Preventing Injuries Getting Firewood

Background

• An accidental injury suffered while cutting, splitting, or stacking firewood in preparation for the heating season could erase any potential savings.
• The most important single factor in preventing injuries related to getting firewood is you.

Tips

• When cutting or splitting wood, always wear personal protection equipment (PPE), such as trim-fitting clothes, safety hard hat, hearing protective device, safety goggles, non-slip shoes, and gloves.
• Follow instructions in the operator's manual when using a chain saw or log splitter.
• Keep others away when starting and using a chain saw or log splitter.
• To start a chain saw, place it on level ground, hold it with one hand, and pull the starter rope with the other.
• Grip the chain saw firmly with both hands and assume a stable stance.
• Before cutting, check the wood for knots and nails that could cause the chain saw to kick back.
• While sawing, be sure the chain saw's bumper is against the tree so it doesn't jerk out of your hands.
• When carrying a chain saw, make sure the engine is off and the blade is pointed to the rear.
• Before felling a tree, check the area around it.
• To fell a tree, notch the side on which it is expected to fall and make the felling cut about two inches higher.
• Shut the chain saw off and remove it before the tree falls.
• When "limbing," cut limbs on the topside before removing branches resting on the ground.
• Use an axe or handsaw when cutting small limbs.
• Keep hand tools sharp, and check handles for soundness.
• Keep bystanders safely away from cutting, splitting, and stacking operations.
• When splitting, wear safety goggles and stay clear of moving parts and pinch-points.
• When carrying and stacking wood, watch your step and don't carry, lift, or toss more than you can comfortably handle.

Be Cautious When Cutting Wood

If you cut firewood for use in your home, there are certain safety precautions which you should take.

An accidental injury suffered while cutting, splitting or stacking firewood in preparation for the heating season could erase any potential savings.

Follow instructions in the operator's manual when using a chainsaw. Also, grip the saw firmly with both hands and assume a stable stance. In addition, check the wood for knots and nails that could cause the saw to kick back.

The National Safety Council recommends the following safety tips:

• Wear a hard hat, goggles and sturdy gloves. Ease stress on hearing with acoustic earmuffs or plugs when using chainsaws.
• Before felling a tree, check the area around it. Notch the side on which it is expected to fall and make the felling cut about two inches higher. Shut the saw off and remove it before the tree falls.
• When limbing, cut limbs on the topside before removing branches resting on the ground. Use an axe or handsaw when cutting small limbs.
• Keep hand tools sharp. Check handles for soundness and keep bystanders safely away.
• Wear safety goggles when splitting wood. Stay clear of moving parts and pinch-points.
• Watch your step when carrying and stacking wood. Don't carry, lift or toss more than you can comfortably handle.