CHAINSAW SAFETY TRAINING

Chainsaw Safety Training Course

• Course Outline:

  1. Introduction to Chainsaw Safety

     • Importance of chainsaw safety in the workplace

     • Overview of chainsaw-related injuries and statistics

  2. Ontario-Specific Health and Safety Regulations

     • Employer and worker obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

     • Applicable regulations and standards, including CSA and WSIB guidelines

  3. Chainsaw Fundamentals

     • Parts and functions of a chainsaw

     • Pre-use inspection and maintenance checklist

  4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

     • Required PPE as per Ontario standards

     • Proper selection, usage, and care

  5. Safe Operating Practices

     • Starting, handling, and stopping a chainsaw safely

     • Mitigating hazards such as kickback and pinch points

  6. Emergency Preparedness and First Aid

     • Responding to chainsaw-related incidents

     • Key first-aid protocols and emergency planning

  7. Environmental Awareness

     • Safe practices for felling trees and cutting in confined spaces

     • Protecting surrounding areas during chainsaw operations

  8. Hands-On Skills Training

     • Practical exercises for safe cutting techniques

     • Evaluation of participant skills by certified trainers

  9. Certification Assessment

     • Knowledge test

     • Issuance of certification upon successful completion

GENERAL INFORMATION AND TIPS

• Always ensure that you are never working alone while operating a chainsaw. If you must work alone, always make sure that someone knows where you are working and when you are expected to return.

• Never operate a chainsaw while standing on a ladder.

• Always start the chainsaw while it is safely on the ground.

• Vehicles should never be parked close to the tree felling area.

• Never operate the chainsaw above shoulder height.

• Use extreme caution if high or gusty winds or lightning.

• Always wear personal protective equipment.

• Do not operate the chainsaw using an insecure stance or footing.

• Always use the appropriate sized chainsaw for the job required.

• Never use a chainsaw with only one hand.

• Always have the chain brake engaged if you are required to walk any distance.

• Never use drugs or alcohol before or while operating a chain saw.

• Never turn your back on a falling tree.

• Never limb a log while standing on the downhill side of the log.

• Never start the chainsaw closer than ten feet from the gas filling area.

• Never leave a tree partially cut and still standing.

• People must be warned in advance if a tree is going to be felled in their area.

• Never operate a chainsaw if you are tired or not feeling well.

• Never operate a chainsaw if you are not properly trained

PROPER CHAINSAW PPE

Proper safety clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn to lessen the chance of injury.

The following personal protective equipment and clothing are a must when operating a chainsaw.

• CSA approved Safety Glasses with side shields, goggles or face shields.

• CSA approved foot protection with cut resistant materials.

• CSA approved hard hat head protection.

• CSA approved hearing protection.

• Leather gloves with ballistic nylon on back.

• Leg protection clothing (pants or chaps) with sewn in ballistic nylon pads.

• Know when to use fall protection equipment such as harnesses, belts and lanyards.

General Information:

Chainsaw safety, operation and maintenance video from STIHL USA

Chainsaw blade sharpening tips from STIHL USA

Click here to view our blog post on Chainsaw Safety

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