Last Day of Summer Chainsaw Safety

It’s the last day of summer and even though the weather is great – we know the rains are coming so here is a little safety reminder. You might even be doing some last minute clean up of the yard now so be careful.

According the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from using chain saws.
Many storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous but the use of chain saws is one of the most dangerous. Hazards that could be encountered include downed power lines, carbon monoxide from equipment, injury from falls, or being hit by motor vehicles.

Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches after winter storms. One way to avoid injury is to follow manufacturer’s instructions and properly sharpen and lubricate chain saw blades with bar and chain oil. The operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.

Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, and cut-resistant leg wear.

Avoid power lines. This is important for everyone, not just chain saw users and always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw. Keep bystanders away. If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over site(s) of heavy bleeding; this act may save lives.

Remember that all gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. This gas can rapidly build up in a closed in area, and individuals can be overcome without even realizing it. Confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness may set in too quickly for victims to save themselves and can be deadly.

FEMA news release - NATIONAL LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK 21-27 JUNE 2009

SEATTLE—Summer is the peak season for one of America’s deadliest weather phenomena—lightning. In 2008, hundreds of people were permanently injured by lightning strikes across the country, and 28 were killed. This year to-date, 11 people have been killed by lightning, and statistically, the Fourth of July is one of the most deadly times of the year. According to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, observed the last full week of June, not only helps get safety messages out in time for the Fourth of July, but also signals summer as lightning season.

“All thunderstorms produce lightning—and no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. When thunder roars? Go indoors!” said Hunsinger. “If you can hear thunder, you are in danger. We all need to incorporate lightning safety into our family disaster planning.”

Lightning safety tips for inside the home include:
• Avoid contact with corded phones
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
Lightning can strike as far as ten miles away from any rainfall, creating hotspots that smolder for days, to erupt when conditions are right. “Summer is also wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest,” cautions Hunsinger. “Those of us who live in urban interface areas, wooded lots, or near heavily-grassed and dry rangeland should create fire-safe perimeters, and update family disaster plans.”

For more information on lightning safety this year, visit: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.