Using a chainsaw seems simple, but it’s one of the most dangerous tools in outdoor power equipment. From lacerations to kickback injuries and even fatalities, misuse can be serious. Whether you’re a homeowner trimming trees or a professional logger, chainsaw safety guidelines are key to being safe.
At Bethel Power Equipment, we’ve worked with arborists, landscapers and homeowners throughout Connecticut who rely on their chainsaws to get the job done. In this post we’ll break down OSHA’s safety recommendations and what it takes to operate a chainsaw safely—before, during and after each job.
Before Starting a Chainsaw
According to the OSHA QuickCard on chainsaw safety, several steps must be taken before you even pull the cord:
Pre-Use Inspection
- Check chain tension, bolts and handles to make sure everything is secure and working properly. Improper tension increases the risk of chain derailment or kickback.
- Make sure the chain is sharp and properly lubricated. A dull chain increases operator fatigue and leads to binding.
- Top off the bar and chain oil. An empty oil tank can cause the bar to overheat and damage the chain.
Start the Saw Safely
- Always start the chainsaw on the ground or another firm surface—never with a drop start, which is prohibited by OSHA (1910.266(e)(2)(iv)).
- Engage the chain brake before starting.
- Start at least 10 feet away from the fueling area, as recommended by OSHA.
Fueling a Chainsaw Safely
Fueling is one of the most overlooked safety hazards but carries the risk of fire and chemical exposure. OSHA says:
Safe Fueling Practices
- Fuel in approved containers only.
- Fuel at least 10 feet away from ignition sources and out of direct sun if possible.
- Never smoke during fueling.
- Use a funnel or flexible hose to avoid spills and vapor buildup.
- Never fuel a running or hot saw. Let it cool down first—vapors from gasoline are highly flammable and can ignite from a hot muffler or engine housing.
Chainsaw Operation Safety
When the saw is running, safe operation is all about control, technique and PPE.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
OSHA says operators must wear PPE:
- Hard hat
- Eye protection (goggles or face shield)
- Hearing protection
- Leg protection (chainsaw chaps)
- Gloves
- Cut-resistant or steel-toed boots
This is not optional—it’s required on job sites under [OSHA 1910.266(d)(1)(v)].
Safe Handling Practices
OSHA’s QuickCard says:
- Engage the chain brake when walking with the saw or moving over uneven terrain.
- Use two hands at all times on the saw’s handles.
- Maintain stable footing and balance.
- Avoid loose clothing or dangling jewelry that could catch in the chain.
- Never saw with the tip of the bar, which is the most common cause of kickback injuries.
Preventing Kickback: Chainsaw Safety for a Smooth Cut
Kickback occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar’s tip contacts an object or gets pinched in the wood. This is violent and can be catastrophic.
How to reduce kickback risk:
- Keep the bar tip clear during cutting.
- Use low-kickback chains and chain brakes.
- Hold the saw firmly and cut at full throttle.
Chainsaw Safety for Tree Trimming: Special Considerations
Chainsaw safety goes hand-in-hand with tree trimming—especially when felling trees or cutting storm-damaged limbs. OSHA’s Tree Trimming Fact Sheet and standard [1910.266(h)] covers best practices.
Power Line Awareness
- Always assume power lines are live.
- Call the utility company before trimming trees near wires.
- Use non-conductive ladders and maintain clearance from energized equipment.
Plan Before You Cut
- Perform a hazard assessment around the tree and the jobsite.
- Identify lean direction, limb tension and surrounding obstacles.
- Use safe felling techniques, including notch and back cuts, to guide the tree’s fall.
Dead or Tensioned Limbs
- Dead trees or limbs can snap unpredictably.* Spring poles—young trees or branches bent under tension—can whip back with deadly force.
- Never turn your back on a falling tree.
- Always retreat at a 45-degree angle away from the felling direction.
Most Common Chainsaw Injuries: Preventing Harmful Accidents
According to OSHA and CDC data, most chainsaw injuries are:
- Kickback (tip contact with wood)
- Improper grip or stance
- Failure to wear PPE
- Fatigue or overuse
- Improper felling direction
- Working alone or without supervision
Tree workers say the most dangerous tree is one that “looks safe.” Even a small oversight—like a dull chain or a dead limb under pressure—can be serious.
Chainsaw Safety Is a System, Not a One-Time Task
Chainsaw safety is more than reading a manual. It’s a set of habits that need to be practiced every time—whether you’re a new homeowner or a veteran arborist.
At Bethel Power Equipment, we take safety seriously. We offer:
- Chainsaws with built-in safety features (STIHL, ECHO, Husqvarna)
- PPE for chainsaw use including chaps, helmets and gloves
- Maintenance services to keep your saw running safely
- Expert advice on using your chainsaw in Connecticut’s terrain and weather
Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?
Contact us today or stop by. We’ll help you get the chainsaw, safety gear and maintenance support you need to get the job done safely and efficiently.
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