Storms cause a lot of damage. Trees fall, and branches scatter everywhere. Downed power lines are very dangerous.
After a storm, more people get hurt than during it. The rush to clean up can lead to mistakes. These mistakes can cause serious injuries.
Chainsaws are powerful tools that need respect. Post-storm cleanup is risky. Wet ground and unstable trees make the work dangerous.
This guide teaches you about chainsaw safety. You’ll learn about the dangers of post-storm cleanup. You’ll also find out about protective gear and safe cutting techniques.
It’s important to know when to call professionals. Not all storm debris removal is safe for DIY. Knowing your limits is key to safety.
Let’s start your journey to safer post-storm cleanup. The information ahead will protect you and your family.
Table of Contents
Why Chainsaw Safety Matters After Storm Events
Storm cleanup can be dangerous. Trees fall in unexpected ways, posing risks to even skilled operators. It’s important to know when to handle a job yourself and when to call a pro. Chainsaw safety tips are key to avoiding serious injuries during cleanup.
Understanding the Risks of Post-Storm Cleanup
After storms, the area becomes a danger zone. Trees can snap back violently, and damaged trees are harder to cut. This makes every cut a challenge.
Storm debris adds to the danger:
- Twisted trunks and bent branches store energy
- Hidden power lines can be buried under trees
- Debris piles can shift when trees are removed
- Wet wood is harder to cut and slippery
- Mud and uneven ground increase slip risks
Heavy equipment and chainsaw noise cause fatigue. This makes operators tired and careless after just an hour.
Common Chainsaw Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Every year, over 35,000 people get hurt by chainsaws in the U.S. These injuries are serious and often require emergency care. Most visits to the emergency room are for cuts on the left hand or finger.
The injury pattern shows where protection is most important:
| Injury Type | Percentage of Cases | Prevention Method |
|---|---|---|
| Left hand or finger cuts | 35 percent | Keep both hands on handles; never remove hands to guide branches |
| Left leg lacerations | 40 percent | Maintain proper stance with feet shoulder-width apart; wear leg protection |
| Torso and chest wounds | 15 percent | Wear body armor and maintain control of the chainsaw |
| Right side injuries | 10 percent | Practice proper body positioning and grip techniques |
Chainsaw injuries often need over 110 stitches and leave scars. Many lose fingers or hands, or need major surgery.
Preventing injuries starts with knowing how they happen. Left-hand injuries come from removing grip to steady branches. Left-leg injuries result from bad stance or kickback. Basic safety tips can prevent these accidents:
- Keep both hands on the handles always
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart for stability
- Never overreach or extend your body off-balance
- Wear full protective equipment including chaps and steel-toed boots
- Take regular breaks to combat fatigue and mental fatigue
- Know your limits and hire professionals for complex cuts
Fatigue increases risk a lot. After an hour of using a chainsaw, focus and reaction times drop. It’s key to stop when tired to avoid accidents.
Essential Chainsaw Safety Equipment and Protective Gear
Before you start cutting storm debris, you need the right protection. Quality chainsaw safety equipment keeps your body safe from serious injury. The cost of personal protective equipment is a small fraction of what you’d pay for emergency care.
Skipping PPE is never worth the risk, even when you’re tired and focused on the job.
Every operator needs complete chainsaw protective gear. Wearing all your equipment is important, whether you work for five minutes or five hours. Studies show that proper protective gear prevents about 40 percent of serious injuries on its own.
When you combine this with proper technique and two-handed operation, you can prevent up to 75 percent of injuries.
Required Personal Protective Equipment
Your chainsaw PPE requirements include several essential pieces. Each item serves a specific purpose to keep you safe:
- Helmet with Face Shield or Safety Glasses — Protects your head from flying wood chips and falling branches. Chainsaws produce debris that travels at high speeds. Safety glasses alone protect your eyes from this risk.
- Ear Protection — Chainsaws produce noise above 100 decibels, which can damage your hearing permanently. Earplugs or earmuffs are essential chainsaw safety equipment.
- Chainsaw Chaps or Cut-Resistant Pants — These contain special Kevlar fibers that jam the saw chain within milliseconds of contact. Chaps alone can prevent 40 percent of leg injuries.
- Cut-Resistant Gloves — Quality gloves improve your grip in wet conditions and reduce vibration fatigue during extended use.
- Steel-Toe Boots — Boots protect your feet from dropped wood and provide stable traction on uneven ground.
- Snug-Fitting Clothing — Loose clothes can get caught in the chain. Wear shirts and pants that fit close to your body.
| Equipment Type | Protection Benefits | Key Features to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet with Face Shield | Prevents head and facial injuries from kickback and debris | ANSI-certified, adjustable fit, anti-fog shield |
| Ear Protection | Preserves hearing from chainsaw noise | NRR rating of 20+ decibels, comfortable fit |
| Chainsaw Chaps | Stops chain rotation before skin contact occurs | Rated for your chainsaw’s chain speed, full-leg coverage |
| Cut-Resistant Gloves | Improves grip and reduces vibration strain | Reinforced palm areas, flexible materials |
| Steel-Toe Boots | Protects feet from crushing injuries and falling debris | Good ankle support, aggressive tread, oil-resistant |
Quality chainsaw protective gear might cost between $200 and $500 for a complete set. An emergency room visit for a chainsaw injury costs thousands of dollars. The investment in proper personal protective equipment is one of the smartest decisions you can make as an operator.
Wearing all your chainsaw safety equipment gives you confidence to work safely and efficiently. Do not compromise on protection, no matter how small the job seems.
Chainsaw Safety Basics
Learning about chainsaw safety is key for anyone using this powerful tool, like after a storm. It’s about knowing how to stand, hold the saw, and spot dangers early. These basics help avoid common injuries on job sites and in yards.
Chainsaw safety is something you can learn. You don’t need to be naturally good at it. What’s important is knowing the right safety steps and following them every time you use the saw.
Proper Chainsaw Handling Techniques
Your grip and stance are the start of safe chainsaw use. Always use both hands on the saw, unless the chain brake is on. This is because about 35 percent of injuries happen to the left hand when it’s removed.
Here’s how to hold the saw correctly:
- Left hand grips the front handle with your thumb wrapped completely underneath
- Right hand holds the throttle handle with a firm grip
- Both thumbs wrap around the handles, not parallel to them
- No left-handed chainsaws exist, so your left hand always goes on the forward bar
Your feet are just as important as your hands. Stand with both feet shoulder-width apart, like a boxer. This stance helps you stay balanced when the saw pushes back.
Never use a chainsaw above shoulder height. Lifting it high makes you lose control and increases kickback risk. Bend at the knees, not the waist, when reaching down. Use an extension pole saw for overhead cuts.
Safe Chainsaw Operation Procedures
Safe chainsaw use starts before you start the engine. Place the saw on a flat surface and turn on the chain brake. These steps prevent accidents and keep you safe while starting.
Starting the saw right is important for your safety:
- Place your left hand on the top handle
- Position your foot in the rear handle bracket
- Pull the starting cord with short, quick tugs
- Never drop-start the saw—this dangerous practice causes injuries
Once it’s running, cut at full throttle. This makes cleaner cuts, reduces chain binding, and keeps the saw well-lubricated. Cutting too slow can make the saw kickback.
Always stand to the side of the saw, not behind it. Turn on the chain brake when you step back, remove a hand, or stop working. These steps might seem small, but they prevent serious injuries.
Kickback Prevention and Control
Kickback is the most dangerous chainsaw risk. Knowing how it happens helps you avoid it. Kickback happens when the top of the bar tip hits something. The chain stops, but the engine keeps going, making the saw swing back towards you.
| Kickback Type | How It Happens | Prevention Method |
|---|---|---|
| Rotational Kickback | Upper bar tip hits resistance | Maintain awareness of tip location, lock left elbow, use lower bar section |
| Chain Stunter | Chain binds in cut material | Cut at full throttle, don’t force the saw |
| Tip Contact | Nose of bar touches object | Never bore-cut unless trained, keep tip clear |
Preventing kickback involves several key steps. Always know where the saw’s tip is. Never get distracted or careless about the bar’s position. Lock your left elbow and keep a firm grip to control the saw’s motion.
Stand to the left of the guide bar to avoid kickback. Cut with the lower bar section whenever you can. Use low-kickback chains with safety features to reduce chain movement.
Never try bore-cutting unless you’re trained. This method is very risky for those who don’t know how. Stick to conventional cutting methods to avoid kickback.
Following these kickback prevention tips is essential for safety. Treat them as non-negotiable rules, not suggestions. This will greatly reduce your risk of injury during post-storm cleanup.
Recognizing Electrical Hazards and Storm-Damaged Trees
Storms can create dangers you can’t see. Trees falling on power lines is a big reason for power outages. Knowing about electrical hazards is key to staying safe around downed lines and damaged trees.
Many think power lines are safe if the power is out. But this is dangerously false. Always treat downed power lines as live and dangerous. Even lines for phones and TVs can be deadly.
Safe Distance Guidelines for Electrical Hazards
Keeping a safe distance from electrical equipment is vital. Here are some important distance rules:
- Stay at least 10 feet away from distribution lines during normal work
- Keep 33 feet distance from any tree in contact with high-voltage lines
- Never work on trees where power lines run through or under the canopy
- Identify high-voltage lines by their location at the top of poles and the number of ceramic insulating discs attached
Electricity can jump through the air and make entire trees and ground live. Trees touching wires need a pro to remove them.
Managing Tensioned Branches and Spring Poles
Storms make spring poles—trees or branches bent by debris. These hold a lot of energy that can release violently if cut wrong.
| Cutting Type | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect Method | Outside edge of bend | Violent snap and lashing branches |
| Correct Method | Inside compression wood | Gradual pressure release |
Cut tensioned branches on the inside of the bend, at the tightest point. Use light, shaving motions along the grain instead of straight cuts. This releases pressure gradually.
If unsure about a tree near electrical lines or under tension, call a pro. Your safety is worth it.
Chainsaw Maintenance and Pre-Operation Checks
A well-maintained chainsaw is a safe chainsaw. Before starting to clear storm debris, take a few minutes to check your equipment. This simple routine prevents injuries and keeps your tool working smoothly. Think of chainsaw maintenance safety as your first line of defense against accidents.
Your pre-operation inspection should become a habit before every use. These quick checks take just minutes but protect both you and your investment. A neglected chainsaw loses efficiency fast, forcing you to work harder and increasing fatigue—a major cause of injuries during cleanup work.
Chain Sharpening and Tension Guidelines
Sharp chains are safer chains. A dull blade makes you push harder on the saw, wearing you out quickly. Watch for fine sawdust instead of wood chips—that’s your sign the chain needs attention. Chain maintenance keeps cuts clean and prevents the saw from binding or kicking back unexpectedly.
Use a round file, electric sharpener, or visit a professional service to keep your chain sharp. Check tension using the “dime’s width rule”—the chain should pull slightly away from the bar but not hang loose. Proper tension prevents derailing and keeps the bar from damage.
- Pull the chain gently away from the bar
- It should move about one-eighth inch (dime thickness)
- Check tension before each use
- Tighten or loosen using the tensioning screws on your bar
Too loose means the chain can whip off. Too tight causes breakage and bar damage. Always follow your manual’s specific requirements.
Fuel and Oil Requirements
Your chainsaw needs the right fuel mixture. Most modern saws use a 50:1 gas-to-oil ratio, but check your manual—different models vary. Wrong fuel mixes cause engine problems and poor performance during critical cleanup work.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check bar oil level | Before each use | Prevents bar and chain wear that causes breakage |
| Inspect chain sharpness | Before each use | Reduces operator fatigue and improves control |
| Verify fuel mixture | Before each use | Ensures proper engine function |
| Test safety features | Before each use | Chain brake, throttle interlock, and clutch protect you |
| Clean air filter | Every few hours of use | Sawdust clogs filters and reduces efficiency |
Always fill the bar oil reservoir completely. Low oil causes excessive heat and chain wear. Clean your air filter regularly—sawdust buildup reduces engine performance and makes the saw harder to control.
Test all safety features before starting work. Engage the chain brake by moving the front handle guard forward—the chain must stop completely. Verify the throttle interlock requires you to press the palm trigger. Confirm the centrifugal clutch disengages at idle so the chain stops spinning when you’re not cutting.
A reliable pre-operation inspection takes five minutes and prevents serious problems. Make it routine before every cleanup session.
Conclusion
Chainsaws are powerful tools for homeowners to tackle storm cleanup and yard work. The right equipment, proper technique, and smart decision-making keep you safe. Learning about chainsaw safety summary practices is key to protecting yourself and your property during post-storm recovery.
Every time you use a chainsaw, safety is a complete package. Your protective gear shields you from injury. Your handling technique keeps you balanced and in control. Your awareness of electrical hazards and tension keeps you away from danger. Regular maintenance keeps the saw running right.
These pieces work together. Skip one piece, and the whole system breaks down. Make safe storm cleanup your standard practice, not an exception.
Know your limits. If a tree is thicker than 6 inches wide, leave it alone. If you need to reach overhead or cut from a ladder, that is not a DIY job. If branches hang near power lines or the tree leans against your house, step back. If the wood is under tension and might spring back at you, stop.
These are the times to call a professional tree service. You are making the smart choice, not giving up. Your family’s safety matters more than any repair bill.
If you move forward with safe tasks, never work by yourself. Tell someone where you are working. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit nearby and know how to use it. Have a clear plan for getting help if something goes wrong.
Storm cleanup can wait a few extra days. Rushing leads to mistakes. Taking your time and working safely will get better results and bring everyone home healthy.
FAQ
What makes post-storm chainsaw cleanup more dangerous than regular cutting?
Post-storm cleanup is more dangerous because trees are under extreme tension. They can snap violently when cut. Debris piles are unstable and power lines may be down or tangled in branches.
Damaged wood behaves differently than healthy timber. These conditions make standard cutting techniques unsafe. It’s critical to understand the risks and know when to call professionals for your safety.
How effective is proper chainsaw safety equipment at preventing injuries?
Proper chainsaw safety equipment prevents about 75% of serious injuries. Each piece of equipment protects a specific area. Helmets protect against falling branches and kickback strikes.
Face shields prevent blindness from wood chips. Ear protection keeps your hearing safe from loud noise. Chainsaw chaps bind up the chain quickly if it touches your leg.
Gloves improve grip and reduce vibration fatigue. Steel-toe boots protect against dropped wood. Investing in quality PPE is less expensive than medical treatment and allows you to work with confidence.
Why is the two-hands rule so important for chainsaw safety?
The two-hands rule is important because about 35% of injuries happen when operators get lazy. They try to hold branches with one hand while cutting with the other. The correct way to hold the chainsaw requires thumbs wrapped around both handles.
Feet should be shoulder-width apart in a boxer-like stance. Your body should stand to the side, not behind the cutting plane. Always keep your left hand on the front handle, never parallel, to prevent kickback injuries.
What exactly is chainsaw kickback and how do I prevent it?
Kickback is the most dangerous chainsaw hazard. It happens when the upper tip of the bar hits resistance. The chain stops, but the engine keeps going, causing violent upward rotation.
This can throw the saw or your hands toward your face and body. Prevention strategies include maintaining awareness of tip location and using low-kickback chains. Always cut with the lower portion of the bar when possible.
How far away should I stay from power lines when using a chainsaw?
Electrical hazards are the number one concern after storms. Always keep at least 10 feet away from power lines during normal work. If you see trees in contact with wires, stop and call your utility company immediately.
This is a job for professionals with specialized equipment. Never believe the dangerous myth that “if my power is out, the lines are dead.”
What are spring poles and why are they so dangerous?
Spring poles are trees bent like bows with stored energy from storm damage. When cut improperly, they can snap violently. This can cause broken bones, deep lacerations, or worse.
The correct approach is cutting the compression wood. This requires specialized equipment like cranes or heavy machinery. Recognizing these situations and knowing when to call professionals is essential for protecting yourself and your family.
What should be on my pre-operation chainsaw safety checklist?
Before every use, complete these safety checks: inspect chain sharpness, check chain tension, and verify bar oil level. Confirm the fuel mixture is correct (typically 50:1 ratio for two-stroke engines, but always check your manual). Test all safety features and clean the air filter.
This quick routine takes just minutes but prevents injuries caused by equipment failure and operator fatigue. A well-maintained chainsaw is safer, easier to use, and less likely to cause the fatigue-related accidents that lead to serious injuries during extended cleanup work.
How do I know if my chainsaw chain is sharp enough?
Sharp chains are safer because they cut efficiently without requiring you to push hard. This reduces fatigue and improves control. You can recognize a dull chain by the sawdust it produces.
Sharp chains make distinct wood chips, while dull chains produce fine powder. Chain sharpening and tension guidelines recommend inspecting your chain sharpness before every use and sharpening frequently based on use. Whether you use a round file, electric sharpener, or professional service, maintaining a sharp chain is non-negotiable for both safety and performance during post-storm cleanup work.
What is proper chain tension and how tight should it be?
Proper chain tension follows the “dime’s width” rule. Your chain should have just enough slack to pull slightly away from the bar but not so loose it can derail. Both extremes are dangerous: too-loose chains can derail and whip violently, while too-tight chains can snap or damage your bar.
The correct tensioning procedure is simple but critical for safe chainsaw operation procedures. You should verify and adjust chain tension before every use, as temperature changes and normal operation affect tension throughout your work session.
When should I call a professional instead of attempting DIY chainsaw cleanup?
Knowing your limits is key for safety. Professional help is required for trees over 6 inches in diameter, any overhead cutting, trees touching structures or other trees, anything near power lines, and all electrical hazard situations. If you see spring poles, hung trees, root balls under tension, or any unstable debris piles, call a professional with specialized equipment.
Calling professionals isn’t admitting defeat—it’s making the smart, responsible choice that protects your family and property. Storm cleanup can wait; no property repair is worth risking your life or health.
What is the difference between high-voltage and low-voltage power lines, and can low-voltage lines cause injury?
High-voltage lines are typically positioned higher on utility poles and have ceramic insulators. Even low-voltage communication lines (telephone, cable, internet) can cause serious electrical injury. Never assume a line is safe just because it appears smaller or lower on the pole.
The safest approach is treating all power lines as dangerous and maintaining appropriate distance from any trees in contact with any wires. If you cannot clearly identify what a line is or confirm it’s de-energized, keep back and call the utility company—that’s always the safe choice.
Why is cutting at full throttle safer than partial throttle?
Cutting at full throttle is safer than partial throttle because the chain operates more efficiently. This results in cleaner cuts, less binding, and better bar oil lubrication throughout the cutting motion. When operators use partial throttle, the chain struggles, binding becomes more likely, and the saw is harder to control.
Full throttle safe chainsaw operation provides consistent power. This helps prevent the jerky motions and lack of control that cause injuries. Always maintain full throttle during actual cutting and reduce throttle only during positioning or when pausing between cuts.
What should I do if someone is injured by a chainsaw while working nearby?
Never work alone during chainsaw cleanup—always have someone nearby who knows you’re working and can respond to emergencies. Have first aid supplies readily available before you start, ensure someone knows your location and work schedule, and have an emergency plan established.
For serious injuries involving heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, or severe trauma, call emergency services immediately (911) instead of attempting self-treatment. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention promptly because chainsaw wounds can be deceptive, with deeper tissue damage than surface wounds suggest.
How does vibration from chainsaws affect safety and fatigue?
Chainsaws are heavy, produce 100+ decibels of noise, and generate significant vibration. This combination impairs judgment over time. It leads to fatigue that directly increases injury risk because tired operators make poor decisions, lose concentration, and have slower reaction times.
Wearing quality gloves reduces vibration fatigue while improving grip in sweaty conditions. Taking regular breaks prevents cognitive impairment from prolonged exposure to noise and vibration. Remember, taking time to work safely leads to better outcomes than rushing into dangerous situations while exhausted.
What specific body positions leave me most vulnerable to chainsaw injuries?
The left hand and left leg are most vulnerable because operators often remove their hand to hold branches or adopt improper stances. Standing directly behind the saw or in the plane of the cutting motion puts your entire body at risk from kickback.
Proper stance requires feet shoulder-width apart in a boxer-like position with your body standing to the side. Your left hand always stays on the front handle with a wrapped thumb grip, never parallel, to maintain control and keep your body positioned safely.
Why is bar oil important and how often should I check it?
Bar oil lubricates the chain and bar, preventing wear that can cause chain breakage or derailment—both of which are dangerous. Check your bar oil level before every single use, and verify you’re using the correct type specified in your chainsaw manual.
Running a chainsaw with insufficient bar oil causes the chain and bar to wear rapidly. This creates unsafe conditions where equipment failure becomes likely. Proper fuel and oil requirements maintenance takes just a minute but prevents equipment failures that could cause serious injuries during operation.
Should I work alone when using a chainsaw for storm cleanup?
Never work alone. Always have someone nearby who knows you’re working and can respond immediately if something goes wrong. Ensure someone knows your location and work schedule, have first aid supplies readily available, and establish an emergency plan before you start.
A buddy system provides critical backup if you’re injured, lose consciousness, or need immediate help. Having another person present also helps prevent the tunnel vision and poor judgment that sometimes affects solo operators.
What are ANSI standards for chainsaw helmets and why do they matter?
ANSI standards ensure that chainsaw helmets meet minimum safety specifications for impact protection, penetration resistance, and retention. When selecting a helmet, always verify it meets current ANSI standards for chainsaw safety.
This ensures the helmet provides genuine protection against impact from falling branches and kickback strikes to the head. Quality helmets also integrate face shields and ear protection, creating an integrated system that protects multiple areas. Buying helmets that meet ANSI standards ensures you’re actually protected during use.
How do chainsaw chaps actually prevent leg injuries?
Quality chainsaw chaps contain special synthetic fibers that bind up the chain mechanism within milliseconds of contact with the moving chain. When the chain encounters this material, it becomes entangled in the fibers, stopping the chain’s forward motion before it can penetrate deep into your leg.
This friction-based protection is why chaps must be rated for your specific chainsaw’s chain speed—slower-chain saws need different chap ratings than high-speed models. Proper chainsaw protective gear like certified chaps can literally be the difference between a superficial wound and losing a limb.
Why shouldn’t I drop-start a chainsaw and what’s the proper starting method?
Drop-starting (holding the saw in the air and letting it fall to start the engine) is dangerous because the saw can get away from you, the chain may be spinning during startup, and you lose control of the equipment. The safe chainsaw safety basics require the ground start method.
Place the saw firmly on level ground, engage the chain brake, set the throttle to the starting position, and use proper pull-cord technique. Only pick up the saw after the engine is running, the chain is stationary (confirm the chain brake is engaged), and you have both hands properly positioned on the handles.
What should I wear on my feet when operating a chainsaw?
Steel-toe boots are essential because they protect your feet from dropped wood (which can cause crushing injuries) and provide stable footing on uneven terrain—critical when working in storm debris. Look for boots with good ankle support and aggressive tread to maintain stability on potentially slippery surfaces created by moisture, mud, or debris.
Boots with adequate cushioning reduce fatigue during extended work sessions. Quality footwear is an often-overlooked component of chainsaw PPE requirements but provides critical protection in the unpredictable conditions created by post-storm cleanup.
How does proper stance improve my chainsaw safety?
Proper stance with feet shoulder-width apart in a slightly staggered position (like a boxer) provides stability, balance, and quick reaction time. This positioning keeps your center of gravity centered and allows you to move quickly if something unexpected happens.
A boxer-like stance also naturally positions your body to the side, not behind the cutting plane. This keeps you out of the direct kickback danger zone. Compare this to standing straight-legged or with feet together—positions that make you unstable, slow to react, and more likely to lose control if the saw binds or kicks.
What hearing protection should I use when operating a chainsaw?
Chainsaws produce over 100 decibels of noise, which causes immediate hearing damage without protection. Quality ear protection is essential, whether you choose foam earplugs inserted correctly, earmuffs, or helmets with integrated ear protection. Many professional operators use double protection—both earplugs and earmuffs—during extended work sessions.
The goal is consistent noise reduction throughout your entire work period. Select chainsaw safety equipment that stays in place and doesn’t shift or fall out during active cutting. Hearing loss is permanent and progressively worsens with each exposure to unprotected chainsaw noise.
Why should I verify my fuel mixture ratio before starting?
Two-stroke chainsaws require specific gas-to-oil ratios (typically 50:1 but always verify in your manual) to properly lubricate internal engine components. Using incorrect ratios causes either oil buildup (fouling plugs and creating smoke) or insufficient lubrication (seizing the engine).
Neither situation is safe—improper fuel mixtures can cause engine failure during cutting, sudden loss of power, or difficulty starting. Always mix fuel carefully according to your manual’s specifications and never use fuel that’s been stored longer than 30 days, as it degrades and can cause starting problems.
What face protection is best for chainsaw safety?
Quality face shields provide protection against wood chips that can cause blindness and facial lacerations. Many integrated helmet systems include mesh face shields that provide excellent visibility while protecting against flying debris. For additional eye protection, safety glasses that meet ANSI standards can be worn under face shields or separately.
The combination of helmet, face shield, and safety glasses creates layered protection for your face and eyes. Never operate a chainsaw without some form of face protection—wood chips traveling at high speed can cause permanent eye damage in an instant.
