• PPE must be inspected prior to use on each

work shift to ensure it is in serviceable condition 

• The following PPE must be used when hazards

make it necessary:

• Head Protection 

• Hearing Protection 

• Eye/Face Protection 

• Leg Protection 

• Foot Protection 

• Hand Protection 

Training

Employers involved in tree removal/logging are

required to assure that their employees are able

to safely perform their assigned tasks. When loggers are trained to work safely they should be

able to anticipate and avoid injury from the job

related hazards they may encounter. Training

requirements include: 

• Specific work procedures, practices and requirements of the work site, including the recognition, prevention, and control of general safety

and health hazards. 

• Requirements of the OSHA Logging standard,

Bloodborne Pathogens standard, First Aid, and

CPR training. 

• How to safely perform assigned work tasks,

including the specific hazards associated with

each task and the measures and work practices

which will be used to control those hazards. 

• How to safely use, operate, and maintain tools,

machines and vehicles which the employee will

be required to utilize in completing the assigned

requirements. 

Before Starting the Saw

• Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and

handles to ensure they are functioning properly

and adjusted according to the manufacturer's

instructions. 

• Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from sources of

ignition. 

• Check the fuel container for the following

requirements: 

• Must be metal or plastic 

• Must not exceed a 5 gallon capacity 

• Must be approved by the Underwriters

Laboratory, Factory Mutual (FM), the

Department of Transportation (DOT), or other

Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. 

While Running the Saw

• Keep hands on the handles, and maintain

secure footing while operating the chainsaw. 

• Clear the area of obstacles that might interfere

with cutting the tree or using the retreat path. 

• Do not cut directly overhead. 

• Shut off or release throttle prior to retreating. 

• Shut off or engage the chain brake whenever

the saw is carried more than 50 feet, or across

hazardous terrain. 

• Be prepared for kickback; use saws that reduce

kickback danger (chain brakes, low kickback

chains, guide bars, etc.). 

Personal Protective Equipment

Requirements 

Personal protective equipment (PPE), for the head,

ears, eyes, face, hands, and legs are designed to

prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to loggers and other workers using chain saws. 

FactSheet

Working Safely with Chain Saws

The chain saw is one of the most efficient and productive portable power tools used

in the industry. It can also be one of the most dangerous. If you learn to operate it

properly and maintain the saw in good working condition, you can avoid injury as

well as be more productive.
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov

(800) 321-OSHA

Think Safety!

For more complete information: