The aim of the brochure is to:
- Draw your attention to the dangers involved when felling trees and cutting firewood
- Inform you about safety rules and safety measures
- Encourage you to think about your own capabilities and limitations
- Motivate you to pursue further training
The authors have deliberately omitted any precise descriptions of working techniques. These are best learnt in practical courses. Every type of tree and every situation is different and requires an individual approach. Only when taught by a qualified instructor will you learn how to assess specific situations correctly and to apply the safest working techniques. The normal working techniques and methods are described in the documentation distributed during courses of this type.
The brochure is not intended as a replacement for a tree-felling course. However, it briefly describes and shows what is of particular importance for your safety and your health when felling wood.
Content
The brochure contains the following chapters:
- Introduction
- Preparing for work
- Working with a chainsaw
- Extracting timber
- All about firewood
- Miscellaneous
Fig. 1 - Do not attempt to saw with the tip of the guide bar as there is a risk of kickback of the chainsaw.
Fig. 2 - Forestry work involves particular hazards. There are often situations in which you need help. Never work alone!
The main sources of accidents
A look at the accident statistics reveals the following main points:
| Sources of accidents | Causes of accidents and their consequences |
| Felling trees: | Accidents resulting from tree-felling affect the chainsaw operator, his helpers or third parties present. They often result in invalidity or death. |
| Using a chainsaw to debranch and crosscut logs: | The main causes of accidents are:
|
| Extracting timber with a winch and a tractor: | The main causes of accidents are:
|
| Splitting logs with a splitting machine: | Injuries: Jammed and/or crushed fingers and hands Cause: Splitting machines that allow the user to reach between the splitting tool and the log |
| Sawing firewood with circular saws: | Injuries: Cut off and/or crushed fingerscircular saws Cause: Circular saws that allow the user to reach into the area of the saw blade |
| Woodchipping: | Injuries: Limbs cut off, crushed and/or broken Causes: Woodchipping machines that allow the user to reach into the infeed rollers or blades |
You can recognise a professional by his equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for all chainsaw users. It is decisive that you always wear this equipment when working with a chainsaw. The equipment should consist of:
| 1 | Safety helmet | |
| 2 | Hearing protection | |
| 3 | Eye and face protection | |
| 4 | Protective jacket in a highly visible colour | |
| 5 | Protective nonslip gloves | |
| 6 | Protective trousers/leggings/chaps | |
| 7 | Rugged footwear with antislip soles | |
| 8 | First-aid material |
