Okay, so youre ready to get to work. Your cutting experience should consist of several steps. First, make sure you have all the equipment that youll need: your chainsaw fuel oil mix, bar and chain oil, items needed to maintain your saw, an axe, wedges, water, first aid kit, cell phone and very important: a partner. Its recommended that you always have a partner with you and not work alone, to help share the workload as well as to watch out for each other and be available in case of emergency.
One very important rule: never operate your chainsaw if you are not in a good physical condition and mental health, fatigued or under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision or dexterity or judgment. If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor before operating a chainsaw.
The first task is to prepare your chainsaw for use. Begin by giving it one more inspection, looking for loose or broken parts, a chain that is sharpened and adjusted properly and a chain brake that operates properly.
Fueling your chainsaw should be done on a clear, level surface. Always fuel your chainsaw in an area of a minimum of 10 feet from where youll be starting the saw to avoid the chances of lingering fuel vapor from igniting. Wipe away any debris from around the fuel cap and release the cap slowly. Pressure can build up in your fuel tank and by slowly removing the cap; you will allow this excess pressure that may exist to release gradually.
Fill the tank with the proper fuel oil mix and reinstall the fuel cap. Wipe away any excess fuel that may be spilled on the chainsaw or the surface of where your chainsaw is sitting. If you happen to get any fuel on your clothes, change them immediately before using your chainsaw. Every time you add fuel to your chainsaw, you must also add bar and chain lubricant to the oil reservoir. Again, clean the area around the filler cap with a rag and remove the cap. Once fueled, replace the cap and wipe away any oil, which may have spilled.
Next, inspect the area where you will actually be working. Determine what you will be cutting, whether it is a standing tree or a tree already lying on the ground and then plan your work.
Regardless whether you are felling a tree or working around down trees, you must first look for obstacles that will help you determine the proper steps to take. If power lines are in the vicinity and near the wood you will be working on, its recommended that you have a professional with the proper tools and experience do the work for you. The same holds true if you will be working near building structures or other types of personal property such as vehicles or fences. Look for limbs and snags that will be located in the tops of trees in the area that you will be working referred to as widow makers by professional loggers.
Cutting wood with a chainsaw produces vibrations in the wood that can be just enough vibration to release a snagged limb. Disregarding this precaution and then being struck by a falling limb has injured many chainsaw operators, both seriously and fatally.
Also be keenly aware of the weather. If the weather is rainy or windy conditions persist, it is advised you postpone your work to another time. Wood becomes very slippery when wet which can cause you to lose your footing, possibly resulting in serious injury and wind can make it very difficult to manage the wood you are cutting, partially when felling a tree.
Other than the people there to assist you with your work, your partner should never allow anyone else or pets to be in or near the work area. The people working with you must always maintain a safe distance from the chainsaw and the work you are doing. Develop a set of hand gestures to communicate with each other at a safe distance from the work area.
Clear the area where you will be working to allow for solid footing and saw movement. Evaluate the condition of the wood youll be cutting and the surrounding area and make a plan on how you will proceed with the work the safest manner possible.