WORKING TECHNIQUES
English – 27
does not need to be a danger, you may be surprised
and lose control of the saw. Never saw stacked logs or
branches without first separating them. Only saw one
log or one piece at a time. Remove the cut pieces to
keep your working area safe.
4 Never use the chain saw above shoulder height
and try not to cut with the tip of the bar. Never use
the chain saw one-handed!
5 Always use a fast cutting speed, i.e. full throttle.
6 If you have to cut branches or the like that are above
shoulder height, a working platform or scaffold tower
is recommended.
7 Take great care when you cut with the top edge of the
bar, i.e. when cutting from the underside of the object.
This is known as cutting on the push stroke. The chain
tries to push the chain saw back towards the user. If
the saw chain is jamming, the saw may be pushed
back at you.
8 Unless the user resists this pushing force there is a
risk that the chain saw will move so far backwards that
only the kickback zone of the bar is in contact with the
tree, which will lead to a kickback.
Cutting with the bottom edge of the bar, i.e. from the
top of the object downwards, is known as cutting on
the pull stroke. In this case the chain saw pulls itself
towards the tree and the front edge of the chain saw
body rests naturally on the trunk when cutting. Cutting
on the pull stroke gives the operator better control over
the chain saw and the position of the kickback zone.
9 Follow the instructions on sharpening and maintaining
your bar and chain. When you replace the bar and
chain use only combinations that are recommended
by us. See instructions under the headings Cutting
equipment and Technical data.
Working with tree service chain-saws
from a rope and harness
This chapter sets out working practices to reduce the risk
of injury from tree service chainsaws when working at
height from a rope and harness. While it may form the
basis of guidance and training literature, it should not be
regarded as a substitute for formal training.
General requirements working at height
Operators of tree service chainsaws working at height
from a rope and harness should never work alone. A
competent ground worker trained in appropriate
emergency procedures should assist them.
Operators of tree service chainsaws for this work should
be trained in general safe climbing and work positioning
techniques and shall properly equipped with harnesses,
ropes, strops, karabiners and other equipment for
maintaining secure and safe working positions for both
themselves and the saw.
Preparing to use the saw in the tree
The chain saw should be checked by the ground worker
and the chain brake should be engaged before it is sent
up to the operator in the tree. The chain saw should be
fitted with a suitable strop for attaching to the operator’s
harness: