As you might have seen on TV, here in North and South Carolina it’s storm season. And as soon as a flash flood or hurricane strikes, the dangerous process of tree removal and clean-up begins.
Often, storm clean-up requires participation from volunteers who supplement the work of experts in removing miles of debris.
Many of these folks are only “weekend warriors” who have never tackled such an immense task – and may never have used a chainsaw in such rigorous circumstances. Yet these brave volunteers need some professional guidance on how to prepare for, use and maintain a chainsaw during intense storm clean-up efforts.
Jared Abrojena, an Antioch, California-based certified treeworker and certified arborist (Evergreen Tree Care), addresses the topic in layman’s terms.
The 2015 ISA Tree Climbing World Champion, Abrojena is an expert on how to trim and fell trees. He often shares insights from his own experience working with a team of arborists to clean hundreds of fallen trees on the grounds of the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, just weeks before the 2013 Masters.
This ten necessary safety tips – if followed – ensures that the work of storm clean-up volunteers are safe and effective.
10 Necessary Safety Tips for Using a Chainsaw
* Safety first. Take some time to train before getting started. Be sure to read through the owner’s manual for the chainsaw you’ll be using.
* Be prepared. This is a catch-all of tips regarding regular chainsaw maintenance and the possession of personal protective equipment (PPE).
* Map it out. Assess the full scope of damage, and creating a plan for how to tackle it. The plan should include coordinating with other volunteers, divvying up the work and prioritizing
* Buddy up. No one should trim trees by themselves, given the risk of error or injury. Pair up with another volunteer, but stay a safe distance apart when operating saws.
* Get a good start. A chainsaw is best started on the ground, with the chain brake engaged. Don’t “cut” corners during intense, fast-paced clean-up efforts.
* The right cut. To achieve the right cut, use careful pruning practices to relieve tension from a branch or tree limb.
* Take it easy. You aren’t Superman, and most mistakes occur when you’re tired. Take frequent rests and stay hydrated.
*Pamper your equipment. Ongoing maintenance during storm clean-up is critical, since you’ll be pushing your chainsaw hard. Pause often to clean filters and tighten chains.
* Know your limitations. Don’t volunteer for a job you’re unprepared for. There will be plenty of work to go around, so only tackle tasks that you are comfortable handling.
* Get professional help when you need it. This is directly related to the tip above. If a chainsaw job is too big or too dangerous, just wait and get help from professionals who work with this type of equipment everyday.
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