SAW SHOP: UNDER PRESSURE

By Greg Helton, Chainsaw & Logging Safety Trainer

As the days start getting longer and the temperatures start rising, we feel that Spring is here. New growth is budding, and the winter coats are going back to the closest. Along with the changes in the weather come changes in our work environment. One area that I would like to discuss is fuel and hydraulic tanks under pressure.

First, let’s talk about chainsaws. There has been an increased concern about an event called “fuel geyser”. A fuel geyser is the forceful expulsion of liquid and vapor fuel from a fuel tank. It is caused by the rapid depressurization of the tank. As the temperatures begin to rise higher in the summer months, the chainsaws we are operating begin to remain at an elevated temperature as well. This increase in temperature can cause the fuel tanks to build pressure. A fuel geyser happens when there is increased pressure on the tank and the fuel cap is removed quickly. Once the fuel cap is released, the pressure causes the fuel to spray out from around the cap. This can cause serious injury if the sawyer is in the line of fire for the fuel. Hot fuel could cause burns and injury to the eyes.

Some safe practices can be done to prevent a fuel geyser or injury from a geyser. If the temperature is high and the chainsaw has been running for a while, allow the saw to cool down before removing the cap. This should allow the pressure to dissipate. Also, remove the cap slowly. Slowly removing the cap will allow the pressure to slowly release instead of rapidly. Another good practice is to use a glove or rag to cover the fuel cap as you remove it. Be sure that there

is not an open flame nearby that could cause ignition. Do not stand directly over the fuel cap as it is being removed.

A FEW OTHER TIPS TO REMEMBER WHILE FUELING YOUR CHAINSAW:

- Always fuel on bare ground.

- Maintain at least 20 feet from any ignition source.

- Allow the chain saw to cool first.

- Also, refill the bar oil.

Second, we have experienced several claims over the last few years due to hydraulic and radiator caps rapidly releasing pressure. Hydraulic tanks and radiators generate heat during operation. This heat causes pressure to build in the tanks. Quickly releasing the cap can cause serious injuries. Hot fluid can cause burns to the skin and contaminate the eyes. Also, a quick release of pressure can startle an employee and cause a fall from the equipment.

Here are some safety practices to prevent an injury from pressurized tanks. Just as with the chainsaw, allow the machine to cool down before removing the cap. Remove the cap slowly with your face turned away from the cap. Using a rag or a glove to cover the cap while removing it can prevent the fluid from reaching your body. Also, be sure to maintain a good footing while servicing the equipment.

Follow the same safe practices when removing hydraulic lines. Pressure can build up in the hydraulic cylinders and release as soon as a line is opened. Do not forget to properly Lock Out the machine. Ensure that the key is removed, and battery cables removed if there is no key. Allow rotating parts to come to a stop. Ground the implement and release the pressure from the line by working the lever after the machine is off. If the implement must be elevated, use appropriate cylinder blocks to prevent the implement from lowering. Chaulk the wheels to prevent movement. Allow equipment to cool down before performing work.

In the forest industry, we are under enough pressure as it is. Don’t let the pressures of the overheated tanks add to the pressure you are already under. Allow time for equipment and tanks to cool down. Remove caps slowly with face turned away.

As always, if you need training for your employees contact your Field Representative.