Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Information
Use Extreme Caution When Handling Saws
Mississippi residents should remember to approach work with chain saws very carefully. MSU-ES agricultural engineer Dr. Herb Willcutt offered some valuable advice for individuals beginning to clear post-disaster debris.
"Don't even start to use a chain saw if you don't know what you are doing," said Dr. Willcutt, "Anything that will cut wood will cut you."
Chain saw accidents are a leading cause of emergency room visits, and some result in fatalities in Mississippi.
"Be sure you are familiar with your chain saw before operating it. Many of the newer models have safety features such as anti-kickback that may help protect you."
The first step in safe chain saw use is to hold the chain saw down with a hand and a foot while it is being cranked.
Avoid putting yourself in a tight spot when cutting.
"You don't want to put yourself in a position where you can't get out of the way or where the tree can pin you in."
"Never leave the ground unless you have had the necessary training and are using safety equipment. A trained person also knows not to work alone above the ground," he said. "It's not a good idea to cut limbs from a ladder. Even the simplest tasks on the ground become more complicated when up in the air."
People need to reconsider using a chain saw for jobs off the ground. Often a rope attached to a truck can pull the limbs to the ground for safer sawing.
"The bottom line is don't take risks. Most limbs can wait for someone with more cutting experience.