The chain saw is the most popular power tool in the United States--and the most dangerous. Emergency rooms report more injuries from chain saws than from any other power tool. When using a chain saw, make sure always to take proper safety precautions. Several accessories can help protect you when you're using a chain saw. Special shirts and pants have padding that provides some protection from flying debris and from the chain saw itself (figure A). Gloves with rubber padding are essential for protecting your hands (figure B). Earplugs should be worn to protect your ears from the loud noise a chain saw generates (figure C). Safety glasses are perhaps the most important safety accessory because debris often flies toward the user's face (figure D). Helmets with built-in earmuffs and a built-in face guard combine three safety features in one (figure E). Boots with steel toes should be worn to protect your feet (figure F). The following safety rules must be followed when you use a chain saw: - Always work uphill from the log you're cutting so that if the log rolls, you'll be out of its way.
- Never cut objects above your head.
- Most chain-saw injuries are caused by kickback of the blade. To avoid kickback, never cut with the upper quadrant of the blade--the area most likely to cause kickback.
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