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, including:

• Special shirts and pants have padding that provides some protection from flying debris and from the chain saw itself.
  
• Gloves with rubber padding are essential for protecting your hands.
  
• Earplugs should be worn to protect your ears from the loud noise a chain saw generates.
  
• Safety glasses are perhaps the most important safety accessory because debris often flies toward the user's face.
  
• Helmets with built-in earmuffs and a built-in face guard combine three safety features in one.
  
• Boots with steel toes should be worn to protect your feet.

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.