Why do I need a safety review?
Even experienced operators get hurt, often when they get comfortable, tired or hurried. A review each season reminds you of the habits that keep you safe and lets you notice where you have drifted. Treat it like a pre-flight check.
Chainsaws cause cuts, kickback injuries, falling-tree and branch strikes, hearing loss and vibration problems. Each has known preventions.
Make the review concrete. Take the saw out, inspect the chain brake, run through the gear list and rehearse what you would do if someone were hurt.
What protective gear should I wear?
Extension and forestry safety programs recommend a full set: a hard hat, eye or face protection, hearing protection, cut-resistant leg protection such as chaps, sturdy gloves and boots designed for chainsaw work. Fit matters, and loose or damaged gear does not help.
Inspect gear before every use and replace it when damaged. Leg protection that has been cut through is finished and should not be reused.
Add hearing protection every time, since saw noise is high enough to damage hearing quickly. Make sure your gloves allow control of the saw. Replace gear that is old, worn or does not fit. Protective clothing loses its value when it is torn or damaged.
- Hard hat with face screen and ear protection
- Cut-resistant chaps or pants
- Gloves and sturdy boots with good grip
- Clothing that fits and does not snag
What is kickback and how do I reduce it?
Kickback is a sudden, violent movement of the saw toward the operator, often when the upper tip of the bar contacts something. It is a leading cause of serious chainsaw injuries. Understanding where the danger zone is on your saw, and keeping that part of the bar clear of wood and objects, is a core skill.
Read the manual, learn the saw's safety features such as the chain brake, and use a low-kickback chain if recommended for your saw. Keep a firm two-handed grip, stand with balance and avoid cutting above shoulder height.
Never hold the saw with one hand or cut with the saw pushed out at arm's length. Keep your thumb wrapped around the handle, and keep the bar low and in control.
How do I keep the saw in safe condition?
A dull or loose chain causes more kickback and fatigue, and a saw in poor condition can fail unexpectedly. Check the chain, bar, brake, throttle lock and guards before each use, and keep the chain sharpened as the manual directs. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for fuel, lubrication and storage.
Refuel only when the saw is off and cool, and start it at least a few steps from the fueling spot, on firm ground. Fuel vapors and hot parts are a fire risk.
Keep a log of maintenance and sharpening so nothing slips. If you cannot sharpen well, take the chain to a shop. Carry the saw with the bar pointed behind you and the engine off or the chain brake engaged, and set it down before crossing obstacles.
How do I plan cuts and the work area?
Before you cut, look at the tree or log, the ground and the surroundings. Think about where limbs and the trunk will move, where you will stand and how you will leave. Clear a path, remove trip hazards and keep people and animals well away.
Wood under tension can spring suddenly when cut. Learn how to read it, and if you are unsure, stop. Use help from an experienced person and avoid working alone.
Never cut directly above or below another person, and agree on signals and distances with anyone nearby.
When should I not cut?
Leave trees that are leaning, hung up, storm-damaged, near power lines or beyond your skill to a qualified tree professional. Cleaning up after storms is among the most dangerous jobs for untrained cutters. Never climb with a chainsaw unless trained and equipped for it.
Do not run a saw when tired, impaired, in poor light, in high wind or when distracted. Take breaks, drink water and stop when focus fades.
Take a hands-on chainsaw course when you can, since reading cannot replace practice with an instructor.
What if someone is injured?
Keep a first aid kit and a way to call for help where you work, and tell someone your location before you start. If a serious injury occurs, call emergency services immediately and follow their instructions. Do not delay help for any reason.
Take a first aid and bleeding control class when you can. Training in how to respond is just as important as the gear.
Plan for storm cleanup in advance. If a tree comes down in a storm, decide whether it is a job for you or for a professional before you start the saw, and tell someone where you will be working.
Key takeaways
- Wear a full set of chainsaw protective gear every time.
- Learn kickback, and keep the bar tip out of contact.
- Keep the saw sharp, tuned and checked before use.
- Plan every cut, keep the work area clear and avoid working alone.
- Leave hazardous, leaning or storm-damaged trees to professionals.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.