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When using a chainsaw , practice talking to yourself to maintain your concentration on the task at hand
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off , a lethal whirling dervish which will scythe its way through anything it hits . Thick long trousers and closed shoes or , better still , boots are necessary to protect the lower limbs from flying stuff , and to protect toes from the effects of the blades . Simple safety precautions , for example making sure the engine is switched off before going anywhere near the blades or cutting mechanism ( even if they are stationary when the machine is idling ) are necessary . ❑ Chainsaws ~ themost dangerous of all light machinery , chainsaws in untrained hands are as dangerous as a loaded gun . Even in skilled hands they can kill , and their wickedly sharp cutting chains spinning at high speed are absolutely disrespectful of exposed fingers , limbs , jugular veins and the like . Apart from the fact that nobody should be expected to use a chainsaw without proper training , proper safety wear is essential . This comprises safety trousers , boots , safety gloves , a full face visor , ear-muffs and safety goggles . Safety trousers are made of special fabric that rips apart and entangles itself with the cutting chain the moment the chain comes into contact with it , bringing the chain to an abrupt stop . In this way it helps prevent one performing an impromptu amputation of one ' s leg . A visor prevents one ' s face being hit by flying wood chips , ( although it will not prevent one ' s eyes from catching small particles and sawdust , which is why , underneath the visor one should wear safety goggles as well . Thick safety gloves protect the fingers and forearms . One of the keys to working in safety with a chainsaw is to practice “ commentary concentration ”. This technique sees the operator “ talking ” to himself as he works . Thus , when performing a monotonous task such as cutting up a log into grate sized bits of firewood the operator would talk his way through the tasks saying , for example , “ I am now firing up the chainsaw . I am now cutting a piece of wood . I am now releasing the chainsaw throttle . The saw chain is now stationary . I am now reaching for the cut wood . I am now moving the cut wood to the wood pile . I am now firing up the chainsaw throttle . I am now cutting … “ etc . ❑ Workshop ~ In one ' s workshop or shed there lurk many hazards . Tools , such as drills and benchsaws , emit noise and should be used with the same attention to noise and eye protection as described above . Foot protection is also vital . One of the most common injuries incurred in a workshop is caused by heavy or sharp objects falling onto inadequately protected feet and toes , such as a hammer which slips off a work bench , or a saw which crashes down on to one ' s foot , teeth-side down . Closed shoes , or preferably safety boots , are thus a necessity in a workshop . Given the fact that many workshops double as store roomsitisinfactremark-
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