Idling chainsaw

[Acer]

The guidance we get in the UK is as follows:

3 7 The chainsaw should be switched off, or the chain brake
applied, after each cutting operation. Do not leave the engine
running for long periods when not in use.

It's not strictly illegal to leave the saw running when hanging off your harness, but they often prosecute you if an accident happens that would have been prevented if you'd followed the guidance, using your failure to follow the guidance as evidence of negligence.

Generally speaking, I was always taught to switch the saw off if you're not going to use it in the near future, and certainly when simply carrying it around.

Originally posted by RockyJSquirrel
If you want proof of this, look at what arborists in Europe must go through in order to trim trees. Then look at their accident rates compared to those in the USA. 10X more regulation without any true reduction in accident rates, and they keep adding more and more laws. Legitimate arborists in Europe are disappearing fast because it isn't feasable to continue in this profession.

Brian, you've got that right. I don't think it reduces accidents either, it just gives the HSE more things to whack you with in court once an accident has happened. The whole system is reactive, as there are so few inspectors out there policing companies. Ironically, we may well see a "reduction" in accidents in the future as large sections of the industry go underground. Near misses and non fatal accidents just won't be reported for fear of prosecution. I'd say the vast majority of domestic work is done by companies that probably don't even start to comply with the law, and a lot of these are probably not insured or underinsured as premiums go through the roof.

I believe a lot of people who want to do the job the right way, in compliance with the law, are simply chucking in the towel. It just isn't worth it any more. However much you enjoy the work, that means nothing when you can't pay your landlord or put food on your table.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Originally posted by Acer
It's not strictly illegal to leave the saw running when hanging off your harness, but they often prosecute you if an accident happens that would have been prevented if you'd followed the guidance, using your failure to follow the guidance as evidence of negligence.

Withn OSHA they are apt to enforce SHOULD verbiage the same as SHALL in the case of an accident they are called to.

I just looked at csection 7 of the 2000 rev of the Z133. I remember a paragraph in an earlier rev. that required behavior like Mike's. A running chainsaw should be hanging below the climbers feet.

 

[Dobber]

I prefer a longer lanyard for my saw, which means it does hang below my feetit also has a metal loop attached to it so that I can attach it closer if i want. I dont take my saw off my lanyard untill I am cutting larger limbs so I want the lanyard at least as long as my reach. and as for not being able to limb walk with a long lanyard, why not if it is gouing to get caught hold it up, either by the lanyard or by the saw, it will work I promise. Now on cold winter days you grab every bit of warmth you can get, and when opperating a bucket that meens leave the saw running, still doesnt feel like a summer day but makes a small difference.