Chainsaws

Summary
Legislation
Resources

Summary

Each year in Ontario, construction workers are injured while using chainsaws. Generally the injuries result from two types of accidents:

the operator makes accidental contact with the revolving chain or kickback occurs
the operator is struck by the object being cut, usually a tree or heavy limb.

Many of these injuries are serious or critical. While the chainsaw is relatively easy to operate, it needs to be respected because injury can be lethal. As with all high-speed cutting tools, it demands the full attention of even the trained and experienced operator.

Workers must be adequately trained before using chainsaws. When using chainsaws, workers must wear adequate personal protective equipment including protective clothing, gloves as well as eye and hearing protection. Chainsaws must be firmly held by both hands when cutting. Chainsaws used in construction must have “anti-kickback” chains also referred to as “safety chains”. They must also be equipped with a chain brake to prevent the chain from moving when the chainsaw is not in use. [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 112]

Every gear, pulley, belt, chain, shaft, flywheel, saw and other mechanically-operated part of a machine to which a worker has access shall be guarded or fenced so that it will not endanger a worker. [O. Reg. 213/91, s. 109]

Legislation

Construction Projects

O. Reg. 213/91

Part II GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Section 109

109. Every gear, pulley, belt, chain, shaft, flywheel, saw and other mechanically-operated part of a machine to which a worker has access shall be guarded or fenced so that it will not endanger a worker.

Section 112

112. (1) Every chain-saw shall have a chain that minimizes kickback and a device to stop the chain in the event of a kickback.

(1.1) No worker shall use a chain-saw unless he or she has been adequately trained in its use.

(1.2) No worker shall use a chain-saw unless he or she is wearing,

(a) adequate personal protective equipment and clothing, including gloves; and

(b) adequate eye protection and hearing protection.

(2) A worker shall hold a chain-saw firmly when starting it and firmly in both hands when using it.

(3) The chain of a chain-saw shall be stopped when not cutting.

[O. Reg. 145/00, s. 29]

Resources

CCOHS Resources

Chainsaws - Basic Saw Operations
Chainsaws - Handling, Transportation & Storage
Chainsaws - Kickback
Chainsaws - Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing
Chainsaws - Safe Use of Chain Saws
Electrical Safety - Basic Information
Powered Hand Tools - Electric Tools - Basic Safety

IHSA Resources

Construction Health & Safety Manual, Chapter 38: Power Tools - Saws

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