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Work Safely for your Woods

16-6-2020

Nothing can slow down your enjoyment of the forest more than injury, the worst is self-harm. By following some reliable techniques and using appropriate safety equipment, many such accidents can be prevented. This is especially true when using a chainsaw, but it is also true for protecting your property from wildfires and protecting yourself from plants and insects that may cause harm.


Safe use of chainsaw

Chainsaws are powerful tools designed to cut through the hardest wood. So it is safe to say that they can easily cut through any unprotected part of the body. Thousands of people are injured each year by using chainsaws, most of them are not working in the logging industry. In fact, most injured people are landlords like you. They may operate chainsaws once a week or every year. To avoid becoming one of these statistics, please follow these simple guidelines:


Equipped with all appropriate safety equipment, including helmet with face shield, hearing protection, chainsaw pants or trousers, work gloves and boots

Keep the chain sharp and the air filter clean to achieve the best working conditions, thereby reducing your workload

Use a partner system when working in the woods, or connect with someone by phone or radio. Let others know when you can finish.

Check if there is danger around the trees you fell down, such as dead branches or dead trees that may be knocked down nearby

Before you start felling, plan to cut down the trees, including the escape route that will be used when the trees start to fall




Map of escape routes for felling trees. The escape route is a way for the cutter to retreat when the tree begins to fall.


Keep the chainsaw in the best working condition

Like any other tool you use, the chainsaw requires some training and maintenance to ensure your work is safe and effective. By keeping the chainsaw in optimal working condition, you will reduce the wear on your body and consume less energy in your work. In addition to using the correct fuel mixture, always add chain and chain oil, and keep the air filter clean. The most important thing is to maintain the chain.


A chain or blade is a series of cutting tools connected together. If the blade hits metal or stone, or the wood is particularly hard, such as elm or maple, the cutting surface will quickly become dull. After prolonged use, the chain may also be stretched or loose. For this reason, you must always pay attention to the chain during the operation. If the chain throws up dust instead of chips during cutting, it is time to sharpen it. If it seems necessary to adjust the chain tension at any time, it is best to stop the saw and tighten the chain again.


Develop a habit and hone your chain store regularly according to your usage. Some people run files on the chain every time they stop to refuel and refuel. This may seem superfluous, but taking a moment to sharpen means that the work during cutting is much easier. Be sure to follow the maintenance instructions in the user manual.


Handle trees safely

Safely planting the tree on the ground is the first step in converting it into a pile of logs, firewood or writing brush you want. The next step is peeling and bending (or cutting the stem into logs), each of which has its own inherent dangers.


Usually, when cutting down trees, the branches bend and become trapped under the main part of the tree. These will bounce outward when cutting, so you need to be careful to release the tension in the trapped branches. The felled trees may also be partially supported by the branches, and when these supports are felled, the branches may roll. It is best to lay it flat on the ground before trying to cut it into logs. Pea hooks or diagonal hooks are great tools for turning trees.


When pressing the tree into logs, be sure to cut the uphill side of the tree to prevent the tree from rolling after the cutting is completed. It is best to use plastic wedges to keep the cut open and prevent the saw from being pinched. It can be purchased at most hardware stores equipped with chain saw equipment.