Use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) with power tools. If PPE is not available or is unsuitable then contact management immediately. The following PPE is provided:

• Protective glasses.

• Earmuffs.

• Chemical gloves.

• Dust masks.

• Chaps.

• Helmet with visor.

• Welding gloves and helmet.

Use residual current devices.

Never remove guards from grinders, weed eaters, belts, PTO's or other equipment unless it isolated from power source.

The following hazards are typically present in workshops. They are all high risk as they can cause severe injury. To minimise the risk you must use the PPE provided and seek training if you are not familiar with the tools. Keep guards in place and only use as intended.

• Angle grinder - use with guard.

• Bench grinder.

• Drills.

• Circular Saw.

• Electric Fence Unit.

• Air Compressor.

• Drill Press.

• Chemicals - see general hazards.

• Water Blaster.

• Welders - including gas cylinders.

• Hand tools.

• Chainsaws - only to be used by trained staff when specifically authorised. Never use a chainsaw alone. See below for detail.

• Fencing equipment - including fence strainers.

• Line trimmer.

• Generator. Use only in dry conditions with an appropriate circuit breaking system.

Chainsaws

Chainsaws are a particularly hazardous tool requiring specific training. Risks include:

• Lacerations 

• Amputation 

• Eye injury 

• Crushing and broken bones 

• Carbon Monoxide poisoning 

• Hearing loss 

• Vibration syndrome - white finger 

• Fire

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear gloves, eye protection, helmet and chaps. Heavy moleskins and jeans don't count as chaps. Ear protection should be Class 5. Ensure your clothing is snug fitting and no loose elements are in the way.

Operator

Operators are supervised by an experienced operator before they can work unsupervised, but no one is to work alone.

Equipment

Before operation check the chainsaw:

• Check the chain brake works.

• Check the chain is the right tension - it shouldn't quite pull out of the track.

• Sharpen the chain before every use. Blunt saws eat jaws.

• Check the depth guage is below the level of the teeth.

• Check all bolts, screws and covers are tight.

• Never adjust the machine while the engine is running.

• Use 95 Octane petrol with the correct mix of two-stroke oil. Only mix a few litres at a time.

• Clean the air filters, sprocket cover, chain brake, oil holes and guide bar groove after each use.

Environment

• Clear your work area before starting the chainsaw so it is free of trip hazards. 

• Be aware of people who may enter your work area unseen.

• Check nothing will fall on you while you are working (tree tops, hung trees, unstable log piles or logs with a changing centre of gravity etc.)

• Note the weather and any effect it will have on your particular work area.

Technique

• Starting

  • Never drop start the chainsaw.

  • Chain brake on.

  • Put the chainsaw on the ground in a clear area with one foot on the rear handle and one hand on the top handle.

  • Stand over the saw and use the other hand to pull start.

  • Expect the saw to start with a roar with the chain running in case it does.

• Never operate the chainsaw above shoulder height.

• Never over reach.

• Never operate with one hand.

• Never cut with the upper tip of the chainsaw blade as this is the main cause of kick back.

• Plant your feet firmly and slightly apart for balance.

• Always expect kick back.

• Allow the saw to cut through the wood. If you find you need to dig the spurs into the wood and rock the chainsaw to make it cut you will need to stop and sharpen it.

• Apply the chain brake when moving around, refuelling, or any time you are not actively cutting. Point the saw backwards with the hot side away from you when walking.

• Check chain lube at each tank refill.

• Refill the oil tank before the fuel tank so the saw is cooler when you are pouring petrol.

• Move 3m away from the fuel cans before starting.