One handed Top Handle Use ?

[StuPew]

As far as i`m aware it`s not illegal in this country (UK) to use a top handled chainsaw one handed !! (In the tree) Please could some one either confirm or deny this please.

I was busy dismantling a snapped out limb from a Monteray Pine when my (stand in team leader) signald for me to stop what i was doing & told me to use two hands on the saw. I asked him why ? His answer was, if i got a kick back into me, that this would be deeamed to be his fault !! Blame would be laid on him !!

As far as i`m aware this is utter rubbish. My other hand is always used to stabalize me in the tree for the best & most comfortable position for cutting. If i`m in a position to use two hands on the saw then of course i will.

[Dr.Green]

do you have a 3rd hand to activate the chainbrake ?

[MattyF]

I think in extreme cases it's ok to use one handed , but you should either have two anchor points or a work strop secured for most cutting to enable two handed use, most of us don't though...... I will one hand all the time if it's out of reach on reductions but stay very wary of the kickback zone.

[Tom D]

Of course its illegal, just as its illegal to cross your hands on the steering wheel....

 

Well thats what my driving instructor said.....:001_rolleyes:

[not for sale sorry]

i one hand alot thats what the saw was made for, tide in twice is good practice but not always

[MATTMOSS]

As far as i`m aware it`s not illegal in this country (UK) to use a top handled chainsaw one handed !! (In the tree) Please could some one either confirm or deny this please.

I was busy dismantling a snapped out limb from a Monteray Pine when my (stand in team leader) signald for me to stop what i was doing & told me to use two hands on the saw. I asked him why ? His answer was, if i got a kick back into me, that this would be deeamed to be his fault !! Blame would be laid on him !!

As far as i`m aware this is utter rubbish. My other hand is always used to stabalize me in the tree for the best & most comfortable position for cutting. If i`m in a position to use two hands on the saw then of course i will.

 

It isnt a case of legality its about industry best practice and HSE recommendation. I belive the guidelines say that two handles should be used at all times apart from in extreme cases like when you are at the extremities of a limb and you need to hold on to something to position yourself then the saw should be used at arms length if using one handed.

As for as your supervisor getting in trouble if you hurt yourself I think he is right to tell you to use the saw with both hands if it is possible, he is responsible for your safety as are you and you should be working to guidelines because if you dont and then hurt/kill yourself some one is in big trouble.

[treequip]

He is wrong in as much as “they” won’t be after him for any accident but your employer may need to show that they discouraged you from inappropriate one handed use.

 

You are wrong in as much as wherever possible you should have 2 hands on the saw.

HSE - Publications: Free Leaflets - Tree Work

 

“To maintain proper control of the saw you must, wherever possible, grip both handles”

[butler]

In this example it's not a issue, the team leader is responsible for your safety, this should be respected......

[Pommie]

do you have a cs 39?

[Rupe]

I agree with the above points, its not Illegal, i.e. the police wont turn up and you all get told off a lot! It is against industry best practice and if you have a supervisor it is his duty to keep everyone working safely.

 

You should have a secondary attachment (lanyard) so your second hand is not needed for stabilising. If you are way out on a limb and there is no where to lanyard into then you probably dont need a chainsaw, a hand saw will do instead.

 

So, its not illegal! Go and work for yourself and do it all day long if you want, but if you are employed or working for someone else, or under someone elses supervision then do as you are told. If you worked for me and I told you three times that would end of employment, simple.