Welcome to Bobs Lawnmower Engine Service
Bob's Lawnmower Engine Service
RD 1, Box 1017
Maryland, NY 12116
607-638-9297
Parts for McCulloch chainsaws McCulloch trimmers McCulloch blowers, and most other products they have manufacturered over the years.
Now that McCulloch has gone bankrupt, we have purchased quite a few former McCulloch dealers' inventories.
So, we have an extremely large inventory of Obsolete McCulloch parts for both newer McCulloch equipment and Antique McCulloch equipment.
Please call us with the Model number, Serial number type of equipment and a detailed list of parts that are needed.
We probably have what you need.
CHAINSAWS AND CHAINSAW SAFETY
Did You Know?
- A chainsaw in untrained hands is a lethal weapon. Most injuries
are deep gashes to the hands, knees, feet and head.
- The first line of defence against injury is instruction and
training, under the supervision of a trained and experienced person.
- The sharper the chain, the safer the job. A blunt chain requires
more effort and increases fatigue, both of which can lead to kickback
accidents.
- The major injury risk is from kick-back, the violent reaction
triggered when the upper quadrant of the chain bar tip meets resistance.
- Even modern safety features, such as the chain brake and inertia
brake, cannot be guaranteed to prevent kickback injury, which
can happen faster than human reflexes. The safest way is to avoid
kickback situations.
- More than 50 people are injured by chainsaws at work in WA
each year.
For Beginners
If you're buying or intending to operate a chainsaw for the first
time, start on one with a short chain bar, 30 to 40cm long.
However even a person starting with a small bar chainsaw requires
initial instruction, training and supervision, and a sound knowledge
of basic maintenance and safe work procedures.
A formal chainsaw course is best, but minimum training can be
provided by an experienced person, preferably one who has received
formal training.
Together you should go through the manufacturer's manual following
the steps of starting and stopping, using the chain brake when
not cutting, correct safe grips and stances, correct sharpening,
and simple cutting exercises on pieces of felled timber.
The period of instruction should be long enough to ensure the
trainee has a good understanding of all aspects of safe chainsaw
operation - and should possibly include an hour's exposure to
normal operating conditions and methods.
Certificated chainsaw courses are compulsory for all forest industry
workers who use chainsaws in their work. Courses are also available
for non-forestry workers, such as farmers and council workers.
General Safety Precautions
Read the manufacturer's chainsaw manual from cover
to cover.
Ensure you understand the manual
- Check your chainsaw thoroughly before every use.
- Make sure the bar, chain and sprocket are in top condition.
- Check that bar oil is flowing and the chain brake is working.
- Sharpen your chainsaw and top up with bar oil each time you stop
to re-fill with fuel.
- Always wear suitable protective clothing.
- Never use the saw to cut anything above shoulder height (Between
knee and waist-high is safest.)
- Never operate the saw beyond your ability.
- Carry a chainsaw with the motor off and the saw blade pointing
to the rear.
- Always have a properly equipped first aid box with you.
A Safe Environment
- Keep other people and animals away from the working area.
- Make sure there is a second person within calling distance.
- Use the saw to cut only wood.
- If tired, stop the saw and rest a little.
- Avoid using a chainsaw in wet or windy conditions or in poor light.
- Wait a few minutes for the motor to cool before refuelling.
Safe Starting
You should always cold-start a chainsaw
on the ground. Get down on your left knee, with the toe of your
right boot firmly on the base plate of the trigger guard. Have
the chain brake off, as you will be using the choke in cold starting.
You should NEVER "drop-start" a chainsaw by thrusting
the saw down with your left hand and pulling the starter cord
up with your right. (This is an extremely hazardous practice.)
The approved safe way to warm-start a chainsaw while standing
is by bracing the trigger guard between your knees, ensuring the
chain brake is engaged, and keeping your left forearm rigid while
pulling the starter cord with your right hand.
You should always choose a flat piece of
ground, clear of debris, before cold-starting a chainsaw on the
ground.
Safe Chainsawing
While cutting, always:
- run the chainsaw motor at full revs. (This makes the job safer,
as there is less chance of pull-in or kick-back.);
- position your body to the left of the chainsaw so if it kicks
back uncontrollably, it goes over your right shoulder;
- keep a firm grip with your left hand on the front handle, with
your thumb securely below the handle. The swivel of your wrist
in a kick-back situation will activate the chain brake;
- make sure the chain is tensioned correctly; and
- observe the size of wood shavings. (If they become dusty your
chain could need sharpening.)
Avoiding Kickback
To avoid kickback:
- Be constantly aware of the position of the upper
quadrant of the blade tip. (This is the part that triggers a kickback
when it hits resistance.)
- Avoid engaging the upper quadrant of the guide
bar with the log or branch you are cutting, twigs, hidden branches
and other obstructions.
- Always clear away brush, vegetation and any obstructing
debris before attempting a cut that might trigger a kickback.
- Avoid cuts that will cause the chainsaw to jam in a tree
trunk or limb.
Avoid Jamming
To avoid jamming the saw:
- Always cut into the compression wood first until the cut starts
to close;
- Always make the compression cut beneath if the log or limb
is suspended from one end, (and on top if it is supported at both
ends);
- Cut from the other side towards the compression cut.
- Make a habit of using a wedge to prevent the compression cut
jamming tight on the chainsaw blade.
Safety Controls
To maintain safety control:
- Hold the chainsaw firmly, making sure the left hand encircles
the top handle squarely, with the thumb underneath.
- Ensure the chainsaw is fitted with a chain brake - preferably
inertia activated.
- Avoid lowering the depth gauges too much when sharpening the
chain.
Preventing Fire
To avoid starting a fire:
- Avoid smoking while filling or operating the saw.
- Refuel in a clean area.
- Refuel the saw only after the motor has cooled down (e.g.,
after re-sharpening.)
- Make sure fuel caps are screwed on tight and any fuel spillage
is wiped off.
- Move at least three metres away from the fuelling area before
starting.
- Use only safety-approved fuel containers.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, knapsack spray or water pump and
shovel nearby.
Personal Protective Equipment
When using a chainsaw, always wear:
- a face shield;
- safety glasses;
- a safety helmet;
- Australian Standard approved ear plugs or muffs;
- gloves;
- safety boots with non-slip soles; and
- safety trousers or half-trouser "chaps".
Remember: A wire mesh face shield is excellent protection against
small fragments, but you should wear safety glasses as well.
Field Maintenance
When using a chainsaw for extensive cutting, always
have nearby:
- a supply of ready-mixed two-stroke fuel;
- bar oil;
- tools for tightening the chain - or removing the chain guard
to clean out debris - or re-seat the chain should it dislodge;
- cloth or absorbent material to wipe any spilt fuel or oil
from the chainsaw after refuelling;
- a file and file guide for sharpening the chain after every
refuel;
- some sort of portable vice to grip the chain bar during sharpening; and
- a small brush to regularly clean the air filter and around
the chain sprocket.
Always:
- store fuel and tools at least 10 metres from where you are cutting; and
- choose a flat place for tools and fuel, where the ground is free
from flammable vegetation.
Maintenance After Use
After completing chainsaw work, always:
- reverse the chain bar, top to bottom, to avoid wear on one
side;
- clean out the groove on the chain bar;
- clean the chainsaw, particularly the air filter, cooling inlets
and inside the sprocket cover; and
- clean the chain brake mechanism.
Have your chainsaw serviced regularly- say once
every six months.
For Specialists Only - Tree Felling
In this SafetyLine information bulletin, tree felling is covered
only briefly, because from an occupational safety perspective
it should not be attempted without special chainsaw training.
The felling of trees presents different hazards, related more
to the risk of falling trees and limbs than to chainsaw operation.
Even trained, experienced forestry workers who fell trees for
a living are required to undergo retraining if supervision shows
they are overlooking any fine points of safety.
This SafetyLine item is mainly about cutting logs, trees and timber
that are already felled. The following section is about tree felling, which should not
be attempted without special training.
The Main Risks
- The main risks in tree felling are from falling trees and
limbs, rather than chainsaw injury.
- It is important to check the work area for hazards before
you start felling or cutting.
- Check no other person is likely to be affected or put at risk
by work you are about to do.
- Check no children are in the work area.
- Do not work in adverse weather conditions such as heavy winds,
rain or poor light.
- Ensure your work area is clear of debris or obstructions,
and you have a stable footing while cutting.
- Do not over-reach or work off balance. Stand comfortably close
to the job.
- Shut off the saw before carrying it. Carry it by the front
handle, with the chain bar pointing to the rear. Don't carry a
chainsaw on your shoulder.
Safe Felling Advice
If you are felling trees,
- Place warning signs prior to commencing work;
- Keep other people at least three tree lengths away;
- Always clear at least two escape routes leading away from the
feller's position;
- Always check tree tops for branches (widow makers) that may
dislodge and fall into the work area or escape paths as the tree
falls; and
- Wedges are indispensable in directional felling, or to hold
open cuts that may bind or pinch the chain blade.
Trees to Avoid
Felling of the following trees is particularly hazardous
- Trees with a heavy lean;
- A tree propped or leaning against another tree, or under tension;
- Abnormally large trees;
- Trees on steep terrain or unstable ground; and
- Trees with hollow, split or otherwise defective trunks;
And remember: Small trees can be just as dangerous to fell as
big trees.
Safety and Health Responsibility
The safety and health of all employers, employees, self employed
people and other people at a workplace (it can be a bush site or a farm fence) is covered by occupational safety and health
legislation.
If the chainsaw owner is an employer, and the chainsaw is used
by an employee, it is the employer's responsibility under the
Occupational Safety and Health Act to provide a safe working environment
and to introduce safe work procedures to prevent employees being
exposed to hazards.
The employer must also provide adequate information, instruction,
training and supervision to enable employees to work safely.
Employees must follow instruction and training provided, must
use the personal protective equipment provided, and must point out
hazards to their supervisor.
Self employed people must take reasonable care for their own safety and health and of others in or near the workplace. This includes
people like farmers, who are major users of chainsaws.
Hire service managers should, as far as practicable, provide safety
information, preferably with a safety demonstration, to customers
hiring chainsaws.
A first aid box should be kept close by when a chainsaw is being
used. The box should contain the sort of bandages, tourniquets
and absorbent padding needed to deal with a major chainsaw injury.
Consultation
Under occupational safety and health law, an employer must consult
and co-operate with employees and safety and health representatives,
if any are elected, on occupational safety and health matters
at the workplace. Employees must report to the employer any situations
believed to be a hazard or likely to cause injury or harm, that
they are unable to correct.
Further Information
For further information, please contact;
WorkSafe Western Australia
1260 Hay Street
West Perth WA 6005
Phone (09)327 8777 or
Bunbury office, Phone (091) 91 0857.
Copies of this publication may be freely printed and distributed provided that WorkSafe Western Australia
receives appropriate acknowledgement, and that no substantial changes are made to the text.
[Last Updated: 28 February 1996 - Worksafe Western Australia] |
Cha-(96) |
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