| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Trip hazards, unstable footing, rolling logs, nearby crew in unsafe positions | Walk the site, remove loose debris, identify log movement risks, ensure crew stays clear of cutting zone, assign a spotter if necessary |
| Inspect the log and limbs | Hidden tension or compression, spring poles, overhead hangers | Examine each limb for bind points, identify spring loaded limbs, remove hazardous hangers before starting |
| Inspect chainsaw and tools | Dull chain, loose parts, malfunctioning safety features | Check chain tension, sharpness, chain brake, bar oil, fuel, wedges, and tools; remove damaged saws from service |
| Don required PPE | Cuts, head injury, eye injury, hearing loss | Wear all required PPE before cutting begins |
| Establish cutting stance and plan | Loss of balance, kickback, misjudged log movement | Maintain solid footing, stand to the side of the bar, plan sequence of cuts, verify escape path in case log shifts |
| Begin limbing | Limb kickback, saw catching or pinching, saw contacting body | Cut limbs on the far side of the log first, keep bar tip clear of other limbs, maintain two handed grip, never cut above shoulder height |
| Manage spring poles | Sudden release of stored energy causing violent movement | Identify bent limbs under tension, make relief cuts from a safe position, stand clear of predicted rebound path |
| Bucking the log | Log roll, shifting weight, bar pinch, kickback | Stand uphill when possible, identify compression and tension zones, start with small controlled cuts, use wedges to avoid pinching the bar |
| Monitor crew positioning | Unexpected entry into hazard zone | Maintain verbal communication, assign a watch person during busy operations, keep all others at least two tree lengths away |
| Shut down or reposition chainsaw | Contact with moving chain, loss of balance | Engage chain brake during short moves, shut the saw off for longer moves, carry the saw with bar pointed behind you |
| Final cleanup | Strains, cuts, rolling logs | Use gloves, move cut material with proper lifting technique, stabilize logs before further work or leaving site |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Chainsaw chaps
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
High visibility vest when working near roadways
Long sleeve shirt and close fitting clothing
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Chainsaw, Forestry, and Vegetation Management
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Trip hazards, unstable footing, rolling logs, nearby crew in unsafe positions | Walk the site, remove loose debris, identify log movement risks, ensure crew stays clear of cutting zone, assign a spotter if necessary |
| Inspect the log and limbs | Hidden tension or compression, spring poles, overhead hangers | Examine each limb for bind points, identify spring loaded limbs, remove hazardous hangers before starting |
| Inspect chainsaw and tools | Dull chain, loose parts, malfunctioning safety features | Check chain tension, sharpness, chain brake, bar oil, fuel, wedges, and tools; remove damaged saws from service |
| Don required PPE | Cuts, head injury, eye injury, hearing loss | Wear all required PPE before cutting begins |
| Establish cutting stance and plan | Loss of balance, kickback, misjudged log movement | Maintain solid footing, stand to the side of the bar, plan sequence of cuts, verify escape path in case log shifts |
| Begin limbing | Limb kickback, saw catching or pinching, saw contacting body | Cut limbs on the far side of the log first, keep bar tip clear of other limbs, maintain two handed grip, never cut above shoulder height |
| Manage spring poles | Sudden release of stored energy causing violent movement | Identify bent limbs under tension, make relief cuts from a safe position, stand clear of predicted rebound path |
| Bucking the log | Log roll, shifting weight, bar pinch, kickback | Stand uphill when possible, identify compression and tension zones, start with small controlled cuts, use wedges to avoid pinching the bar |
| Monitor crew positioning | Unexpected entry into hazard zone | Maintain verbal communication, assign a watch person during busy operations, keep all others at least two tree lengths away |
| Shut down or reposition chainsaw | Contact with moving chain, loss of balance | Engage chain brake during short moves, shut the saw off for longer moves, carry the saw with bar pointed behind you |
| Final cleanup | Strains, cuts, rolling logs | Use gloves, move cut material with proper lifting technique, stabilize logs before further work or leaving site |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Chainsaw chaps
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
High visibility vest when working near roadways
Long sleeve shirt and close fitting clothing