Chainsaw Safety, Limbing and Bucking, and Saw Maintenance

This one-day course is designed to meet DCNR's requirements for the use of chainsaws by trail volunteers:

Chainsaws are one of the most useful as well as dangerous tools that a worker can use. This course is designed to educate personnel who use a chainsaw about safety, maintenance, use and handling.

Participants will gain an understanding in what contributed to accidents and how to avoid them. Hands on and practical work planning strategies will be coached and practiced in this course. There is a strong focus on personal safety, risk assessment and accident prevention. Training workers and developing skills that reduce variables and mitigate risks associated with chainsaws and cutting techniques is the general theme of this course.

Participants will need to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE) (hard hats, eye protection, and hearing protection).

The class is limited to 10 participants and registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. A waiting list will be created. Lunch will be provided. A registration fee of $30 will help to offset some of the cost of the workshop.

Meet at the park office for initial classroom instruction.

Chainsaw Safety and Ergonomics
• Integrated risk assessment, work planning and communication
• Safety apparel, helmets, eye-wear, foot-wear and ear protection
• Ergonomics, muscle skeletal disorders (MSD's) and exercises
• Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness
• OSHA 1910.266 standard.

Chainsaw Design, Feature Benefits and Starting
• History and development of the modern chainsaw and chain
• Safety features of the modern chainsaw
• Three point contact starting, ground start and leg-lock
• Reactive forces & kick-back

Limbing and Bucking
• Bucking wedges, cant hooks, tongs and clamps
• Compression, tension and avoiding bar pinch
• Spring poles, tab cuts and accordion cuts
• Systematic work planning
• Heights, obstacles, hazards
• Escape routes and the 5-15-90 rule
• Face notches, back cuts & hinge wood
• Felling sites and operator positioning

Chainsaw Maintenance
• Daily, weekly, monthly maintenance practices
• Cutter tooth sharpening, depth gauge filing, files and guides
• Cutter bar edging, dressing & cleaning