PRESS RELEASE
Department of Health and Hospitals News Update
Residents Urged to Practice Chainsaw Safety
BATON ROUGE (September 13, 2008) - One of the first chores most people pick immediately after a storm is the clearing of tree limbs by using chainsaws. Residents who suffered downed trees and branches as a result of Hurricane Ike will be busy over the next few days clearing the debris using this method, which is often a source of many post-storm injuries.
People who have little experience with these dangerous tools often get hurt and should not attempt to learn how to use them with no instruction. Even users familiar with chain saws put themselves in danger when they become fatigued but continue to cut limbs.
Residents are encouraged to follow the following tips to avoid injury:
- Read the owner's manual thoroughly, even if you think you know what it says. Especially pay attention to the section on kickback
- Learn to operate a chain saw before it is necessary. Do not wait until after a storm to learn to start and operate the device
- Avoid power lines
- Keep the chain sharpened, and have several spares. Cutting into the ground quickly dulls the cutting edges, increasing the dangers
- Maintain the proper level of bar oil
- Wear boots, gloves and eye protection
- Use ear plugs or muffs to protect hearing
- Hold the saw with both hands
- Never hold the saw above shoulder level
- Do not climb with a chain saw that is running
- Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job
- Others need to stay at least two (2) tree lengths (at least 150 feet) from someone felling a tree and at least 30 feet from anyone using a chain saw to remove limbs or cutting a fallen tree
If you are removing limbs from a downed tree:
- Avoid cutting in wet or windy conditions
- Start cutting the limbs from the base of the trunk, and work your way up to the top
- Keep in mind that limbs under tension from the weight of a tree or another branch can suddenly break free while you are cutting, causing injury or death
- Be careful because your view of some limbs will be blocked, and your footing will not be even
- If the tree is on a hillside, position yourself above the limb you are cutting
- Do not walk on the tree trunk because it could roll over
- Be alert for wire or nails embedded in the tree
- If a limb has a downward bend, start a cut on the topside of the limb, then finish with a cut on the bottom of the limb by using the top of the chainsaw bar. This will prevent the limb from binding the chain. If the limb has an upward bend, make a cut on the bottom
The days after a hurricane are not a good time to learn how to cut down a tree. Fatigue and stress from dealing with the storm will make the job even more difficult. When you are tired is not a good time to be operating a chain saw.
A damaged tree that is not posing a danger to anyone can remain in place until a crew of trained professionals can get to it. Trees that are hung up, prevented from falling by an obstruction, are extremely dangerous and should be attempted only by professionals. Often, heavy equipment will be required to push lodged trees down.
Before you hire a tree cutter:
- Make sure the company has insurance to cover any damage
- Find out if the company has obtained the proper permits and licenses required by local authorities for doing business in your area
- Do not make payment until the job is done
For more information on chainsaw safety, consult these Web sites:
www.laseagrant.org/hurricane/archive/forestry.htm
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/family_home/hazards_and_threats/recovery_assistance/FAQ/Chainsaw+Safety+Questions.htm
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