Safety briefing - use of chainsaws

This briefing provides essential information to workers on the safe use of chainsaws.

What’s covered?

The aim of this Safety Briefing - Use of Chainsaws is to remind well trained workers of the hazards of using chainsaws and the precautions they are expected to apply.

Reasons for concern

There is a range of hazards arising from the use of chainsaws: high noise levels, hand-arm vibration, strains and sprains, falls from height, falling branches/trees, laceration, traffic and overhead lines. The risks affect not only the chainsaw operator but also their colleagues and members of the public, including road users.

Control measures

The briefing describes a range of precautions which workers must apply including the proper care and use of equipment, wearing personal protective clothing, following safe systems of work and being prepared for emergencies.

Key points

The key points remind attendees that as highly trained staff they are expected to:

• “Act responsibly and in accordance with your training.
• Be diligent in carrying out daily checks, maintenance of the machinery, reporting defects, wearing personal protective clothing etc.
• Be alert to others in the vicinity who could be at risk from your work, including members of the public and road users.
• Read and understand any risk assessments which have been undertaken by their employer.
• Report to their supervisor and symptoms of ill health or any concerns which prevent them from working safely.”