Hand and Power Tools: Chainsaw Safety Training Course

Chainsaws are powerful tools essential for forestry, landscaping, and utility work, but they also carry serious risk if not used properly. In this training, you will gain the knowledge and practices needed to operate chainsaws safely, prevent common hazards, and understand worker responsibilities and rights under safety standards. Knowing the ins and outs of chainsaw safety helps to ensure that no one falls victim to a chainsaw accident.

Chainsaw operators should choose the correct chainsaw size for the task, inspect controls, chain tension, bolts, handles, and fuel systems, and perform regular maintenance. Safe fueling, starting, and handling practices, like keeping the chain brake engaged, avoiding drop-starting, clearing the work area, maintaining balance, and staying aware of surroundings, are essential, as is recognizing one’s skill level and avoiding hazardous tasks. After use, chainsaws must be properly carried, stored, and, for long-term storage, drained of fuel with the chain oiled to prevent rust.

Chainsaw use carries several common hazards, including pull-in, pushback, kickback, and spring poles, each of which can cause the operator to lose control or suffer injury. Pull-in occurs when the bottom of the chain is pinched or hits an object, while pushback happens at the top of the bar. Kickback is a sudden upward or backward motion caused by contact at the guide bar nose. Spring poles occur when cutting a limb under tension and require careful assessment and angled cuts to reduce rebound. Understanding these hazards and following safety practices are key to preventing injuries on the job.

This course will help you confidently understand the dangers and precautions needed in chainsaw use and the safety regulations associated with it. Many industries use chainsaws in day-to-day operations, and both workers and employers have the responsibility to keep everyone safe on the jobsite!

This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.