Workplace Report February 2013

Health & safety - HSE Monitor

Using chainsaws

New guidance on using chainsaws safely has been published by the HSE.

The guidance includes recommendations on what training is advisable and how it should be delivered, the choice of chainsaw for particular jobs, appropriate personal protective equipment, maintaining and using a chainsaw, and what preliminary checks to carry out on the chainsaw before use.

The guidance goes on to cover starting the chainsaw safely, correct body position and how to handle the risk of kickback, as well as tree felling and working at height with a chainsaw.

The guidance is at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg317.pdf