Work Safely With a Chainsaw - Manage Your Backyard Forest

Be Prepared before you start cutting!

First, assemble other necessary tools and supplies: wedges, ax, large hatchet or maul, properly mixed fuel, bar oil, bar wrench, chain file with protective handle, minor maintenance tools, and a first aid kit. It makes for a bad day when you pinch a saw, run out of fuel or need to tighten or sharpen a chain.

Carry the chain saw to the cutting site by holding it at your side with the bar pointing back. This will prevent you from falling on the bar if you trip.

Always look carefully at what is around you and what may be endangered by a falling tree. Size up the tree from several directions to determine its lean, any excess branches on one side, broken or lodged material in the tree, and ice or snow in the branches. Look for tall dead tree trunks, leaning trees, and trees hung up in other trees within a distance equal to two tree lengths from the tree you are cutting, because they may fall at the same time as the tree you are cutting. Based on these observations you should be able to estimate the most likely direction the tree will fall.

Develop a clear picture of what you intend to do, estimate the most likely direction the tree will fall and be able to plan two escape routes. Be sure the escape routes are free from obstructions.

Never move directly opposite the direction of tree fall as the tree trunk can jump back. Never turn your back completely on the tree as you retreat and wait at least 30 seconds after the tree hits the ground to return.