0039-20 Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting Flashcards
Explain the risk assessment
process
The risk assessment process may contain the following five steps:
* identify the hazards
* decide who might be harmed and how
* evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
* record the findings and implement them
* review and update the assessment as
necessary
Identify the hazards, risks and controls associated with the site, task and machine
Outline emergency planning
relevant to the working area
Emergency planning relevant to a work site may
include:
* site location
* grid reference
* what three words
* designated meeting place
* nearest access point
* street name/district
* type of access (public road/light vehicles, fourwheel drive)
* suitable helicopter landing area
* phone number of nearest doctors
* location of nearest accident and emergency
hospital and phone number
* works manager contact details
* your own contact number/mobile number
* other
Outline responsibilities as
an operator under the:
Health and safety at work
act
Provision and use of work
equipment regulations
(PUWER)
Outline key points from the legislation and industry good practice listed below:
Health and Safety at Work Act (HASWA):
* follow training received
* take reasonable care of their own and other people’s safety
* other
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
(PUWER):
* equipment is maintained
* equipment is fit for purpose
* other
State providers of industry
good practice
Providers of industry good practice may be:
* Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA)
* Regional forestry bodies
* Arboricultural Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG)
* Arboricultural Association (AA)
* Other
Explain why it is important
to maintain chainsaws to
manufacturers
recommendations
The importance of maintaining chainsaws to
manufacturers recommendations may include:
* machine is safe to use
* reduces machinery repair downtime
* other
Identify and explain the
function of all the key safety
features
Explain the function of all chainsaw safety features:
Guide bar cover:
* protects and covers the bar and chain
Chain with low kick back characteristics:
* reduces kickback
Exhaust:
* noise reduction and reduces emissions
Combined chain brake and front hand guard:
* stops the chain rotating and protects the hand
Chain catcher:
* catches a derailed chain
Anti-vibration mounts:
* reduces vibration
On/off switch:
* stops engine
Safety decals-hand/eye/ear defender symbols:
* provides mandatory information
Throttle trigger lockout:
* stops accidental throttle operation
Rear chain breakage guard:
* protects the rear hand
Select appropriate
maintenance tools for the
power unit and cutting
systems in accordance with
operator’s handbook
Appropriate tools for the maintenance of both the
chainsaw power unit and guidebar/chain are selected
State hazards associated
with battery powered
equipment
Hazards associated with battery powered equipment
may be:
* incorrect compatibility of battery/machine
* machine being live when the battery is in place
* machine may not have an on/off switch
* battery misalignment
* battery storage
* battery disposal
* battery dislodging and falling from the machine
* electric shock
* short circuiting and combustion when charging
* malfunction due to water contamination
* lack of power
* charge time and charging requirements
* other
Explain battery power unit
maintenance and checks
Battery power unit maintenance and checks should
include:
* battery guide tracks are inspected and cleaned
* battery is not damaged, cracked or deformed
* battery has sufficient charge
* machine air intake and cooling system cleaned
and inspected for damage
* keypad is inspected for damage and cleaned
(if applicable)
* battery compartment is inspected for damage
* other
State the benefits
associated with the use of
battery powered machines
Benefits associated with the use of battery powered
machines may include:
* reduced weight
* reduced vibration
* reduced noise
* no emissions
* clearer communication with others on site
* less maintenance requirements
* more accurate operation due to no engine
torque
* no need for the transportation of fuel
* no risk of fuel spillages
* other
Explain the function and
maintenance requirements
of individual components
Maintain power unit in
accordance with operator’s
handbook using appropriate
tools
Spark plug:
* provides ignition, maintenance may include inspection, cleaning and checking of electrode gap
Maintenance:
* engine cover and spark plug removed
* plug cleaned or replaced as necessary
* wear/damage assessed
* gap size checked and set if necessary
Air filter:
* prevents debris entering the carburettor and
helps maintain the correct air/fuel ratio,
maintenance may include inspection and
thorough cleaning
Maintenance:
* excess debris removed from around filter prior to removal
* filter removed, protecting carburettor
* filter inspected maintained and cleaned appropriate to condition
* filter refitted correctly
Chain brake:
* stops the chain, maintenance may include inspection of the chain brake system, cleaning or replacement
Maintenance:
* clear debris from chain brake mechanism /clutch housing
* chain brake band checked for wear
Cooling system:
* Prevents the engine from overheating,
maintenance may include inspection and
cleaning
Maintenance:
* remove covers where appropriate and remove excess debris from fins and cylinder
Exhaust system:
* reduces noise and emissions, maintenance
may include inspection, security of nuts/bolts, spark arrestor and removal of residue
Maintenance:
* check all nuts and bolts for security
* remove excess residue from the silencer
* check condition and security of spark arrestor if applicable
Clutch/drive system:
* provides drive to the chain, maintenance may
include inspection, cleaning and removal of the clutch
Maintenance for inboard clutch:
* remove retaining clip
* dismantle sprocket assembly
* sprocket checked for wear and condition
* clean crankshaft stub and grease needle cage where appropriate
* re-assemble
Maintenance for outboard clutch:
* if appropriate piston locked as per
manufactures guidance
* unscrew clutch weights according to
manufacturer’s guidance
* clean crankshaft stub and grease needle cage where appropriate
* re-assemble
Sprocket:
* drives/pushes the chain along the guidebar, maintenance may include inspection and replacement due to wear exceeding manufacturers tolerances
Maintenance:
* sprocket checked for wear and condition
Starter mechanism:
* engages the flywheel, maintenance may include cleaning, inspection
Maintenance:
* starter cover removed and air ways cleared
* cord and coil spring tension released
* cord inspected for wear
* cord and coil spring re-tensioned
* re-coil checked to ensure spring tension is correctly applied
* pull toggle checked for security
Greasing/lubrication:
* may help prevent excessive wear of
components
Maintenance:
* greasing of component parts as appropriate
Fuel filter:
* prevent debris entering engine components, maintenance may include cleaning as appropriate or replacement
Maintenance:
* fuel cap removed
* filter located and removed where applicable from tank using appropriate tool
* replacement as appropriate
Oil filter:
* prevent debris entering guide bar,
maintenance may include cleaning as
appropriate or replacement
Maintenance:
* oil cap removed
* filter located and removed where applicable from tank using appropriate tool
* condition of filter determined
* cleaning procedures using non-flammable
detergents followed by rinsing and drying or replacement as appropriate
Explain the function and
maintenance requirements
of the guidebar
Maintain the guidebar in
accordance with operator’s
handbook using appropriate
tools
Guidebar:
* holds and carries the chain to enable the cutting of timber
Maintenance:
* identification of uneven and damaged rails and maintain as appropriate
* checking the straightness of bar
* checking the bar groove depth
* identification of any overheating, cracking and burring
* removal of burrs
* clearing the bar groove and oil holes
* inspecting the sprocket nose for security and condition
* greasing the bar nose sprocket if applicable
* turning the bar following maintenance to reduce wear
Describe the problems
encountered when chain
and guidebar are worn,
damaged or poorly
maintained
Problems that may be encountered when a chain and
guidebar are worn, damaged or poorly maintained
may include:
* chainsaw does not cut in a straight line
* over-heating of the guidebar
* poor lubrication of the chain
* increased chain, bar and sprocket wear
* other
State the information
required to replace the
chainsaw chain
The information required to replace the chainsaw chain may include:
* pitch
* gauge
* length of guidebar
* number of drive links
* cutter type
Identify different cutter
types and their application
Cutter types may include:
* chisel chain
* semi-chisel chain
* other
* application may depend on experience of the operator, timber type and personal preference
Explain how to select the
correct filing information for
the chain and why this is
necessary
Select the correct file size and identify the required sharpening angles through use of chain charts, manufactures information, chain box etc
Reasons for maintaining correct filing angles and cutter lengths may include:
* ensures chain is sharpened as per
manufacturers recommendations
* enhances cutting performance
* decreased vibration
* accurate cutting
* decreased risk of kick back
* other
The correct depth gauge setting:
* achieves optimum cutting speed as per
manufacturers recommendations
* reduces the risk of kick back
* reduces chain vibration
* other
Explain the function and
maintenance requirements
of the chain
Maintain the chain in
accordance with operator’s
handbook using appropriate
tools
Function of the chain:
* carries the cutting components to enable the
cutting of timber
Maintenance of the chain:
* checking cutters for damage and selecting the first cutter to sharpen
* having the chain secured in a chain vice or on bar in a bench vice or timber vice
* selecting and using a file of the correct size with a handle fitted to sharpen all of the cutters
* maintenance of top and side plate angles throughout sharpening of the whole chain
* ensuring a consistent cutter length is
maintained
* removing burrs when applicable
* maintaining the height and profile of depth
gauges
Reassemble chainsaw and
cutting system to functional
and operational standard
Upon completion of maintenance activities, the chainsaw including the bar and chain is reassembled in line with the operator’s handbook
State steps to be taken
when a chainsaw is not
repairable, faulty or non-operational
Steps to take when a chainsaw is not repairable, faulty or non-operational may include:
* labelling of the chainsaw and removing from service
* operator maintenance
* arranging for repair of the chainsaw
* other
Clean and tidy working area
Maintenance area is left in a clean and tidy state with tools and equipment appropriately cleared away
Describe the correct
methods for disposing of
waste
Disposal of waste from maintenance activities may include:
* use of designated waste/recycle bins
* waste oils placed in approved containers for
disposal
* other
Dispose of waste safely in
line with legislation
All waste produced from maintenance activities is disposed of in line with legislation, good practice and/or site requirements
Select and wear appropriate
compliant personal protective equipment (PPE)
Appropriate and compliant PPE for chainsaw operations will include:
* chainsaw safety leg protection
* chainsaw safety footwear
* safety helmet
* eye and ear protection
* gloves appropriate for the task
* non-snag outer clothing
* each person must carry a personal first aid kit
* all PPE should conform to CE/EN standards
Identify the hazards, risks
and controls associated
with the site, task and
machine
Identify hazards, risks and controls relevant to the site
task and machine
State the emergency
procedures relevant to the
site
Emergency procedures relevant to the work site
State the appropriate safe
working distances from
other operators during
cross-cutting
Safe working distance:
* five metres or twice the length of the longest product
State routine bio-security
controls
Bio-security controls may include:
* cross contamination
* disinfection/cleaning of equipment
* cleaning/disposal of PPE
* other
State environmental
considerations specific to
cross-cutting
Environmental considerations me include:
* fuelling site
* type of fuel/oil
* use of battery powered saws
* other
Carry out pre-start checks
and setting of the machine
for use
Pre-start checks and setting of the machine to include:
* chain tension and condition checked for safe and effective use
* safety features checked for condition and function
* external nuts and bolts checked for security
* chainsaw contains sufficient fuel and chain oil for operations
* battery saw contains sufficient oil and charge
Demonstrate safe starting
of the chainsaw
Chainsaw is checked started and function tested ready for use in accordance with manufactures
information
Describe tension and
compression in timber
Tension is found:
* on the outside edge of strained timber and when cut, the kerf opens
Compression is found:
* on the inside edge of strained timber and when
cut, the kerf closes
Describe the procedure for
removing trapped saw
Procedure for removing a trapped saw may include:
* first switch off engine and/or apply chain brake
* lever the timber to open the cut
* drive a wedge into the closed kerf
* withdraw the saw
* use another saw to free the trapped saw cutting the timber at least 300mm (12”) from the trapped saw
State recognised methods
required to cross-cut timber
Methods of cross-cutting timber:
Timber under no tension or compression:
* Single cut through to sever timber
* Partially cut through timber turn timber and sever
Timber under tension and compression:
* release compression in timber then cut through
tension
* bore cuts to initiate either tension or
compression cuts
Timber under extreme tension/compression:
* multiple tension cuts
* multiple compression cuts
Timber above guidebar length:
* use a larger saw/guide bar
* use of reduction cut
* cut from both sides
Cross-cut timber to length
using a chainsaw in
accordance with the job
specification
Crosscutting of timber to length should include:
* ensuring appropriate safe working distances from both fuel and other operators is maintained
* correct use of PPE
* timber is in a safe and appropriate position
* safe starting procedure adopted
Safe stance adopted including:
* legs and feet are clear of the chain
* left thumb around the front handle
* chainsaw is stable/secure/supported during crosscutting
* minimal risk of muscular/skeletal injury
* bar aligned to maintain accuracy
* head out of alignment with the bar and chain
* use of throttle to cut safely and efficiently
* cutting techniques employed to complete severance of timber
* appropriate boring technique used if applicable
* sequence of cuts undertaken to prevent saw
becoming trapped
* appropriate aids used for lifting, rolling or levering if applicable
* accuracy of measurement within site
specification and reasonable tolerances
* tension and compression cuts should meet
* chain brake used appropriately
* saw switched off and left in safe position, bar cover replaced if appropriate
Use appropriate boring cuts
to initiate either tension or
compression cuts
Candidate to use appropriate boring cuts to sever
timber
Describe how to apply
ergonomic working methods
Ergonomic working methods may be applied by:
* providing work areas at a comfortable height to avoid stooping
* operators working in a pattern to prevent unnecessary repetitive movements
* attempting to replace manual labour with machinery use where possible
* other
Describe how to safely
move timber
Moving timber safely may include the following techniques:
* use of safe lifting techniques
* moving timber within the operators personal lifting capacity
* moving lightest to the heaviest
* dragging
* rolling
* aid tools
* machine
* other
State considerations for
stacking of timber
Considerations for stacking timber may include:
* extraction method
* species
* length/diameter
* product specific
State precautions to take to
avoid uncontrolled timber
movement
Uncontrolled timber movement may be avoided by:
* ensuring manual stacking does not exceed one metre in height
* using site features such as tree stumps to brace timber behind
* avoiding stacking of timber on steep slopes or unsecured ground
* appropriate signage
* other
Stack produce for subsequent operations using appropriate aids and tools
Stacking of timber should take into account:
* use of appropriate aids to handle / move products
* correct stance during lifting
* avoiding excessive lifting by levering, sliding, rolling
* quality of stacking must be to an agreed job specification
* tidy stacking of timber
* position of stack appropriate to method of extraction
* manually constructed stacks are limited to one metre high
* other
Check timber is in an appropriate and safe position
Timber should be left in a safe, stable condition and appropriate position
Dispose of waste safely in line with legislation
All waste produced is disposed of in line with legislation, good practice and site requirements
Used appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
All tools, equipment and personal protective equipment is used in line with industry good practice
Carried out work to minimise environmental damage
It is ensured that any possible environmental damage is minimised at all times
Worked in a way which maintains health and safety and is consistent with relevant legislation and industry good practice
All activities must be completed in a way which protects the operator and those around them
