The worker closest to the camera is using a compact designed saw commonly known as the top handle or top handle chainsaw for delimbing debris on the ground in a tree removal operation. The investigation started at our safety meeting with an open discussion about the safe use of chainsaws and then moved on to discuss the specific safety requirements around the top handle chainsaw. I have just read your article about how you responded to criticism regards top handle chainsaw use on the ground.
The design of the top-handled chain saw makes it possible, and extremely tempting, to operate with only one hand to control the saw and throttle simultaneously. Rotational kickback occurs when the upper quadrant of the chain saw bar tip comes into contact with wood or other matter, causing the top of the chain saw bar to jolt suddenly toward the operator at very high speeds. The operatorshalloperate the chain saw with the left hand and thumb gripped firmly around the forward handle and the right handand thumb gripped firmly around the rear handle, unless it is not practicable, and theemployer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by operating the chain saw that way in that particular situation.
The saw connected with an adjacent branch and kicked back activating the inertia brake, but the force of the bar and chain hitting his face resulted in a nasty cut to his nose and top lip that required a trip to Emergency and resulted in a lot of stitches. Then cut under about 25mm away up to and overlap the top cut. If the cut will not break re-introduce the chainsaw or if you use a hand saw to finish you can hold on to it at the same time.
His instructor told him that it’s illegal for anyone to use a top handle chainsaw on the ground and for example, said that if I do I can be fined heavily. I’ve found myself using the top handle alot for small jobs – I guess I’ll have to decide for myself how much of an increased risk I’m taking, and whether it’s worth investing in a small/lightweight rear handle saw. If accidents with top handle saws would be so catastrophic as UK authorities want to project it, we would run out of chainsaw operators very soon…. Last edited: Oct 19, 2010.
top handle chainsaw regulations Related Question:
Can I use a top handle chainsaw?
Top-handled chainsaws are only suitable for use off the ground. Operators must use rear-handled saws when working on the ground.
What is a top handle chainsaw for?
What is a Top Handle Chainsaw for? Top handle chainsaws are designed to be operated off the ground, even with a single hand. They are more suited for professional arborists for pruning down branches while climbing a tree. In a top handle chainsaw, all the necessary controls are mounted near the top handle.
Can you use a top handle chainsaw one-handed?
Top-handled chainsaws should not be used one-handed either in place of poor work positioning or in preference to a handsaw whilst cutting smaller material at branch tips.
What chainsaw do arborists use?
STIHL chain saws are also the first choice for professional arborists. In combination with STIHL cutting attachments, these powerful lightweights with extra high full-throttle rotational speed impress with their exceptional cutting performance and clean cutting surfaces.
What is a CS39 certificate?
Course Overview The course covers specialist cutting techniques for using saws up trees. CS39 is accepted by the HSE as evidence of suitable training and competence for professional arborist who operate chainsaws and perform aerial tree-work operations.
Is rear handle circular saw better?
Because of the placement of the motor, Rear Handle Circular Saws get a heck of a lot more torque than a standard Sidewinder Circ Saw. Sidewinders get more RPM’s, but the torque and power beats speed when you’re cutting into hardwoods with a Worm Drive (rear handle) saw.
Do arborists use electric chainsaws?
Arborist chainsaws fall under three different power sources: battery-operated, electric, and gas. Due to this, you should consider the power source that is ideal to you since each source has strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at each of the three types of chainsaws.
What is the lightest gas chainsaw?
The X Series ECHO chainsaw CS-2511T 12 in. is the lightest gas powered chainsaw in North America. The 25.0 cc professional-grade engine delivers incredible horse power from a compact, easily maneuverable body.
What is a pruning saw?
Definition of pruning saw : a saw that has a usually tapering straight or curved blade and either a closed or an open and sometimes folding handhold and that may or may not be attached to a pole.
Why is it called a worm drive saw?
What is a Worm drive saw? A worm drive saw has the motor attached at the rear. This is very powerful and its power is driven through two gears each set at 90 degrees. This setting implies that the engine produces more torque but less Rotation Per Minute (RPM) of about 4,500.
Is worm drive better?
Advantages of a Worm Drive Circular Saw The longer distance between the handle and the blade extends your reach while making a cut, which is helpful for crosscutting sheet goods. A worm drive also has larger gear teeth with more load-carrying capacity than a direct drive, which provides more power but also adds weight.
Why are some circular saws left-handed?
The placement of the cordless saw blade, on the left side, gives you a clearer line of sight when you cut. The reason for this is because the main bulk of your circular saw is not blocking your view. Cordless circular left-handed saws provide you better movability.
Can a chainsaw cut through bone?
Bones may be slightly tougher, but they are rigid and a chainsaw will likely be able to cut through them without much problem – though it will probably dull the blade more than wood.
When did they stop using chainsaws in childbirth?
In light of this success, the chainsaw was eventually mechanized in the later 19th century to increase its ease of use by OB/GYNs on expectant mothers. However, shortly after this, the chainsaw was superseded by the Gigli twisted wire saw, which was most commonly used to cut bone.