The document provides safety guidelines for using chain saws. It notes that contact with the moving chain and kickbacks are the leading causes of accidents, usually resulting in cuts and scrapes. It stresses the importance of properly maintaining the chain saw and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment like hard hats, face shields, gloves, and protective clothing. The document offers tips for safe chain saw operation such as reading instructions, gripping the saw firmly, keeping the chain brake properly adjusted, and using caution to avoid kickbacks. It recommends demonstrating proper chain saw use for safety talks.

1. Construction Safety Talks
Chain Saws Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.
As a supervisor, you should already know how hazardous chain
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saws can be. Remind your crew that contact with the moving chain
is the leading cause of accidents. This usually results in cuts and
scrapes to the hands, arms, and legs. Saw kickbacks are the
second leading cause of accidents and usually result in cuts and
How This Talk
Applies To My scrapes to the face, neck, and upper body.
Crew:
The condition of the chain saw is the first item to consider. The
chain should be sharp and under proper tension. Adjust the chain
brake properly. The chain should stop moving at idle speed. The
muffler should be in place to avoid excessive noise.
Tell your crew that it is crucial that they wear their personal
protective equipment. This should include:
• Hard Hat
• Face Shield
• Earmuffs or Earplugs
• Steel Toed Shoes
• Heavy Duty Gloves
• Long Sleeve Shirt
• Protective Pants or Chaps
Here Are Some Tips For Safe Operations:
• Read the manufacturer's instructions.
• Follow all warning labels.
• Hold saw firmly to start it - don't "drop start" it.
• Grip saw firmly and stand to the side of the cut.
• Let the saw do the work, don't force it.
• Stand firmly with your feet apart.
• Use a "buddy" system.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 1

2. • Shut down the saw when you adjust it.
• Check the chain brake and oiler periodically.
• Clean sawdust off regularly and before fueling.
Watch out for kickback! This occurs when the upper tip of the guide bar comes in
contact with an object or material pinches against the blade. You can avoid this by:
• Selecting chains designed to minimize kickback.
• Gripping saw properly.
• Not letting the guide bar tip touch an object while it is running.
• Not burying the guide bar tip into the wood.
• Using wedges to avoid pinching the guide bar when cutting large pieces.
• Keeping the chain brake properly adjusted.
Try This For Show And Tell!
Have someone already "suited up" and ready to demonstrate the proper use of a chain
saw.
Questions You Can Use To Get Them Talking:
• How do you start a chain saw?
• When hot, what precautions should you take before refueling a chain saw?
• How do you test the chain brake?
• Has anyone ever had an accident - or know of one - involving a chain saw?
Reminder:
Even if workers don't use a chain saw, many of them probably do at home.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 2

3. Attended By:
The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 3