Department of Labour, ACC say safety measures crucial to chainsaw-driven storm clean-up

04 August 2008

Homeowners, farm employees and small businesses need to remember that felling and cutting wind damaged trees always carries extreme risk, ACC and Department of Labour spokesmen said today.

In the wake of the storms that have ravaged the Manawatu and the Horowhenua recently, there are dozens of fallen trees to clean up both at workplaces and on private properties.

“Whether sawing trees at workplaces or on private properties it is important people realise first that cutting up wind damaged or wind thrown trees carries extreme risk, second that there are basic measures to be followed to ensure a superior degree of safety,” Department of Labour Palmerston North Service Manager Lance Iwikau said.

“Wearing the correct gear is of paramount importance. Steel cap boots, chainsaw safety trousers, grade four earmuffs, safety helmet and if necessary goggles, safety glasses or a helmet visor are fundamentals to chainsaw safety. This gear should fit fairly closely but be comfortable and allow free movement.”

Lance Iwikau said for professional chainsaw users, this equipment was compulsory.

“After that, checking the work area is safe is important. Check there are no children, animals or people within the immediate work area. Don’t work in bad weather conditions. Make sure you have stable footing and don’t work off balance. Take extra care if the ground is sloping.”

ACC Injury Prevention Manager Ray Campbell said that if people were cutting trees at home it was important they understand the need to match the size and type of chainsaw to the job at hand.
Mr Campbell said there were some basic procedures to remember.

“Never drop start a chainsaw. Never cut above shoulder height. Watch for kickback that can happen at any time.”

“If you don’t feel that you have the skills for the job, there’s no shame in getting a professional to do it for you.”

Mr Campbell also suggested checking your chainsaw each day before use.

“Don’t forget these are often machines that take a hammering day in and day out. A chainsaw shouldn’t be used if there is any safety device on it that isn’t in good order. For example if the saw chain doesn’t remain stationary when the motor is idling, or when the saw isn’t idling smoothly or when the chain cutter bar, handles or controls are loose.”

“Maintenance has a crucial role to play in safety.”

There was an extreme risk when attempting to cut wind damaged or wind thrown trees as they have a huge amount of unseen tension in them, which could result in the tree releasing with immense pressure when cut incorrectly, Department of Labour Health and Safety (Forestry) Inspector, Thane Young said.
In the Forest Industry one of the most dangerous aspects of the occupation is the recovery of wind damaged trees.  Every year a high number of professional seasoned loggers are injured when carrying out this task.

Thane Young said no tree, whether standing or uprooted, should be cut unless the chainsaw operator had the capability to carry out the task safely.

The Department of Labour sees this as an opportunity to invite those who are unsure of safe practices, to contact the Department for advice on current safe practices for operating chainsaws, techniques and procedures for removing wind damaged trees.

For further information contact: Rowan Saker, Communications Advisor, Department of Labour tel. 04 915 4716