Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Chainsaw Safety Standards: Understanding Worker Rights and Job Site Responsibilities

28 Jan 2026 · 2 min

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2:23

The video provides an instructional overview of chainsaw safety, focusing on the personal protective equipment (PPE) workers must wear and what they must avoid, such as loose clothing, dangling jewelry, and unsecured hair. It outlines employer responsibilities to supply PPE that meets standards (hard hats, hearing protection ≤90 dB, safety glasses/goggles/face shields, ASTM‑F2413 footwear, leg protection, gloves, and fall protection when needed) and to deliver comprehensive training covering work procedures, hazard recognition, tool use, and maintenance. The training must address specific chainsaw tasks and associated hazards. The speaker also details workers’ OSHA‑guaranteed rights, including safe working conditions, understandable hazard communication, access to injury/illness records, and the ability to file anonymous complaints for inspections. Relevant regulations are cited: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266 and ANSI standards Z133 and B175.1. Following these guidelines promotes safety for both workers and employers on chainsaw job sites.

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One of the best ways to stay safe when using a chainsaw is by wearing the right personal protective equipment, or PPE. This actually begins by first knowing what not to wear. Never wear loose-fitting clothing dangling jewelry such as necklaces or bracelets, or leave long hair unsecured when using a chainsaw. In addition, employers are required to provide PPE that is in good working condition. This includes head protection like a hard hat, hearing protection that reduces noise exposure to 90 decibels or less, eye and face protection like safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield, approved footwear meeting ASTM F2413 standards, leg protection such as work pants or chaps, work gloves, and any fall protection as necessary depending on the worksite. Employers are also required to provide training to any employee using a chainsaw to ensure they can perform the job safely. This training should include information on specific work procedures and requirements, including safety and health hazard recognition. Workers also need to be trained on how to safely perform chainsaw-related tasks, and the specific hazards and safety measures associated with each task, and how to safely use and maintain any tools they might need to use on the job site, including chainsaws. Workers should also be aware of all applicable OSHA standards like those for logging, PPE, bloodborne pathogens, and medical first aid. Workers also have certain rights under OSHA guidelines. Some of these rights include working conditions that don't pose the risk of serious harm, Receiving information and training in a language they understand about workplace hazards and how to prevent them. Reviewing job site records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Workers have the right to file an anonymous complaint with OSHA requesting an inspection of the work site if they believe a serious hazard exists. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration refers to chainsaw safety in Regulation 29 CFR 1910.266. And the American National Standards Institute references it in their standards Z133 and B175.1. Following these guidelines in chainsaw use will help keep everyone safe.