The Chainsaw: A Powerful Tool to be Respected

The Chainsaw: A Powerful Tool to be Respected

Even if you do not have any direct experience dealing with lumber, there is a very good chance that you know what a chainsaw is. Chainsaws have a glorified reputation of sorts, due to their overuse in different forms of media, but they are not typically depicted as “tools”. In movies, television shows and videogames chainsaws are often portrayed as weapons, and when you think about it deeply, there is a reason for this. While the loud buzzing and the spinning teeth make for a tool that has a “scary” aura, a chainsaw is an inherently dangerous tool to use if someone does not know how to operate it. It is this element of danger that many people tend to focus on and that has earned the chainsaw its place in pop culture. However, this danger can be mitigated substantially if someone practices chainsaw safety awareness.

How can I learn about chainsaw safety?

Chainsaw safety training is not uncommon, as many professions make use of chainsaws. A chainsaw safety course is a great way to support hands-on training, as you can learn about how a chainsaw works and how to safely use it. Through a chainsaw certification course someone can earn a chainsaw certification (valid for 3 years) that demonstrates to potential employers that they know how to safely use one. A chainsaw training course or a chainsaw operator course does not necessarily have to be done in person either. An online chainsaw safety course is also another means of obtaining a chainsaw operator certificate. Taking a chainsaw safety training course is also useful to yourself, as you will have the knowledge from the chainsaw safety certification to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself whenever you use a chainsaw.

What exactly is a chainsaw?

Many of the tools that first resembled the modern chainsaw were often used for cutting bone in surgical settings. It was not until 1905 that these tools started to be used to cut wood, and it was not until 1918 that they started to become truly portable. Wood-cutting chainsaws, which were typically made in Germany during the early 20th century, were imported to North America. However, with the occurrence of Word War ll, chainsaw exports dwindled, and North American manufacturers started popping up. After the war, chainsaws became light enough for a single person to carry, and they became the tool of choice in the forestry industry.

The inner workings of a chainsaw consist of multiple parts:

  • The engine (two-stroke internal combustion/electric)
  • The drive mechanism (centrifugal clutch and sprocket)
  • The guide bar (laminated/solid/safety)
    • gauge
    • oil holes
    • grease holes
    • guide slot
  • The cutting chain (teeth, full complement/full skip)
  • The tensioning mechanism (screw/manual wheel)

Modern safety features and chainsaw safety equipment include:

  • Brake
  • Catcher
  • Handle guard
  • Safety links
  • Protective clothing/Chainsaw safety gear

What professions make use of chainsaws?

chainsaw awareness

While most chainsaw applications are focused on wood cutting (chainsaws embedded with diamond grit to cut brick, concrete and stone would be outliers, for example), chainsaws are no longer just used for forestry purposes. There are many professions that can make use of the chainsaw. These include:

  • Loggers
  • Construction workers
  • Firefighters
  • Landscapers
  • Military engineer units
  • Hydro line workers
  • Police SWAT teams
  • Ski hill groomers
  • Wood carvers

Due to the large range of professions, chainsaws can come in many sizes. While chainsaws that are used in forestry will tend to be on the larger size, there are also smaller chainsaws that are meant for residential purposes.

What are some chainsaw safety tips and concerns?

chainsaw safety equipment

The safe and proper use of a chainsaw is important because it will protect not only you but also those around you. As mentioned previously, modern chainsaws tend to come with safety features, but there are still techniques and bits of information that are important to know.

Firstly, remember to become acquainted with a chainsaw by seeking proper training and education in its use. Once you have done that, be aware that danger can still arise from several places. Chainsaw operators tend to have the highest fatality rate in Canada for any occupation. Loggers are fourth on the list. This is for two major reasons: kickback and falling timber.

Kickback occurs when a tooth on the tip of the guide bar get stuck in porous wood. This prevents the chainsaw from cutting through and throws the tool back towards the operator. Kickback is unfortunately a risk that comes with cutting any porous material, like wood, so maintaining a strong, proper grip is very important.

Falling timber is typically an issue when a tree is being felled, or a large piece of wood is being cut. If it so happens to fall too early or the wrong way, then any nearby worker can become stuck or crushed. Problems can also arise for workers operating at a height, where falling timber can catch them unawares, or they could simply fall.

Some other sources of danger include loud vibrations and carbon monoxide. While modern chainsaws come well equipped with material for damping, older ones can still cause issues like deafness, tinnitus or HAVS. Exposure to carbon monoxide is a concern with gasoline powered chainsaws, especially in enclosed areas. The existence of these risks makes training and education even more valuable, so silly mistakes like drop starting are completely avoided.

How do I take care of my chainsaw?

Chainsaw safety and maintenance go together. Two-stroke chainsaws need about 2% oil in the fuel to keep the engine lubricated, while electrical chainsaws should remain lubricated for the entire duration of their lifetime. The bar and chain must also be lubricated with oil, but this will deplete much faster, requiring frequent application. Chains must also always be kept sharp so that sawdust does not become powdery and the operator does not need to press on the saw or be exposed to excessive vibration. To prevent a chain from becoming blunt, try to avoid touching metal, soil, or stones, unless the chainsaw is made specifically for those. Chainsaws can be sharpened by using one of three chainsaw sharpeners:

  • Handheld file
  • Electric
  • Bar mount

Finally, do not forget to occasionally empty the air intake filter of sawdust.

What are some reputable chainsaws?

chainsaw safety and maintenance

If you are using a chainsaw, then it makes sense to want to use one that is as safe and reliable as possible. Chainsaws will either take gasoline or be electric. If they are electric, they can come corded, or cordless with a battery. Each type has its own cons and pros:

  • Corded Electric
    • Pros
      • Does not take fuel
      • Does not need battery
      • Quiet
      • Easy start
      • Small and light
      • Affordable
      • Minimal maintenance
    • Cons
      • Corded
      • Weaker
  • Battery-Powered Electric
    • Pros
      • Portable
      • Light, easy to move
      • Very quiet
      • Minimal maintenance
      • Easy start
    • Cons
      • Battery
      • Weaker
  • Gas-Powered
    • Pros
      • Powerful
      • Portable
    • Cons
      • Fuel
      • High maintenance
      • Noisy
      • Carbon monoxide
      • Difficult start

Below are some brands to watch out for when deciding on what tool to choose:

  • Stihl
  • Husqvarna
  • Echo
  • Jonsered
  • Efco
  • DEWALT
  • Greenworks
  • Poulan Pro
  • Makita/Dolmar
  • Remington
  • WORX
  • Oregon
  • Kobalt

When selecting a chainsaw, be aware of where the tool is manufactured and its availability in your country of residence.

Here are some chainsaw features to look for that will make your experience easier and more enjoyable:

  • Tool-free tensioning
  • Combined choke + on/off switch
  • Easy-start
  • Narrow body width
  • Carbide teeth

Ultimately, try to choose a chainsaw that is appropriate for what you need it to do. A large “lumberjack” chainsaw might not be needed for garden work, and something smaller and corded could be more affordable and be more valuable to you. Just remember that when using a chainsaw, you should not feel afraid, but you should respect it for what it is. It is a power tool, and power tools come with risks.

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Contact

SOS First Aid and Safety Training services the following Southern Ontario communities: Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Guelph, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Maple, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Acton, Georgetown, Hamilton, Ancaster, Brantford, Stoney Creek, St. Catherines, and Welland.

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Patty is one of the best instructors I've had, she's super nice and fun and always ensuring everybody is on track and performing well. She made the class fun and go by quick
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It was a great experience
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Mario was awesome! Detailed, quick, and friendly instructor.
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Mario is Very knowledgeable!Highly recommend!
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Mario was a pleasant teacher that was patient and humorous.
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Instructor Ally, was absolutely phenomenal. The classroom environment was excellent, and Ally made sure everyone understood what was being taught. Thank you for your teachings
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Amazing instructor, made the day seamless and interesting with great examples and information. Thank you Ally Sommer
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Very nice and interacting session with Prakash, I really dont know about Israel been the only country using the Red Crystal symbol, but today I know.
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segun joseph
I was really pleased with learning about the the priority in the impalement and CPR. It was something I didn’t know before and I feel that’s extremely important. Also the instructor was fantastic.
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James Proulx
i didn’t know that peeing on a jellyfish sting was actually the right thing to do
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Really fun and I learned a lot. It was very interactive.Something I would have preferred, as we are learning the ABC’s is give us time to make sure we are doing it properly before asking us to do it quickly. I felt a lot of pressure trying to do it quickly that I was missing proper steps.
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Jennifer Lam
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I have been using SOS First aid and Safety Training for my first aid qualifications. This year, I renewed my BLS. Patty and the team have been professional and knowledgeable, with an emphasis on practical application. I refer all coworkers to SOS and would recommend anyone looking for first aid to come here.
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Things I learned that I didn't know before- You can get anaphylaxis from a bee sting.- How to apply slings (because previously I got certification during covid there was social distancing, and we only watched on a video).- A lot of things that you see on television may be false or misconceptions. For example, amputated limbs do not go inside ice but it has to be wrapped up in a gauze. It is labeled and then put inside an ice bag.
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Maddy Bere
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tania revilla
I had my recertification course with Viola and I have never had a better experience taking a CPR course. She teaches it in a way that’ll have you interested in the information while making it stick in your mind. Thank you Viola :)
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Nadi Ay
the training was informative and fun! Viola is amazing :-)
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Kaitlin Delos Reyes
Viola was an excellent instructor, made it very engaging and fun, would definitely recommend! :)
Matt A
Matt A
They are sò helpful and impactful. I enjoyed every bit of the class.
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Olubunmi Onimole
Ally was an amazing instructor, she made the class so fun and informative. Would definitely recommend everyone having their first aid certificate, ask for Ally if you can!
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Melissa B
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Alison Hughes
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Tracey Sookdeo
Viola was a lively teacher. Talented and knowledgeable. Taught and demonstrated the concepts in an engaging and easy-to understand manner.
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Cletus Okpala
Viola was a fun, enthusiastic instructor and covered all the information very well.
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Sarah Da Silva
Viola was a great and fun instructor!
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Lyric Sovl
Viola is a great first aid instructor. I’ve taken this course 3 times and this was the best! Very engaging class!
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Brenda Nkonge
Ally was a personable and engaging instructor so she made this course very educational and enjoyable. Also it’s really easy to book courses with SOS and I’ve done so twice now, they also have several locations to choose from.
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Cathy Nassralla
Great experience doing my BLS recertification. Very interactive instructor (Viola)
Sandra Al-Raias
Sandra Al-Raias
Went to SOS to renew my BLS certification, I really enjoyed the instructor Viola. She made the class very engaging.
Kyshona E
Kyshona E
Viola is a knowledgable, high energy, motivating instructor!
Sarah Calder
Sarah Calder
Viola is, by far, the best BLS instructor! Her class is very hands-on, and her personality really helped me retain the course information.
Jaime Liddy
Jaime Liddy
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Omar Assem
Omar Assem
I’ve been doing my BLS recert with SOS for 3 years. This year my BLS recert was with Viola and I had a great experience. She was very informative and thorough with her teaching. At the end of the session I felt very prepared.
Arianne Chavez
Arianne Chavez
Viola was an amazing instructor. She was engaging and very helpful. She explained everything very clearly and made sure everyone understood. I had a great time taking her class!
Abiesha Ruban
Abiesha Ruban
One of the best instructors I’ve ever had. She’s hilarious and makes time go by extremely fast! I wish to have her for all of my courses as she is inclusive and very kind:)
Diya Bharucha
Diya Bharucha
chloe bond
chloe bond
Viola was a great instructor and was very interactive and has a great sense of humour
Tho-Alficar Al-Awosi
Tho-Alficar Al-Awosi
Very great session with Prakash. Very knowledgeable and good tips to learn as a nursing student. I was always confused about when to call 911 but he gave a really good strategy. asking 3 questions, do you know the background, is the action normal with this background and will it improve. Really great strategy and can easily be implemented
Morayo Oladele
Morayo Oladele
Prakash went through everything thoroughly and swiftly
Hanifah Ramadhan-Doka
Hanifah Ramadhan-Doka
Medina Doka
Medina Doka
Great instructor who kept it interesting. He was patient and very informative. Thank you
Robinetta Siracusa
Robinetta Siracusa
Always amazing!
Ella Chan
Ella Chan
Kirandeep Hundal
Kirandeep Hundal
I had the absolute pleasure of attending Melvin and Ally’s class. The two of them were truly amazing and made my experience enjoyable. I would definitely go back to SOS Mississauga location again. Thank you both for the wonderful experience.
Alfa Bougouneau
Alfa Bougouneau
One of the best instructor! The instructor is very knowledgeable and kept all the students engaged all the time. Very participatory session! Loved it!
Jaffer Shaikh
Jaffer Shaikh
Viola was an amazing instructor
Lorheen Angel
Lorheen Angel
Jeamy Mendoza
Jeamy Mendoza
Viola is amazing !
Manuella Ibrahim
Manuella Ibrahim
viola as instructor = 10/10
Eunice Kwon
Eunice Kwon
Haani Siddiqui
Haani Siddiqui
Really good experience. Had BLS course with Viola she’s sooo nice and i recommend her for your certification.
Lara Chehade
Lara Chehade
Really good intstructor, very lively and engaging class!
Ellise Gabrielle Flor
Ellise Gabrielle Flor
Had a great experience! Viola was an amazing instructor. She made the learning process really informative and enjoyable!
Manreet Kaler
Manreet Kaler
Viola is fun and amazing!! Learned in a very fun way!
Jed Mesina
Jed Mesina
Very fun class! Easy to follow with lots of repeat practice to ensure that we all knew what we were doing! Instructor also acted out scenes pretty accurately so it felt more realistic in the moment. ‘‘Twas very fun!
Aleksthetenth -
Aleksthetenth -
Viola was a great teacher! Had an amazing and fun experience with BLS training :)
Jenna K
Jenna K
Viola was an amazing instructor! Very informative and so welcoming. I enjoyed taking this course with her and learned a lot.
Natalie Tegart
Natalie Tegart
Viola was great, very interactive experience and hands on. Thank you!
Jenna Briones
Jenna Briones
Very informative session and Viola was very fun and helpful!
Samantha Horvat
Samantha Horvat

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