Chainsaw Safety – Things to consider

Chainsaws are an essential piece of garden machinery, capable of turning hours of labour into potentially just minutes of work. Yet, they can come with some pretty high risks and dangers. Studies show that the odds of sustaining a fatal or major injury related to chainsaw use are now worse than 1 in 120. The good news? Many of these injuries can be prevented with the right safety precautions and equipment.

Whether you’re using a petrol chainsaw for the millionth time, or you’re trying out a battery powered chainsaw for the first time, you need to get serious when it comes to safety.

So, what can you do to minimise risks and maximise safety?

Choosing the right chainsaw

If you’ve already got the job lined up, then you may have your petrol or battery powered chainsaw at the ready. If not, we’ll quickly run through a couple of things to consider before making your decision.

Petrol Chainsaw – The go-to for demanding, heavy duty tasks. These machines offer an immense amount of power, making them the perfect option for felling large trees or cutting up thick logs. The high amount of torque output means they can withstand long hours of use and continuous operation without slowing down. That being said, the power comes with a trade off. Petrol powered chainsaws are notoriously heavy and loud compared with their battery powered counterpart. They also emit exhaust fumes, making them anything but environmentally friendly. Plus, you’ll need to keep an eye on their fuel level, perform regular maintenance, and end up having to deal with the occasional stalled (or flooded) engine. You can view our full range of petrol powered chainsaws by clicking here.

Battery Chainsaw – We’ve seen a huge rise in popularity for battery powered chainsaws, thanks to their lightweight design and ease of use. These are perfect for smaller, lighter tasks such as pruning, trimming, and cutting smaller logs. Since they don’t require fuel they’re cleaner, quieter and a lot more eco-friendly. The absence of emissions makes them a much better choice for residential or enclosed areas. However, battery chainsaws also come with their own limitations. The runtime is restricted by the battery charge, and while advancements in technology have improved battery life, they still can’t match the raw power of a petrol chainsaw. You can view our full range of battery powered chainsaws by clicking here.

Chainsaw Protective Clothing

Ear plugs, hardhats and safety glasses are the most obvious choices when it comes to chainsaw specific protective gear. Since most injuries occur on the hands and wrists, a solid pair of gloves along with the notion to not wear any baggy clothing is the most basic starting point when considering the safety risks. A chainsaw blade can be moving as fast as 2500 feet per minute so it’s important to put a barrier between you and the blade.

Chainsaw Trousers – Made with cut resistant materials, our range of chainsaw trousers are designed to slow down or stop a chainsaw if it comes into contact with your legs. Without them, a single misstep could lead to severe injuries. When choosing safety trousers, look for ones certified to meet safety standards and ensure they’re comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.

Safety Helmet & Visor – Your head and face are particularly vulnerable when using a chainsaw, especially if you’re cutting above shoulder height. A safety helmet with an integrated visor or face shield is essential to protect you from falling branches, flying debris and any accidental contact with the chainsaw blade. Make sure to look for something that shields your eyes to ensure you can stay focused on the task at hand, without worrying about any potential harm.

Gloves & Boots – Your hands and feet will be closest to the action, so these need to be the main focus for your chosen protection. Our range of chainsaw gloves are made from heavy-duty, cut-resistant materials and offer good grip control to keep your hands placed on the handle at all times. For footwear, chainsaw boots should be steel-toed with puncture-resistant soles. Ideally, they’ll also be fitted with chainsaw protection layers to safeguard your feet from accidental contact with the blade.