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An incredibly dangerous piece of machinery…in the wrong hands. Any user should be a competent person and this guidance will point you in the right direction
FS120350
(Published April 2022, replacing June 2020)
The following is a short summary of government and industry advice and should be read in conjunction with that.
Chainsaws are potentially dangerous machines which can cause major injury if used by untrained people. Anyone who uses a chainsaw should have received adequate training and be competent in using a chainsaw for that type of task.
In forestry and arboriculture chainsaws caused 5 deaths between 2004 and 2011
Many more injuries were caused by sawing and cutting tools:
HSE's investigations show that most fatal and major injuries involve chainsaw operators taking shortcuts and not following good practice guidance. Usually the reason is to save time!
Due to the very high risk from the operation of chainsaws, users should be trained to the levels of competency expected in the workplace. It is recommended that chainsaws are not operated by persons under 18.
As with all activities, a thorough risk assessment must be carried out, recorded and suitable controls put in place, before any action is taken.
Also, remember, you may need to check whether a tree can actually be cut down and has not got a protection order restricting it.
Emergency tree work
The HSE have issued guidance about the Dangers of emergency tree work following recent severe weather. Check out their bulletin, especially if you are responsible for managing or operating a headquarters, campsite or activity centre that may become affected by fallen trees.
They highlight that emergency tree work is complex with many risks, including the tree moving unexpectedly, or the need to carry out work in difficult conditions. The planning and activity itself must be undertaken by a competent person with the necessary training in emergency tree works such as assisted felling, windblown and part blown trees and emergency planning.
The HSE states:
The Approved Code of Practice, Safe use of work equipment, supporting regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) (see ‘Further reading’) sets a minimum standard of competence for people using chainsaws in tree work:
‘All workers who use a chainsaw should be competent to do so. Before using a chainsaw to carry out work on or in a tree, a worker should have received appropriate training and obtained a relevant certificate of competence or national competence award, unless they are undergoing such training and are adequately supervised.'
The HSE recognises the following as the awarding bodies for the training and competent use of chainsaws.