Work Safety - Edition 2014
Concise cards of major risks in agricultural activity

5 Machinery and tools - Card 05.15 Chainsaw

EBARER.IT Opuscolo HOME

FOREWARD/INTRODUCTION

GENERAL FULFILMENT

SIGNALS

COMMON AREAS AND SPECIAL WORK PLACES

MECHANIZATION - GENERAL ASPECTS

MACHINERY AND TOOLS

FRESH PRODUCE

BREEDING

TRANSFORMATION FACILITIES

AGRITOURISM

Card 05.15 Chainsaw

THE RISK:

Limbs laceration and amputation (due to accidental touch with the cutting chain, grip and adherence loss)
Slipping and stumbling
Injuries due to contact (starting phase)
Running over by objects (material projection and chain break)
Burns due to contact (hot parts)
Hearing damages (use of noisy machines)
Musculoskeletal pains (repetitive truck use and vibrations)
Fire (top up phase)

PRACTICAL AND OPERATING INDICATIONS:

The operator shall always check the chain tension and remove the scabbard before any activation.

The operator shall always wear DPI (cut-proof vest and trousers, safety visor, safety earmuffs, cut-proof and anti-vibration gloves and safety shoes).

The operator shall avoid touching the part next to the exhaust (it overheats during the use).

The operator shall pay attention to the right and hermetic petrol cap locking, even after its topping up.

During setting operation (chain assembly and fixing to the rod and check tension) the operator shall wear cut-proof gloves.

During cutting operations, the operator shall use and grip the saw correctly, and wear adequate anti-skid gloves which ensure a more safety hold.

The operator shall always consider where the cut part will fall and the trajectory deviation and bounce risks of the cut branches/trunks.

When the operator is about to start the saw, it shall be put on the ground and the chain brake must be activated.

FURTHER INDICATIONS AND ADVICE

Next to the front handle, it is necessary to provide hand protection to prevent operator’s fingers touching the chain (hand guard), if it is not already incorporated.
If it is not already incorporated, it is necessary to provide the chainsaw with a device which helps prevent the chain being thrown back towards the operator if it breaks (chain catcher).
If it is not already incorporated, it is necessary to provide the chainsaw with a device which stops the chain running in case of kickbacks (emergency brake).
If it is not already incorporated, it is necessary to provide the chainsaw with a safety double throttle.
If it is not already incorporated, it is necessary to provide the chainsaw with a on/off switch to stop it definitively.
When the chainsaw is not used, it shall be put away in a firm way and with the scabbard inserted.
Chainsaw shall be provided with spur dogs.
If it is not already incorporated, it is necessary to provide the chainsaw with a chain tensioner which shall be regularly set.
Chain shall be periodically sharpened following the parameter fixed by the builder.
Chainsaw maintenance shall be periodically carried out (chain lubrication).
Stressed parts shall be protected and shielded.
The cap tank shall be gland and provided with holding chain.
If it is not already incorporated, it is necessary to provide the chainsaw with protection to hot chainsaw parts.