need qualification to buy a top handle

[Stihllymok]

17 minutes ago, Mark Bolam said:

And why are Toolstation exempt from ‘the law’?

Exactly....has any one ever been asked for proof of tickets etc when they bought any other brand of top handle apart from stihlusky?

Online shops will happily sell you a top handle Milwaukee etc which will just as quickly modify your anatomy as a Stihl 161t would... Crackers.

[Ledburyjosh]

On 10/11/2012 at 19:54, GardenKit said:

 

Whiich is one of the reasons I do it correctly.

 

The issue of the ordinary saws at the Sheds, Argos, etc is another subject dear to my heart.

 

I believe that saws should not be sold without a basic instruction to the end user by a competant salesperson as it is a dangerous machine.

 

I do personally find it ludicrous that I have to ask an obviously competant tree surgeon for proof of training, but can quite legitimaly sell an ordinary saw to the one legged, one armed, village idiot with one eye.

 

I hasten to add that I would not sell to the above mentioned unfortunate, I know his dad and he would not be pleased.

How many accidents are there involving chainsaws bought from argos etc are there? 

I'd guess very few, so few that any such policies are not worth implementing and is likely a cause of irrational fear based on a potentially serious injury which rarley occurs.

[Dan Maynard]

The vast majority of the chainsaws from Argos don't get used much though, it's hard to get real figures on the relative risk.

[GarethM]

Plus these Argos/Screwfix/Toolstation etc saws are also used mostly without any PPE.

 

So when you think about it the low numbers of accidents are amazing, granted they probably get just a few hours a year usage at most.

[AHPP]

Like Dan was beginning to get at, most top handle injuries will be jobbing tree surgeons, probably with the ticket, just in a rush.

 

I did a bit of firewood yesterday. Jeans, soft boots. 661, 13” bar, softwood rakers. Safe as houses because I had all the time in the world to be very deliberate.
 

The real danger is working too hard. No need for it.