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When using a chainsaw, practice talking to yourself to maintain your concentration on the task at hand
From page 39
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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