Working Safely with Chainsaws

Chainsaws are efficient and productive portable power tools used in many industries. 

They are also potentially dangerous if not used correctly and carefully. Proper 

operation and maintenance greatly reduce the risk for injury when using chainsaws.

Work Area Safety

• Ensure the area is marked and that there 

are no people in the immediate area. Other 

workers should be twice as far as the height of 

the trees being felled.

• Identify and clear any obstacles that may 

interfere with stable footing, cutting, or 

impede retreat/movement paths.

• Identify electrical lines in and near the 

work area.

• Identify “hangers” and “widow-makers”—

branches that may dislodge and fall into the 

work area from above.

Before Starting the Chainsaw

• Check controls, chain tension and all bolts 

and handles to ensure they are functioning 

properly and adjusted according to the 

manufacturer’s instructions.

• Ensure the chainsaw engine is the appropriate 

size for the project. 

• Fuel the saw at least 10 feet away from 

ignition sources.

• Check the fuel container to ensure it:

{ Is metal or plastic.

{ Does not exceed 5 gallons in capacity.

{ Is approved by the Underwriters 

Laboratory, FM Approvals (FM), or the 

Department of Transportation (DOT).

• Ensure electric chainsaws are tested 

and certified by a Nationally Recognized 

Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Extension cords 

shall be sized according to the chainsaw 

manufacturer’s instructions.

• Check that all safety devices are working 

properly.

• Do not operate a chainsaw that is damaged or 

has disengaged safety devices.

• Look for nails, spikes, or other metal objects 

prior to cutting.

• Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs, and 

rocks from the chainsaw’s path.

• Never work alone.

• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Operating the Chainsaw

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions 

for chainsaw operation and maintenance.

• Start the saw on the ground or another firm 

support with the brake engaged.

• Keep both hands on the handles and maintain 

secure footing.

• Plan where the object will fall; ensure that the 

fall area is free of hazards; and avoid felling an 

object into other objects. 

• Plan the cut; watch for objects under tension; 

use extreme care to bring objects safely to 

the ground. 

• Be prepared for kickback; avoid cutting in 

the kickback zone and use saws that reduce 

kickback danger (chain brakes, low kickback 

chains, guide bars, etc.).

• 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.

• Take breaks as needed as fatigue increases the 

risk for accident and injury.

Operate Within Your Skill Level

• Accidents can happen when chainsaw 

operators perform tasks that are beyond 

their capabilities or training level. Higher risk 

operations may include:

{ Trees on unstable ground or steep slopes.

{ Trees with a heavy lean.

{ Trees with stem or root rot.

{ Trees known to split.

{ Operating a chainsaw above shoulder 

height or above ground level, such as from 

a ladder or tree.

FactSheet
Personal Protective Equipment 

Requirements

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) 

can prevent or lessen the severity of injuries 

to workers using chain saws. Employers must 

ensure that PPE is in good working condition 

prior to starting work.

• Employers must provide and ensure workers 

properly use PPE, including:

{ Head protection, such as a hard hat

{ Hearing protection sufficient to reduce 

noise exposure to 90 decibels or less

{ Eye/Face Protection such as safety glasses.

{ Appropriate protective footwear per OSHA 

standards.

{ Leg protection such as work pants or chaps.

{ Work gloves.

{ Fall protection as necessary.

• PPE should be used in conjunction with 

engineering and administrative controls 

whenever possible. 

Training

Employers of workers using chainsaws must 

ensure that their employees are able to perform 

tasks safely. If using chainsaws, training and 

job hazard analyses should assist workers in 

anticipating and avoiding job-related injuries. 

Train workers about:

• Specific work procedures, practices and 

requirements, including general and specific 

safety and health hazard recognition, 

prevention, and control.

• How to safely perform assigned work tasks.

• The specific hazards and controls associated 

with each task.

• How to safely use, operate, and maintain 

tools, machines and vehicles which workers 

may use or encounter on the work site.

• Applicable OSHA standards, such as those 

for logging, PPE, bloodborne pathogens and 

medical services and first aid. 

Workers’ Rights

Workers have the right to:

• Working conditions that do not pose a risk of 

serious harm.

• Receive information and training (in a 

language and vocabulary the worker 

understands) about workplace hazards, 

methods to prevent them, and the OSHA 

standards that apply to their workplace.

• Review records of work-related injuries 

and illnesses.

• File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their 

workplace if they believe there is a serious 

hazard or that their employer is not following 

OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities 

confidential.

• Exercise their rights under the law without 

retaliation, including reporting an injury or 

raising health and safety concerns with their 

employer or OSHA. If a worker has been 

retaliated against for using their rights, they 

must file a complaint with OSHA as soon as 

possible, but no later than 30 days.

For additional information, see OSHA’s Workers 

page (www.osha.gov/workers).

How to Contact OSHA

Under the Occupational Safety and Health 

Act of 1970, employers are responsible for 

providing safe and healthful workplaces for 

their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure 

these conditions for America’s working 

men and women by setting and enforcing 

standards, and providing training, education 

and assistance. For more information, visit 

www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA 

(6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.

DTSEM FS-3920 09/2018

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: 1-877-889-5627.