should know that chainsaws often work differently and have different handling mechanisms depending on the model. So, read the instruction manual before proceeding to use it.

Besides, you should be alert and properly rested for you to operate any chainsaw. This minimizes the chances of an accident or injury from happening.

2. Wear chainsaw safety gear

Before starting to saw, you should ensure you have the entire safety gear from gloves to the appropriate boots. This protective gear is what keeps you safe and minimizes the level of injuries, in case of an accident.

Here are some of an essential chainsaw gears you should always have on.

• Gloves
• Goggles/ safety glasses
• Hearing protection or ear plugs
• Special chaps for thigh safety
• A hard hat
• A helmet with full face visor

You should note that a helmet with a full-face visor is often safer than safety glasses. As for boots, you can always wear non-slip steel-toed boots that are resistant to cuts.

For your upper body, you can put on any long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms from any scratches. You can also wear a working vest or jacket. Likewise, always ensure anything you wear fits property, go for fitting t-shirts that will not be caught over by the equipment.

You can always find all these safety gears at any chainsaw dealer. Be sure to purchase any other safety equipment for convenience. You will never know when you can need it.

3. Examine the chainsaw before use

Even though you might be the only person using the chainsaw, you should still examine it for any chain dislodge, breaks or chips.

You can check its tension level to make sure it is safe for cuts.  Chain tension often prolongs the life of the chainsaw and should always be adjusted and re-adjusted for effectiveness. Likewise, a good lubricant can help maintain the required tension level.

4. Look for safety features before use

Chainsaws often have different safety feature depending on model and type, as some are often gas powered while others are electrical.

Some of these safety features include a chain break, kickback guard, throttle lock to make the chainsaw run at a certain speed level and a chain cutter in case the chainsaw breaks or derails.

5. Regular Maintenance

A chainsaw should always be properly maintained from re-sharpening to oil change to ensure it functions without a glitch. You can do this yourself or hire a professional. Either way, always ensures it is inspected at least once in a year.

6. Handle it properly

When it comes to handling the chainsaw, you have to ensure that you do it as required to minimize any injuries. You have to ensure that your two hands are in the correct position when handling the chainsaw. You can also put your left hand or thumb under its front handle to minimize kickbacks.

Moreover, you should practice some control and balance before actually starting to make the cuts. This ensures accuracy and minimizes injuries.

As for any surrounding people, they should be about 10-feet away from your work area.

7. Make preparations for your job site

You should make some clearing around your job site, as the tree might not fall where you expect it. Make sure no one is near the surrounding job site. Any person around should be at least as far as the tree¢s double height.

8. Store it properly

A chainsaw should be stored properly as it can still cause injuries even when not in use. You can clean it after use and ensure any kind of attachment to it is securely replaced and kept intact. Moreover, you should keep it away from children’s reach.

You will also have to keep it in a ventilated area and empty its tank. After which you can remove its chains for storage in an oil container to prevent it from rusting.

9. Transport

When transporting the chainsaw always, position its gas cap upwards to avoid gasoline spills that can lead to a fire hazard. You should not carry it on the passenger seat of the vehicle as it can start flying around in case of an accident. Always transport it in a secure case or have its bar securely placed in a chain guard.

10. Practice

Anyone can run a chainsaw but it needs constant practice, especially when it comes to control and balance. You can practice on small trees or big branches to ensure you have a hold of it.

If you are worried about practicing alone, you can always look for classes at any home improvement dealers or stores.

Conclusion

Conclusively, chainsaw maintenance and safety go hand in hand. If it is poorly maintained it will only be a hazard. So, keep it clean and fit and just follow the manual for use and maintenance. Keep in mind different types and models have different kinds of maintenance as well as precautions on use.

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