Whsmp · OPW16/0021

                                                                                              SWMS: 33 – Chainsaw
Safe Work Methods
                                                                               H                                                                               Responsible         Residual
                                                                                                           Controls / Work Methods
                                                                               O                                                                               Person/s for          Risk
         Job Steps                    Potential Hazards         L   C    R                         1. Eliminate 2. Substitute 3. Isolate 4. Engineer            Monitor &
                                                                               C                                    5. Admin 6. PPE                                            L      C     R
                                                                                                                                                                 Review
                                Disfigurement or laceration     C   5    E     5          Cut pile until almost through timber, ensuring that there is        Competent       D      3     M
                                from chainsaw whilst checking           20                 space to move if pile falls.                                        Operator                     8
                                and cleaning chainsaw.                                    Remove chainsaw and switch off, place chainsaw outside the
                                                                                           drop zone.
                                                                                          Ensure the drop zone is clear then push pile cut off over (if
                                                                                           less than 3m long). Over 3m, the cut off is to be lowered to
                                                                                           the ground then disconnected using lift chain.
                                                                                          Ensure that the engine is switched off and the engine is cool.
Chainsaw Usage (general)        Laceration from chain           C   2   H      5          Ensure the chainsaw is switched off and engine is cool, and         Competent       D      2     M
(cont.)                                                                 13                 chainsaw is cleaned with a rag                                      Operator                     8
                                Leaking fuel                    C   3   H      5          Empty fuel/oil tank if there is any leaking fuel in to approved     Competent       D      2     M
                                                                        13                 fuel container. Chainsaw must be repaired.                          Operator                     8
                                Danger Zone Clearance area      C   3   H      3          Ensure a danger zone of 60m is established when felling             Competent       D      2     M
                                                                        13                 timber.                                                             Operator                     8
                                                                                          Ensure a danger zone of 30m is established for all other
                                                                                           chainsaw work.
                                Vertical Cuts                   D   4   H      5          Holding the saw firmly with both hands, ensure good footing.        Competent       D      2     M
                                                                        14                 Keep the saw in close proximity to the body.                        Operator                     8
                                                                                          Use the front grip for vertical cuts.
                                                                                          Never reach the saw above shoulder height.
                                                                                          Stand slightly off to the left of the cut with weight distributed
                                                                                           to the back foot. This will protect you if there is a kick back.
                                                                                           DO NOT stand directly behind the cut.
                                                                                          Start every vertical cut with full power in the middle of the
                                                                                           bar, not with the tip.
                                Horizontal & angle cuts         D   3   M      5          Have the saw on its side, keeping the left arm and wrist as         Competent       D      2     M
                                                                        8                  straight as possible.                                               Operator                     8
                                                                                          Hold the rear grip for support with a horizontal and angle cut.

584 Milton Road TOOWONG QLD 4066                          SWMS Developed by:       Jamie Gilbert                                                               VERSION 7 – September 2015
P: (07) 3335 5000 F: (07) 3335 5005                       Position:                National Health & Safety Co-ordinator                                                         Page 147
ABN: 52 009 778 330