Analysis and Laboratory Testing of Technical Injury Prevention Measures for Portable Combustion Chainsaws

Abstract

Portable chainsaws for cutting wood, like other handheld machines, are commonly used for mechanical work. Portable combustion chainsaws are still used in many countries, including Poland, as basic wood harvesting machines and in agriculture. The use of portable chainsaws, however, poses a high risk of injury, especially with the phenomenon of kickback. Important European documents (e.g., 2006/42/EC) qualify these machines as a specific group, and assessing them for compliance with the essential applicable requirements (before placing them on the market) can be done with the participation of a third party (notified body). In Poland, only employees with appropriate training are allowed to work with chainsaws for professional wood harvesting. This paper presents the results of an analysis of the hazards posed by portable combustion chainsaws. A practical assessment was conducted of the effectiveness of the most relevant technical solutions used to protect operators from injury. Reference is made to tests on chainsaws that were carried out as part of scientific research (described in previous publications) and as part of research commissioned by market surveillance authorities operating in Poland. The presented research results show that the risk of injury caused by the use of chainsaws is influenced not only by the design features of the machines but also by their proper use, including the selection of equipment appropriate to the working conditions (e.g., wood type and properties, use of chainsaws for professional or non-professional work).

Keywords

• kickback
• cutting
• wood materials
• mechanical hazards
• portable combustion chainsaws
• injury protection