LIKELIHOOD
Standard Risk Assessment No. 7/12
Slight
Code of
practice
12
Activity
Chainsaw use
Location/s
Reserves and sites of
interest to BC (with
landowner’s permission)
Contact with rotating chain
Moving timber or flying or
falling objects
Risk
Injury to operator and/or
others if untrained
Can result in serious cuts,
amputation and possibly
life-threatening injuries, due
to blood loss.
Operator or other workers
being struck on the head
and/or body by flying debris
Possible
Highly likely
Trivial. No
action
Low.
Control.
Notify later
Medium.
Control.
Notify later
Low.
Control.
Notify later
Medium.
Control.
Notify later
High.
Eliminate
risk or
STOP! and
notify now
Medium.
Control.
Notify later.
High.
Eliminate
risk or
STOP! and
notify now
High.
STOP! and
notify now.
Person/s covered
Staff, volunteers. Site
visitors and contractors
SEVERITY
Major
Severe
Common Hazards
Operator
Unlikely
Existing controls
Must have appropriate training and certification
and be on BC’s chainsaw-users register.
Apart from limited guarding around the drive
sprocket it is not practicable to guard the most
obvious hazard, the moving chain. Most effective
measure is adequate training and supervision of
operators, provision of full chainsaw personal
protective equipment (PPE), and provision of the
correct information regarding the risks. Do not
wear loose clothing. Tie long hair up. Selection of
a chainsaw with all the necessary safety features,
in particular: the clearly marked on/off switch, the
front hand guard / chain brake, reduced kick-back
chain, chain breaker and rear hand guard, will do
much to minimise likelihood and effect of any
contact with the moving chain. Always carry a
personal first aid kit, to include large wound
dressings. Operators must understand how to
control major bleeding and to deal with crush
injuries.
Training, information, instruction and a safe
system of work will minimise the risk of being
struck by moving timber or flying debris.
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Likelihood
Severity
Risk Rating
Unlikely
Severe
Medium
Possible
Severe
High
Possible
Major
High
Manual handling
Kickback
Incorrect handling of
chainsaw and cut timber,
can lead to both short and
long term back injury
problems. Crushed toes etc
Impact from kickback to the
face and upper body
Ignition of petrol and fumes
Burns (minor and major).
Risk of fire
Noise
Excessive noise over long
periods can cause damage
to the inner ear, resulting in
temporary or permanent
Operators only allowed to work on jobs for which
they have had suitable and sufficient training, and
for which they are competent. Use of appropriate
PPE eg safety helmet and visor. Maintain a safe
working distance from other people – 2.5 tree
lengths if felling, 5m if crosscutting. No felling
within 2 tree lengths of overhead cables. Work
must stop if anyone unauthorised enters this area.
Signage as appropriate.
Training on correct manual handling of the
chainsaw and general guidance on manual
handling to reduce risks
Possible
Major
Medium
Proper maintenance of the chainsaw. Ensure
chainsaw is fitted with a chain type recommended
by manufacturer and is designed to reduce
kickback. Operator to use chainsaw in a way to
avoid kickback, eg not allowing the nose of guide
bar to accidentally come into contact with any
obstruction; not over-reaching; keeping the saw
below chest height; using the appropriate chain
speed for the material being cut
The exhaust system must be in good order.
Refuelling site must be a safe distance (30m) from
work area and all sources of ignition at all times.
Store fuel to avoid vapour ignition from any source
such as fires, people smoking or chainsaw; select
site to be shaded from direct sunlight. Use fuel
containers designed for chainsaw use with
securely fitting caps. Replace all fuel and oil caps
securely. Ensure the ‘O’ ring seals on caps are in
good condition. Move a safe distance (normally at
least 4m) from fuelling point before starting the
chainsaw. No smoking within 5 metres of
refuelling site.
Possible
Major
Medium
Possible
Major
Medium
Chainsaws to be maintained according to
manufacturers instructions and a record of this
maintenance kept. Information on noise levels
should be used when selecting new equipment.
Possible
Major
Medium
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deafness, or tinnitus
Vibration
Hand-arm vibration can
lead to vibration white
finger
Minimum review
period
1 year
Operators to wear correct PPE ie helmet complete
with earmuffs, and this should be maintained
correctly and renewed (with any other PPE) when
damaged or after impact. Other workers
authorised to be within 10 meters of chainsaw
operator will wear ear defenders. Ensure silencer
is in good order. Operators to report to Head
Office any signs or symptoms that may indicate
adverse health effects from noise.
Information on vibration levels should be used
when selecting new equipment eg anti-vibration
handles and heated handles. The anti-vibration
mounts should be inspected frequently and
replaced as specified by the manufacturer
(FASTCo recommendation). Have proper
maintenance schedules for chainsaw and
protective equipment. Operators to report any
signs or symptoms that may indicate adverse
health effects from vibration. Ensure frequent
breaks eg ten minutes after every tank of fuel and
take a 30-minute break after every third break.
Initial assessment
Review 1
Date
9/12/09
8/12/10
Signed (Head of)
R Hobson
Countersigned
(SMT)
M Warren
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Review 2
Possible
Review 3
Major
Medium
Review 4