Chainsaws are powerful and essential tools used in a variety of industries such as logging, construction, and agriculture. While they can be incredibly useful, they can also be very dangerous if not used properly. In fact, chainsaw-related accidents are all too common, and many of them can be avoided through proper training and safety practices.
This is why Chainsaw Safety has become an important topic for industries that use these powerful machines. By providing comprehensive chainsaw safety training and promoting adherence to safety practices, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the well-being of workers who operate chainsaws.
CHAINSAW DEFINITION
What is a chainsaw?
According to CSA Group, a chainsaw can be defined as a power-driven tool designed to cut wood with a saw chain and consisting of an integrated compact unit of handles, power source, and cutting attachment, designed to be supported with two hands (Source: CSA Group, Chain saws, Z62.1-15, 2020).
Which are the main hazards?
Chainsaw safety hazards can be divided into four main categories: kickback, chainsaw operator fatigue, noise and vibration exposure, and inadequate personal protective equipment.
- Kickback – Kickback is the most common hazard associated with chainsaw safety. Kickback occurs when the chainsaw’s bar is pinched or hits an obstacle, causing the chainsaw to kick back towards the operator. Kickback can cause serious injuries such as cuts, broken bones, or even death.
- Chainsaw Operator Fatigue – Chainsaw operator fatigue can occur when chainsaw operators use chainsaws for an extended period without taking breaks. Fatigue can lead to reduced concentration and reaction time, increasing the risk of injury.
- Noise and Vibration Exposure – Noise and vibration exposure can cause hearing loss, hand-arm vibration syndrome, and other health problems. Chainsaw operators should use proper ear and hand protection to minimize the risk of exposure to noise and vibration.
- Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment – Inadequate personal protective equipment can increase the risk of injury from flying debris, cuts, and other hazards associated with using a chainsaw. Chainsaw operators should use proper PPE and ensure that it is in good condition before starting to use a chainsaw.
Which are the main safety practices?
Chainsaw safety practices can be divided into two main categories: mental health practices and physical practices.
Physical Practices
Proper personal protective equipment, handling and maintenance of chainsaws, and safe cutting techniques are all essential physical practices that help chainsaw operators stay safe and efficient.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Personal protective equipment is essential for chainsaw operators. PPE includes gloves, hard hats, eye and ear protection, and protective clothing such as chainsaw chaps. Proper PPE is essential to minimize the risk of injury from flying debris, cuts, and other hazards.
- Proper Handling and Maintenance of Chainsaws – Proper handling and maintenance of chainsaws is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation. Chainsaw operators should inspect their chainsaws regularly and ensure that they are in good working order. Chainsaws should be sharpened regularly, and the chain tension should be adjusted as needed.
- Safe Cutting Techniques – Safe cutting techniques are essential to minimize the risk of injury when using a chainsaw. Chainsaw operators should follow the below practices:
- Plan the Cut: Chainsaw operators should plan the cut before starting to ensure that they have a clear path of retreat and that there are no obstacles in the way. They should also determine the direction of the fall and communicate it to others in the area.
- Positioning: Chainsaw operators should position themselves in a stable and secure position before starting the chainsaw. They should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and have a firm grip on the chainsaw.
- Starting the Chainsaw: Chainsaw operators should start the chainsaw in the correct manner by placing it on the ground and holding it steady with their foot.
- Cutting Techniques: Chainsaw operators should use the correct cutting techniques when cutting. They should cut with the bottom of the bar, using the top of the bar to remove any debris.
- Monitoring and Adjusting: Chainsaw operators should continuously monitor the cut to ensure that it is going according to plan. If necessary, they should adjust their cutting technique to ensure a safe and efficient cut.
Mental Health Practices
Maintaining focus and awareness, proper communication, and taking breaks are all essential mental health practices that help chainsaw operators stay safe and productive.
- Maintaining Focus and Awareness – Maintaining focus and awareness is essential when using a chainsaw. It is important to remain alert and aware of one’s surroundings at all times. Chainsaw operators should maintain eye contact with the area they are cutting and avoid distractions such as talking or texting on the phone.
- Proper Communication – Effective communication is essential when using chainsaws. Chainsaw operators should communicate with each other and any bystanders in the area to ensure everyone’s safety. It is important to communicate the cutting plan, the direction of the fall, and any other relevant information.
- Taking Breaks – Taking regular breaks is essential for mental health and physical health. Chainsaw operators should take breaks every 30 minutes to an hour to rest and recharge.
CHAINSAW LEGISLATION
What is federal legislation?
The Canadian federal government regulates chainsaw safety through the Canada Labour Code, which outlines the minimum safety standards for all federally regulated workplaces. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) under the Canada Labour Code provides regulations and guidelines for the use of chainsaws in the workplace (Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html).
In addition to the federal regulations, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has published a series of standards for chainsaw safety, including CSA Standard Z62.1-03, which provides guidelines for the selection, use, and maintenance of chainsaws (Source: CSA Group, Chain saws Z62.1-15, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/Z62.1-15).
What is provincial and territorial legislation?
Each province and territory in Canada also has its own specific regulations for chainsaw safety. For example, in Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) provides regulations and guidelines for chainsaw safety. This legislation requires employers to ensure that chainsaw operators receive proper training and are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment.
In British Columbia, chainsaw safety is regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, which provides guidelines for the use of chainsaws in the workplace, including requirements for chainsaw operators to be trained and certified.
In Quebec, chainsaw safety is regulated by the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, which provides guidelines for the safe use of chainsaws in the workplace.
In addition to these provincial and territorial regulations, some provinces also have specific regulations related to the forestry industry. For example, in Alberta, the Forest and Prairie Protection Act regulates the use of chainsaws in the forestry industry (Source: Alberta Government, the Forest and Prairie Protection Act, URL: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/f19).
CHAINSAW SAFETY TRAINING
What is Chainsaw Safety training?
Chainsaw safety training is a training program that teaches individuals how to safely operate a chainsaw. The training covers topics such as proper handling of the chainsaw, safety procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintenance of the chainsaw.
Who is responsible for Chainsaw Safety training?
In Canada, employers are responsible for providing chainsaw safety training to their employees. Employers must ensure that all chainsaw operators have received proper training before using a chainsaw in the workplace. This includes providing training on the specific types of chainsaws and equipment used in their workplace.
Who needs Chainsaw Safety training?
Chainsaw safety training is required for individuals who use chainsaws in their workplace. This includes workers in industries such as forestry, landscaping, construction, and agriculture. Specific examples include:
- Forest workers: Workers in the forestry industry use chainsaws for a variety of tasks, such as harvesting trees, pruning branches, and clearing brush. Proper training is essential to prevent injuries and accidents.
- Arborists: Arborists are professionals who specialize in the care and maintenance of trees. They often use chainsaws to remove branches, trim trees, and fell trees. Chainsaw safety training is critical for arborists to ensure that they can perform their job safely.
- Landscapers: Landscapers use chainsaws for a variety of tasks, such as cutting down trees, trimming hedges, and clearing brush. Proper training is essential to prevent injuries and accidents.
- Construction workers: Construction workers use chainsaws for tasks such as cutting concrete, trimming lumber, and demolition work. Chainsaw safety training is necessary to ensure that workers can use the chainsaw safely in a construction setting.
- Farmers: Farmers often use chainsaws for tasks such as clearing land, trimming trees, and cutting firewood. Proper training is essential to prevent injuries and accidents.
- Fish and Wildlife Officers: Fish and wildlife officers use chainsaws for tasks such as clearing trails and removing fallen trees. Chainsaw safety training is necessary to ensure that officers can use the chainsaw safely in a wildlife setting.
Can you do Chainsaw Safety training online?
Yes, chainsaw safety training can be conducted online, but it’s important to note that online courses typically cover the theoretical aspects of the training only. To be fully certified, individuals need to complete theoretical training and evaluation, as well as workplace-specific hands-on practice (blended training).
Blended training is an alternative approach that combines online theoretical training with on-site practical training. Any company or organization claiming to provide full certification solely through online training without the hands-on component is likely operating a scam.
Blended training may be recommended for those who have access to the required equipment or have a competent person to oversee the completion of the workplace-specific checklist.
During hands-on training, participants must learn how to properly use and maintain a chainsaw, as well as how to identify and mitigate hazards, based on the safe operation manual. This type of training allows participants to practice their skills in a controlled environment under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Although it may seem as a better option, in-classroom training still requires workplace-specific hands-on practice, which can present challenges. The equipment used in the training doesn’t always match the equipment used in the workplace, thus making it inconvenient for some individuals. Furthermore, it is more expensive and not necessarily more practical.
Where can you purchase Chainsaw Safety online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your safety training done. There are many methods and providers Chainsaw Safety training. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
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CHAINSAW SAFETY CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
To obtain a Chainsaw Safety Certificate, you will need to complete a Chainsaw Safety Training course. The course covers several chapters, including:
How long is the certificate valid?
Workers who frequently use chainsaws – especially in the logging and forestry industries – should take this course every 3 years. Accidents involving this power tool can lead to debilitating or even deadly injuries, which is why employees should stay in touch with the latest safety procedures.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
The use of chainsaws poses significant hazards, and it is essential to ensure that workers have the knowledge and training necessary to operate chainsaws safely. Through federal and provincial legislation, training programs, and certification requirements, Canada has taken significant steps to promote chainsaw safety and protect workers from harm. By adhering to chainsaw safety regulations, workers can reduce the risk of injury and work more efficiently, resulting in a safer and more productive workplace. It is important for individuals working in industries that use chainsaws to understand the regulations and requirements in their province and ensure that they have the necessary training and certification to operate chainsaws safely.