RURAL NEWS // MAY 19, 2015
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 41 Sharpen up to cut down on saw accidents THE STIHL Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week returns this month in a bid to tackle New Zealand’s high accident statistics. Claims on ACC for chainsaw accidents continue to rise: last year they totalled $2 million and averaged six accidents per day. Stihl marketing manager Stace Hall says it’s
worrying that as chainsaw sales increase accidents do too. “This is why we continue to run our safety awareness campaign.” The campaign kicked off with a launch last week at Myers Park in Auckland, where up to 40 women learned chainsaw safety tips with kiwi axeman and current Stihl Timbersports world champion
niques that can prevent a trip to hospital. “Raising the issue firsthand with women who are often strong influences in the household is a great idea,” says Hall. Stihl will also be supporting St John, donating a portion of the sales proceeds from its limited edition chainsaw safety packs, including the spe-
Jason Wynyard. Stihl shops around the country will also host chainsaw training events for women. The training events, including ladies’ nights and safety breakfasts, will involve women from Dairy Women’s Network and local customer groups. Qualified safety trainers will teach women about simple safety tech-
cial pink women’s chaps. Jason Wynyard says chainsaw safety is like putting on a seatbelt when getting into a vehicle. “It should come naturally. You wouldn’t drive without wearing a seatbelt or go fishing without a life jacket, why would you use a chainsaw without safety gear?” www.stihl.co.nz.
CHAINSAW SAFETY A MUST CLOSE ATTENTION to four aspects of chainsaw safety will see you right in this firewood season, says timbersports champion Jason Wynyard. 1. Use the right safety gear Even for a five minute job, your feet, legs, head, ears, eyes and hands need protection. Safety gear is widely available at power tool suppliers and hardware stores, so make a point of getting what you need. Before starting any task that involves using a chainsaw, you should be wearing: ■■
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Steel-capped boots (ordinary leather boots offer no protection) Chainsaw chaps or trousers Safety helmet At least grade four earmuffs (it only takes a minute for a chainsaw to damage your hearing) Safety glasses or a helmet visor Protective gloves, especially during maintenance.
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2. Stop and think Thinking about the task before you attempt it can help reduce injuries. Before you start, make sure you have the right equipment and a safe environment to do the job. Here are some key things you need to remember: ■■
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SAMEE 6600 (6 SAM (60 60 H Hp) p)) 4WD 4WD,, 112x 12x3 2x3 Trans, 2x Power steering, 2 sets of remotes
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One chainsaw does not fit all jobs – what’s good for cutting firewood may not be suitable for cutting smaller pieces of timber Only use a chainsaw on the ground, and never above shoulder height Chainsaws are designed to cut wood – never use one to cut other materials Know your skill level – for example, never try to cut down trees, unless you’re a professional Stay alert – if you’re tired, stop and rest Get to know the manufacturer’s safety features.
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3. Kickback Kickback happens when the moving chain at the tip of the bar hits an obstruction or a softer piece of material. This causes the chainsaw to whip back at high speed towards you. To reduce kickback: ■■ ■■
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Hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands Always be aware of the location of the tip of the chainsaw – if possible, don’t let it touch anything Take care when cutting light material (e.g. twigs) that may catch in the chain Use extreme caution when re-entering a cut Don’t over-file the depth gauges Test the chain brake to make sure it works.
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Keep the chain sharp, with the correct cutter angles Keep the machine well-oiled and properly tensioned Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for correct depth gauge settings.
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4. Sharpen up Good maintenance reduces the risk of injuries. This is because a well maintained chainsaw is easier to use than one that hasn’t been kept in good condition. To maintain the chain of your saw properly: ■■
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