Safety First! Chainsaws

Chainsaw, Safety First!, Training, USFS

There are standards, qualifications, equipment, procedures, and safety practices, and techniques set down by the USDA Forest Service in their Health and Safety Code Handbook. You can access this handbook on the web at www.firepreventionteams.us/documents/FSH6709-1.pdf The Florida Trail Association uses the USFS Health and Safety Code Handbook as our standard for chainsaw operations, and for many other trail maintenance tasks. 

The first step in the use of a chainsaw is proper training. All sawyers must have completed the nationally approved classroom and field training for general saw work or specialized uses as developed at the USFS Missoula Technology and Development Center. There are several proficiency levels that have been set down by the USFS, as described below.

Once certified, a sawyer must utilize the proper Personal Protective Equipment. This includes a Forest Service-approved hardhat, eye protection, hearing protection, appropriate gloves, long-sleeved shirt, chainsaw chaps, and boots. The boots must be 8 high, heavy duty leather, water repellant or waterproof, lace-up, with non-skid soles. Whew, what a mouthful. In addition to the Personal Protective Equipment, some general equipment is required as well, including a first aid kit (Type IV), a fire extinguisher, a chainsaw wrench, a chain file with handle and guard, approved safety container for fuel, chain and bar oil container, proper wedges, and a single-bit axe or maul (3-5 pounds). The chainsaw must have a throttle interlock, falling and bucking spikes, an anti-vibration system, a fully functional chain brake, a proper bar length for the job, a filed and maintained chain, and bow bars with top and bottom chain guards and stingers.

It is our intent to provide training for our volunteers on a regular basis as well as safety equipment for chainsaw use to all certified volunteers through their local chapters. For more information on this please feel free to contact Deb Blick, Trail Resource Coordinator, dblick@floridatrail.org or 352-378-8823.

As responsible trail builders and maintainers it is our duty to abide by and encourage others to take these requirements to heart. The safety of our trail family is and will continue to be our greatest concern.
 

Deb Blick @ November 1, 2004