Important for the handyman, but lethal for the uninitiated

Press, 12 June 1987, Page 18

Important for the handyman, but lethal for the uninitiated

“The chainsaws that the bushmen use, I think you’ll always find, "Are sharper than a gossip’s tongue, and tuned up like her mind.” When Blue Jeans, the popular Central Otago poet, wrote those lines he was thinking of the past when; chainsaws were introduced to the bush. Today, however, chainsaws are not confined to the bush and the forest. They often form an essential part of the homehandyman’s kit. Unfortunately, many handymen have discovered that a chainsaw is indeed, much sharper than a gossip’s tongue. There is no doubt that a chainsaw is a very convenient device that in the right hands is able to save many hours of hard work. It is, however, a lethal tool in the hands of the uninitiated. Mr Stephen Carn, a chainsaw mechanic at Foster Chainsaws, says that kickback is one major cause of serious or fatal injury when using a chainsaw. Kickback frequently occurs when the tip area hits a knot or some other obstruction. The chain, which is moving at about 80km/h, kicks back and could strike the operator. Mr Carn says that the saw must be held straight and the entire tip area should be clear of. the wood until the cut is established. Some modern chainsaws will have a device known as a chainbrake. In the event of a kickback, the operator’s wrist strikes the chain brake

guard and the chain stops within, half, a second. “It is better if the user is hit by a stopped chain, rather than a moving one,” says Mr Carn. Incredibly, some people have been known to remove the chainbrake from a saw. It must be remembered, however, that a chainbrake, or any other safety device, will not prevent a kickback. These devices are designed only to stop the chain in certain kickback situations. A kickback can also occur when a dull or improperly sharpened chain is used. It is best to always cut with a properly sharpened chain. A good grip, with both hands on the chainsaw will lessen the effect of a kickback or any other malfunction. Another safety device that should be looked for is a guard to prevent a broken chain striking the operator. Another potential danger is known as pull-in. This occurs when the chain on the bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped. The chain stops when it is pinched, caught, or encounters a foreign object in the wood. The reaction of the chain pulls the saw forward and causes the operator to lose control. If the chain is suddenly stopped when the wood is being cut from underneath with the top of the bar, the operator loses control when the saw is suddenly thrust back. This is known as pushback. Any action or reaction that causes the operator to lose control of the

chainsaw can be extremely dangerous. Before anyone uses a chainsaw, they should check that the bar is not too long for the saw and that the saw is large enough for the job that is to be done. Mr Carn says that ear muffs should always be worn along with other safety clothing such as suitable trousers, steelcapped boots, and a visor to prevent flying chips from hitting the operator’s face and eyes. A chainsaw is a very useful tool, but it is one that should not be used before the operator has had adequate tuition and has thoroughly studied an instruction manual. A good instruction manual will have a comprehensive section on safety. ’ •