Daewoo DCS2512 User Manual page 8

Using the chainsaw in the tree
An analysis of accidents with these saws during tree service operations shows the primary cause as
being inappropriate one-handed use of the saw. In the vast majority of accidents, operators fail to
adopt a secure work position witch allows them to hold both handles of the saw. This results in an
increased risk of injury due to:
• not having a firm grip on the saw if it kicks back;
• a lack of control of the saw such that it is more liable to contact climbing lines and operators body
(particularly the left hand and arm)
• losing control from insecure work position resulting in contact with the saw (unexpected
movement during operation of the saw)
Securing the work position for two-handed use
To allow the operator to hold the saw with both hands, they should as general rule, aim for secure
work position where they are operating the saw at:
• hip level when cutting horizontal sections;
• solar plexus level when cutting vertical sections.
Where the operator is working close into vertical stems with a low lateral forces
on their work position, then a good footing may be all that is needed to maintain
a secure work position. However as operators move away from the stem, they
will need to take steps to remove or counteract the increasing lateral forces by,
for example, a re-direct of the main line via a supplementary anchor point or
using an adjustable strop direct from the harness to a supplementary anchor
point.
Gaining a good footing at the working position can be assisted by use of a
temporary foot stirrup created from an endless sling.
Starting the saw in the tree
When starting the saw in the tree, the operator should:
a) apply the chain brake before starting;
b) hold saw on either the left or right of the body when starting:
1) on the left side hold the saw with either the left hand on the front handle or the right hand on the
rear handle and thrust the saw away from the body while holding the pull starter cord in the other
hand;
2) on the right side, hold the saw with the right hand on either handle and thrust the saw away from
the body while holding the pull starter cord in the left hand.
The chain brake should always be engaged before lowering a running saw onto its strop.
Operators should always check the saw has sufficient fuel before undertaking critical cuts.
One-hand use of the chainsaw
Operators should not use tree service chainsaws onehanded in place of
unstable work positioning or in preference to a handsaw when cutting small diameter
wood at the branch tips. Tree service chainsaws should only be
used one-handed where:
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