New Zealand Approved Code of Practice relating to chainsaw use/Activities/Develop knowledge for safe chainsaw use

Objective
The following activities will enable the learner to understand the rules for safe chainsaw use as recommended by the approved code of practise for safety and health in tree work which was printed in 1994.The following activities may change if the code of practise is updated or ammended.

Safety features
Identify safety features on the chainsaw and briefly describe how they work – try at least one of the following activities:
 * 1) The following photos show the different parts of a chainsaw and include safety features. Can you locate the following safety features and briefly describe how these safety features will protect the chainsaw operator? You will need to find a safety mitt, chain brake, off/on switch, chain catcher peg, rear hand guard, anti vibration mounts, throttle lock out, exhaust muffler, exhaust spark arrestor.
 * 2) Draw or trace your own chainsaw and point out the safety features and briefly describe how they work; you will need to draw a safety mitt, chain brake, off/on switch, chain catcher peg, rear hand guard, anti vibration mounts, throttle lock out, exhaust muffler, exhaust spark arrestor.
 * 3) Take your own photos using your camera or cellphone and identify the safety features and briefly describe how they work. You will need to photograph a safety mitt, chain brake, off/on switch, chain catcher peg, rear hand guard, anti vibration mounts, throttle lock out, exhaust muffler, exhaust spark arrestor.
 * 4) View these photos. You will need to label the photos showing: a safety mitt, chain brake, off/on switch, chain catcher peg, rear hand guard, anti vibration mounts, throttle lock out, exhaust muffler, exhaust spark arrestor.
 * 5) In your own words, explain how all these features protect the chainsaw operator. Send a copy of your drawings and an explanation to your learning facilitator

Sharpening and setting depth gauges
According to the requirements of the Approved Code of Practice and the manufacturer's recommendations that came with your saw; use the following activities to demonstrate your knowledge of tensioning, sharpening and setting of depth gauges


 * 1) Describe in your own words or show via multimedia (multimedia may include video,photos or audio recording) the importance of having the correct depth gauge.
 * 2) Describe in your own words or show via multimedia (multimedia may include video,photos or audio recording) the steps for sharpening a chainsaw chain.
 * 3) Describe in your own words or show via multimedia (multimedia may include video,photos or audio recording) the steps for tensioning a chainsaw chain.
 * 4) Watch or read the transcription for the Videos that demonstrate the sharpening of a chainsaw. Help transcribe the audio into text according to the time code if it appears unfinished or incorrect.

Starting a chainsaw
There are two approved starting methods for chainsaws, according to the requirements of the Approved Code of Practice (page 51). Demonstrate your knowledge of the two different methods for starting a chainsaw using the following activities:
 * 1) Label the photos showing two different approved methods of starting a chainsaw.
 * 2) What steps are involved when you are starting a chainsaw on clear ground? Briefly explain the four steps for starting a chainsaw on clear ground.
 * 3) What steps are involved when you are using the stepover method? Briefly explain the five steps for the stepover method for starting a chainsaw.

When not to use a chainsaw
According to the Approved Code of Practice, there are a number of circumstances when the condition of a chainsaw would preclude (make impossible) its use.
 * 1) List as many of these as you can.

The chainsaw brake
The chainsaw brake is a very important safety feature and the requirements from the Approved Code of Practice recommends a good understanding of how it works.
 * 1) Describe in your own words how the chain brake works;
 * 2) Using multimedia demonstrate how the chain brake works.
 * 3) How often should the chain brake be activated or tested during a work period?

When using a chainsaw above shoulder height
According to the Approved Code of Practice, what are the rules relating to the use of a chainsaw above shoulder height?
 * 1) Describe in your own words the rules relating to the use of a chainsaw above shoulder height;
 * 2) Using multimedia demonstrate the rules relating to the use of a chainsaw above shoulder height.
 * 3) There is one exception to the rule that a chainsaw will not be used above shoulder height, what is this exception?

Maintenance while motor is running
According to the Approved Code of Practice relating to the maintenance of a chainsaw with the motor running there is one instance where you can perform a maintenance task with the motor running.When can you do this?

Operating a chainsaw on stacked logs
What requirements are there for operating a chainsaw on stacked, stockpiled,or logs in a heap?

First Aid
Prepare a personal first aid kit as per the minimum standards for a person working alone (see First aid for arboriculture. Add to it any items that you think are practical and useful. Photograph and/list the items and make the photographs available to your facilitator and colleagues for assessment.

Support materials

 * http://www.slideshare.net/hortykim/introduction-to-chainsaw-parts/ - photos that show the different parts of a chainsaw and include safety features
 * http://www.flickr.com/photos/hortykim/sets/72157601429454361/show/ - more photos that show the different parts of a chainsaw and include safety features
 * http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/arborcode.pdf Approved Code of Practice
 * http://blip.tv/file/301407 - tensioning
 * http://blip.tv/file/301402 - sharpening
 * http://blip.tv/file/301417 - setting of depth gauges
 * Videos that demonstrate the sharpening of a chainsaw
 * http://www.slideshare.net/hortykim/chainsaw-starting-methods - two different approved methods