Skip to main content

Chainsaw Safety

 

Chainsaw safety is every saw operator’s job.

Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling or working around chainsaws.

  • Eye protection – approved goggles or safety glasses.
  • Hearing protection – earplugs or muffs.
  • Helmet.
  • Chainsaw Chaps – proper size and length.
  • Gloves – proper size.
  • Long sleeve shirt – no loose sleeves.
  • Leather boots – no loose boot laces.  

Take the time to inspect the chainsaw before operating the saw.

  • Check the chain and bar – sharpness of chain, bar seated correctly.
  • Check the bolts and screws all around the saw – no missing screws or bolts.
  • Check the casing of the saw – no cracked or missing plastic.
  • Felling axe and wedges in good condition.
  • Saw gas and bar oil in sufficient quantities to meet objectives.
  • Basic saw maintenance tools on site and specific to saw in use.
  • Review fuel geysering indicators/potential.  

Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings while operating the chainsaw.

  • Look for and anticipate people working in your area – the chainsaw operator is responsible for controlling the cutting area and communicating with others in the cutting area.
  • Look for any snags or overhead hazards in your area – maintain recommended spacing of falling teams or others working in the cutting area.
  • Establish consistent communications with spotters/swampers – always minimize personnel working directly at the stump or in the felling area.
  • Are there other risk factors that increase the complexity of the job – loose soils, rocky ground, steep terrain, weather factors or poor visibility, tree condition, others?  

Complete a personal Risk Assessment to determine if you are comfortable completing the task at hand – don’t let job performance pressure force you in over your skill level.

  • Proper training and certification level for personnel running saws and assisting with saw operations.
  • Describe your medical response plan and how it is implemented, including extricating a severe injury at the worksite.
  • If you are not comfortable falling the tree, walk away. Notify your supervisor and mitigate the safety issues or turn down the assignment.

 

Category

Last Modified / Reviewed:


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF) Now Available

Date: May 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Aviation Committee

The Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF) provides the Air Operations Branch with the number, type, location, and specific assignments of helicopters and air resources. The new ICS 220 WF also includes medical extraction capabilities and air resources tracking.

Understanding the capabilities of aviation assets is critical for effective medical and extraction responses. Coordination with the Medical Unit Leader is essential to ensure alignment and consistency between the ICS 220 WF and the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). 

References:

Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF)

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Incident Command System (ICS) Forms

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Firing Boss, Single Resource

Date: April 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105, are now available. 

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators. 

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

 

References:

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105

NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee