Chainsaws in safe/unsafe hands.

[husqycutter]

I consider myself a competent operator of a chainsaw and can handle my husqy 372 with no problems despite having no formal training.

I have gained my competence over the years on my smallholding using common sense with safety uppermost in my mind, I always wear a full safety kit no matter how small the job is.

I see that you have to be a fully trained and qualified operator to use a top handle for obvious reasons.

However I have always thought there is more danger and probably more accidents to the untrained layman hiring a saw over the counter than to the likes of myself using a top handle saw.

Do you think that chainsaws should be banned from general sale and hire to the public without some sort of training, perhaps, apart from supplying the trained professional they could limit sales to say farmers.

I really do think they are a dangerous tool in untrained hands, I know of one mate who lost a thumb using a hire saw and witnessed a neighbour come very close to slicing his neck due to a kickback.

Thoughts please.

[Steve Bullman]

thats a tough one....anyone can go and buy a chainsaw in B&Q for £100.....i very much doubt many, if any of those users will be wearing chainsaw protection at all.

[madmatt]

I don't think you can hire a saw now without a certificate certainly none of the hire shops around here will.

 

It will go against the grain and probably get a lot of peoples back up, BUT! I don't think anyone should be allowed to buy any chainsaw without a certificate of competance. They are bloody dangerous. I mean no dis respect to you but I don't see why farmers should be exempt from any new rulings. There are enough accidents in Agriculture every year so if they regulate chainsaw sales it should be to everyone.

[vduben]

i just bought a ms200t with no tickets!! i asked the guy and he said he didnt want them!! butim with matt, you should have your nptc in cross cut n stack at least

[madmatt]

Did the guy know you?

 

Its slightly off topic but I also think a first aid course should be prerequiste to CS30.

[husqycutter]

I never knew they had stopped hiring them to the public, was that some time ago?. I recall you had to hire a limited safety kit when they were available for hire.

[vduben]

I never knew they had stopped hiring them to the public, was that some time ago?. I recall you had to hire a limited safety kit when they were available for hire.

 

you still do but ask for a top handled saw and they will laugh in you face!!!

and matt - no i didnt know him, turns out he knew my dad but found that out after i got the saw, nt going to mentuon where it is on here because it might get them in trouble:151:

[husqycutter]

So is it illegal for the retailer/hire depot to supply a top handle to someone without a ticket or is it just a guideline?.

[madmatt]

I don't know if its a national law stopping hire, I just know the two hire shops in town wn't hire you any form of chainsaw with out a ticket and you hiring the minimum saftey kit.

 

 

Don't blame you for not mentioning names, I just wondered if he knew you in which case he knew he could trust you thats fair enough.

[husqycutter]

Health and safety regs.?