Chainsaw

Last Revised: March 08, 2007

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To keep our section of the A.T. free of blowdowns (trees which fall across the trail), TEHCC relies heavily on mechanized tools, especially chainsaws.  The chainsaw is the most efficient (and most dangerous) tool we have to remove blowdowns.  TEHCC has many miles of the A.T. to maintain, and a limited number of volunteers to get the job done.  Most blowdowns occur during the winter, and we try to have them all removed by April 1, before most thru-hikers pass through our section.  The use of chainsaws is essential to maintaining a clear and safe trail for hikers.

Before using a chainsaw on the A.T., a TEHCC member must take a mandatory chainsaw safety training class.  Classes are typically held every 2-3 years.

A controversial issue in TEHCC is the ban on power tools (including chainsaws) in Federally-designated Wilderness areas.  TEHCC's section of the A.T. passes through  two  Wilderness areas, Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain.  In these areas, TEHCC must use hand tools (such as crosscut saws) to clear blowdowns.  The use of hand tools is much slower than power tools in removing large blowdowns; very large blowdowns are extremely difficult to remove with hand tools.  Most TEHCC members would prefer to use chainsaws to clear blowdowns in Wilderness areas.  We have worked with the U.S. Forest Service on different proposals to use power tools in Wilderness areas, but no agreement has been reached.

 This controversy has some humor.  Our ATC representative once said while it is illegal to use power tools in Wilderness areas, it is not illegal to use DYNAMITE.  In fact, dynamite has been used in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to remove blowdowns from hiking trails.  In the case of Wilderness, a chainsaw is mechanized and dynamite is not, and mechanized tools are forbidden by the laws and regulations that govern the management of Wilderness areas.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE CHAINSAW RULES AND REGULATIONS
WHAT GOOD ARE THEY AND WHY DO WE HAVE THEM?
4/3/98

Volunteers and agency staff who perform trail maintenance using chain saws will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.  These laws, regulations, and policies are contained in a myriad of separate documents, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) labor safety regulations in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the Forest Service Manual and Manual Supplements, and the Forest Service Health and Safety Code Handbook.  There is no concise and complete compilation of these laws, regulations and agency policies pertaining to chain saw certification and use.

Below are some of the known requirements related to personal protective equipment (PPE), training, monitoring and other policies.   This list is not intended to be used as a primary reference for ascertaining the applicable laws and regulations, but as a starting point in the search for such information.  Instructors and trainees using this guide are strongly encouraged to research the source documents referenced below and other appropriate guiding publications for additional and more precise information.

Remember, the reason for these rules is to keep you safe!

All trail workers must wear hardhats, eye protection, and gloves regardless of duties.   The following are rules specific to operating a chainsaw:

All of the above information is provided to you to help you understand the rules and regulations the U.S. Forest Service must follow.  We do not mean to overburden you with meaningless regulations.  We want you to continue to help maintain trails and have a good time, but we also want you to be safe.

The U.S. Forest Service stands ready to assist volunteers with training, safety equipment, and tools if it is at all possible.  We rely heavily on volunteers to maintain our trails and want that partnership to continue and grow.

Thank you for all your past help and continued interest in the U.S. Forest Service!

(Handout from Chainsaw Recertification Class given by the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area on November 21, 1999)

FIVE STEP PLAN FOR TREE FELLING

(Handout from Chainsaw Recertification Class given by the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area on November 21, 1999)

FIVE STEP PLAN FOR BUCKING/LIMBING

1. IDENTIFY HAZARDS --- Either overhead or on the ground.

   1. Snags - Do not work under snags when bucking and limbing felled trees - this is particularly dangerous is the snag has been hit by a felled tree or piece of equipment.

   2. Observe any broken limbs and widow makers that may have been created by felled trees.

   3. Kick-back hazards such as hidden limbs or other logs that the tip of the bar may come in contact with.

   4. Rocks

   5. Springpoles

   6. Trees held off the ground by branches

2. TWIST --- Frequently associated with trees with heavy limbs or forks that roll or twist and cause binding when being bucked.  Look at the stump and bottom of down tree and see if they match.  If one is rotated from the other a twist is present.

3. END BIND OR FORWARD AND BACK BIND --- Usually associated with steep ground or trees with pressure exerted on one end or the other.  If the bottom part of the tree is far away from the stump this means that the tree jumped forward and may have back pressure on it.  If the tree is lodged in another it also may have end bind.

4. TOP AND BOTTOM BIND --- Point out compression and tension wood.   Top bind will be present if log is supported on both ends and needs cut in between.   Bottom bind is present if one end of the log is supported and the other is not and the log needs to be
   cut beyond the supported area.  Cut the compression side first.

5. CUTTING PLAN --- Identify whether the tree is going to be limbed or bucked first.  Will you start cutting at the top of the downed tree, the butt portion or in the middle.