Bolton Trails Committee

Bolton Trails Committee

Bolton Trails Committee

Chainsaw Safety Guidelines & Certification

for Conservation Land Operators

Volunteers involved with conservation property trail maintenance must be pre-approved to operate a chainsaw on behalf of the Bolton Trails Committee. This pre-approval certification focuses on safety, accountability, responsibility, and reasonable restraintwhen operating power cutting equipment.

Pre-approved volunteers canprocess cross trail fall downs independently on town land, Trust land, and documented easements. Larger live, dead standing, “hung up” fallen trees, or work on private land with informal agreementsrequire prior approval from the Land Steward or the Conservation Agent.

Conservation Agent: Rebecca Longvall Land Steward: Jeff Larence

Chainsaws, chains, fuel, bar oil, safety equipment, and other gear associated with this activity is the responsibility of the volunteer. The volunteer must have a working knowledge of all equipment, and operate his/her saw in a manner that demonstrates a priority for their safety and the safety of others.

Operating a chain saw is inherently hazardous. Potential injuries can be minimized by using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe operating procedures. Operators are liable for injuries, harm, and/or damage to themselves, others, or property caused through their actions or decisions.

Before Starting a Chain Saw – be familiar with your specific owners manual

  • Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure that they are functioning properly and that they are adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Make sure that the chain is always sharp and the lubrication reservoir is full.
  • Start the saw at least 10 feet from others outside of the work area.

Fueling a Chain Saw – be familiar with your specific operators guide

  • Use approved containers for transporting fuel to the saw.
  • Never attempt to fuel a running or HOT saw.
  • Use caution not to spill fuel or oil in conservation or parking areas.
  • Have a spill kit available to contain and clean any spilled fuel or oil quickly.
  • Ideally, enter the property with a saw already full and ready to run.
  • Use only properly mixed fresh fuel and oil.

Chain Saw Safety – be aware of your surroundings and others

  • Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks from the saw's chain path.
  • Look for and avoid or remove nails, spikes or other metal in the tree before cutting.
  • Never attempt to cut through metal.
  • Do not operate a saw when fatigued. Be aware of your condition and take breaks as necessary.
  • Shut off the saw and engage its chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain.
  • Keep your hands on the saw's handles, and maintain secure footing while operating the saw.
  • Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when operating the saw, which includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing and head protection. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing
  • Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw.
  • Watch for branches under tension, they may spring out when cut.
  • Gasoline-powered chain saws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback. Be cautious of saw kick-back.
  • To avoid kick-back, do not saw with the tip. If equipped, keep tip guard in place.

In Property Work – acceptable hours of operation between 9am and dusk

  • A team of at least two volunteers is required to conduct chainsaw work on conservation land.
  • One volunteer must be pre-approved as an operator, the other as a helper and lookout.
  • While conducting clearing, keep at least 10 feet of space between the operator and others.
  • Clear no more than a 10 foot width, from center of trail. Flush cut in trail stumps.
  • Heavier wood sections should be cut into sizes manageable to move and stack.
  • Leafy branches should be carried off trail and stacked to create habitat.
  • Trunk sections and larger cut branches should be processed uniformly and stacked neatly off trail.
  • All fall down debris should be removed from stonewalls, with cleared materials left on conservation land not on private land. Replace dislodged stones to original positions.
  • When making a cut always have an escape route in mind. The planned route should be clear to move through and away quickly in the event the cut does not go as anticipated.

Volunteer Operator

Name (print/sign/date)______

Address______

Phone/Email______

Approval (good for 24 months from date – must have attended a safety class within 12 months)

Conservation Agent______Date______

Land Steward______Date______

Conservation Trust______Date______

-- Operator should have a copy of this document on person while working on public land --

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