CHAINSAW USE

When operating a chainsaw, it is important to understand and anticipate the forces a saw undergoes when it is used. Cutting with the topside of the bar pushes the saw back toward the operator and cutting with the bottom side of the bar causes the saw to pull the operator. Because of this, it is important the operator uses a correct and well-balanced stance. A two-point stance with legs approximately shoulder-width apart is sufficient.

Most of the time, the tip of the bar is used for bore cutting, shaving, or trimming branches and spring poles. The top half of the tip of the bar is where kickback will occur if the tip of the bar comes into contact with a log or other hard object and can cause the bar to move up, down, or side-wards towards the operator. Consequently, operators must insure they use caution and firmly grasp the chainsaw when performing these tasks.