You don't have to be a forester to work with a chainsaw. Nevertheless, or precisely because of this, you must exercise special caution to avoid accidents.
Anyone who owns a fireplace or stove knows that it is cheaper to make firewood yourself than to buy it. So a piece of forest is appropriated and the firewood production can begin. Maybe that's what you mean! But there is something more to it than just buying a piece of forest. If you want to make your own firewood, you also need to be able to use a chainsaw. And that doesn't just apply to stove or fireplace owners, but to anyone who wants to work on something with a chainsaw in any way.
It may look quite easy on TV or at the forest ranger's when he works with the chainsaw - but he has also learned how to use the chainsaw safely. So if you decide to work with the chainsaw yourself, then do yourself and your family a favor and take the time to learn how to use the device safely. After all, the chainsaw is probably the most dangerous piece of equipment you can work with.
Safety rules for working with a chainsaw
Chainsaws are available on the market with different drive types. All have different benefits. For example, the cordless chainsaw is quiet in operation and also quite light. The petrol chainsaw, on the other hand, is significantly louder, but can convince with a significantly higher performance.
But all chainsaws have one thing in common: they are not exactly harmless. Therefore, there are a few rules you should follow when using your chainsaw.
Rule 1 - Wear protective workwear:
Whether you just want to quickly saw off a branch or chop up a small stand of trees: always wear protective workwear. These include:
- Hearing protection, special children's hearing protection for nearby children
- Goggles or Face Shield
- Chain Protection Pants
- Safety shoes
- Work Gloves
When you pruned a treethen you should definitely wear a safety helmet. Forestry helmets with face and ear protection in combination are ideal:
Rule No. 2 - Take a chainsaw course:
If you only work with a chainsaw at home from time to time, you need some manual skills, but you don't need a chainsaw driver's license. Things are different if you want to make firewood yourself in the forest. Then you have to show it and thus be able to confirm that you can reliably control your chainsaw and that you know all the safety regulations for handling the device.
You can find out where you can take such a chainsaw course in your area using the STIHL search engine, for example. Simply enter your postal code and possibly also your street and you will be shown all the STIHL and VIKING dealers in your area who offer such courses.
Rule No. 3 - Read the operating instructions of the device:
Before you start using the chainsaw for the first time, you should definitely read the operating instructions carefully. Each device works a little differently. So take your time to familiarize yourself with the device so that nothing can go wrong later.
Rule No. 4 - Refuel chainsaw safely:
Refueling a petrol chainsaw has often caused damage to the environment and he alth. Therefore, you should always note that you:
- an oil binding mat (prevents oil/fuel from seeping into the ground)
- a combination canister with safety filler neck
- Petroleum Gasoline
. Then make sure that you do not smoke when refueling or that you do not carry out this process near an open flame. In addition, the device should be switched off and the motor no longer be hot.
Rule No. 5 - keep a safe distance:
When working with a chainsaw, always make sure that there are no other people in your vicinity. The safety distance should be at least two meters.
But that doesn't mean you should be all alone. It is important that people are always within shouting range so that they can provide help in an emergency.
Rule 6 - hire a professional:
If you are a beginner or inexperienced, you should definitely refrain from felling. It is best to get advice from the local forest service or hire a specialist. So never overestimate your abilities and don't trust yourself too much.