Chainsaws – Know The Laws of Your Province

Chainsaw regulations are essential for ensuring the safe use of these powerful tools in workplaces across Canada. These regulations require employers to ensure chainsaws are properly maintained, regularly inspected, and operated by trained and competent workers. Safety measures include providing personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing safe operating procedures, and addressing hazards such as kickbacks, flying debris, and ergonomic risks. While general safety principles are consistent nationwide, specific regulations vary by province and territory to address unique operational and environmental conditions. Compliance with these regulations reduces risks, prevents accidents, and fosters a culture of safety in workplaces involving chainsaw operations.

Under 29 Code of Federal Regulations – Section 570.65 (Order 14), the Federal government prohibits minors aged 16 to 18 from operating or assisting with chainsaws and other hazardous machinery. Regulations classify these occupations as particularly dangerous, barring tasks such as operation, maintenance, or cleaning, unless exemptions for apprentices or student-learners apply.

Occupations involving the operation of circular saws, band saws, guillotine shears, chainsaws, reciprocating saws, woodchippers, and abrasive cutting discs (Order 14).

(a) Findings And Declaration of Fact. The following occupations are particularly hazardous for the employment of minors between 16 and 18 years of age:

(1) The occupations of operator of or helper on the following power-driven fixed or portable machines except machines equipped with full automatic feed and ejection:

(i) Circular saws.

(ii) Band saws.

(iii) Guillotine shears.

(2) The occupations of operator of or helper on the following power-driven fixed or portable machines:

(i) Chainsaws.

(ii) Reciprocating saws.

(iii) Woodchippers.

(iv) Abrasive cutting discs.

(3) The occupations of setting-up, adjusting, repairing, oiling, or cleaning circular saws, band saws, guillotine shears, chainsaws, reciprocating saws, woodchippers, and abrasive cutting discs.

(b) Definitions.

Abrasive cutting disc shall mean a machine equipped with a disc embedded with abrasive materials used for cutting materials.

Band saw shall mean a machine equipped with an endless steel band having a continuous series of notches or teeth, running over wheels or pulleys, and used for sawing materials.

Chainsaw shall mean a machine that has teeth linked together to form an endless chain used for cutting materials.

Circular saw shall mean a machine equipped with a thin steel disc having a continuous series of notches or teeth on the periphery, mounted on shafting, and used for sawing materials.

Guillotine shear shall mean a machine equipped with a moveable blade operated vertically and used to shear materials. The term shall not include other types of shearing machines, using a different form of shearing action, such as alligator shears or circular shears.

Helper shall mean a person who assists in the operation of a machine covered by this section by helping place materials into or remove them from the machine.

Operator shall mean a person who operates a machine covered by this section by performing such functions as starting or stopping the machine, placing materials into or removing them from the machine, or any other functions directly involved in operation of the machine.

Reciprocating saw shall mean a machine equipped with a moving blade that alternately changes direction on a linear cutting axis used for sawing materials.

Wood chipper shall mean a machine equipped with a feed mechanism, knives mounted on a rotating chipper disc or drum, and a power plant used to reduce to chips or shred such materials as tree branches, trunk segments, landscape waste, and other materials.

(c) Exemptions. This section shall not apply to the employment of apprentices or student-learners under the conditions prescribed in § 570.50 (b) and (c). Section 570.65.

Further details on the Code of Federal Regulations can be found at ecfr.gov.

Under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 25: (Sections 374 to 383), specific regulations ensure the safe operation of tools like chainsaws, grinders, and sawmill machinery. Employers must guarantee that chainsaws are used, adjusted, and maintained according to manufacturer specifications and equipped with mechanisms to minimize kickback. Other rules mandate proper guarding, regular inspections, and adherence to operational safety measures for tools like grinders and saw blades.

Part 25 Tools, Equipment, and Machinery

Actuated fastening tools

A worker must not permit the trigger of an actuated fastening tool to be mechanically held in the “ON” position unless the manufacturer’s specifications permit the tool to be used that way. Section 374.

Grinders

(1) An employer must ensure that

(a) a grinder is operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and, subject to subsection (2), equipped with a grinder guard,

(b) the maximum safe operating speed of the grinder accessory in revolutions per minute is equal to or greater than the maximum speed of the grinder shaft in revolutions per minute, and

(c) if a handheld grinder is used, the object being ground cannot move. Section 374(1).

(2) An employer must ensure that the guard of a handheld grinder covers the area of the grinder accessory contained within an arc of at least 120 degrees of the accessory’s circumference. Section 374(2).

(3) An employer must ensure that if a tool rest is installed on a fixed grinder, the manufacturer’s specifications are followed if they exist, or the tool rest is

(a) installed in a manner compatible with the work process,

(b) securely attached to the grinder,

(c) set at or within 3 millimetres of the face of the wheel, and

(d) set at or above the centre line of the wheel. Section 375(3)(a)(b)(c)(d).

(4) A worker must not

(a) grind material using the side of an abrasive wheel unless the wheel has been designated for that purpose, or

(b) adjust a tool rest while a grinder accessory is in motion. Section 375(4)(a)(b).

Chainsaws

(1) An employer must ensure that a chainsaw

(a) is operated, adjusted, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and

(b) is designed or equipped with a mechanism that minimizes the risk of injury from kickback when the saw is in use. Section 376(1).

(2) A worker must not adjust the chain of a chainsaw while the saw’s motor is idling. Section 376(2).

Circular saw blades

(1) An employer must ensure that a circular saw blade with a crack of any size adjacent to the collar line, or with a crack elsewhere that exceeds the limits specified in Schedule 8, Table 1, is

(a) removed from service, and

(b) replaced or repaired.

(2) If a circular saw blade has a crack near the periphery that does not exceed the limits specified in Schedule 8, Table 1, an employer must ensure that

(a) the blade is removed from service and replaced,

(b) the crack in the blade is repaired, or

(c) the crack is prevented from getting longer by slotting, centre punching, drilling, or another effective means. Sections 377(1)(2).

(3) An employer must ensure that a circular saw that is repaired under subsection (1) or (2) is retensioned as necessary by a competent worker. Section 377(3).

Band saw blades

(1) An employer must ensure that a band saw blade, other than a shake band saw blade, with a crack that exceeds the limits specified in Schedule 8, Table 2, is

(a) removed from service and replaced, or

(b) the crack in the blade is repaired. Section 378(1).

(2) An employer must ensure that a band saw blade, other than a shake band saw blade, with a crack that does not exceed the limits specified in Schedule 8, Table 2, is

(a) removed from service until the crack is repaired, or

(b) the crack is prevented from getting longer by centre punching or another means. Section 378(2).

(3) An employer must ensure that a band saw that is repaired under subsection (1) or (2) is retensioned as necessary by a competent worker. Section 378(3).

(4) A worker must not use a shake band saw blade that is cracked. Section 378(4).

For more information:

  • Band saw wheels. Sections 379(1) to 379(3).
  • Power‒fed circular saws. Sections 380(1) to 380(2).
  • Cut‒off saws. Sections 381(1) to 381(2).
  • Sawmill head rig. Sections 382(1) to 382(3).
  • Sawmill log carriage. Sections 383(1) to 383(4).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Code can be found at alberta.ca.

Under British Columbia’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 8 – Section 8.21 and Part 12 – Section 12.72, strict standards govern the safe operation of chainsaws and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers operating chainsaws must wear leg protective devices that meet or exceed standards like ASTM, ISO, or WorkSafeBC to provide cut resistance. Chainsaws must comply with CSA Standard Z62.1-95, include an automatic chain brake for kickback protection, and require chain movement to be stopped when moving between cutting positions unless in the immediate area.

Part 8 — Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

Leg protection

(1) Leg protective devices must be worn by a worker operating a chainsaw.

(2) Leg protective devices referred to in subsection (1) must meet or exceed

(a) the general requirements of section 4 of the WorkSafeBC Standard — Leg Protective Devices, as set out in Schedule 8-A of this Part, and

(b) the performance requirements of one of the following standards, using the cut-resistance testing protocol set out in that standard except as varied in subparagraph (ii):

(i)WorkSafeBC Standard — Leg Protective Devices, as set out in section 5 of Schedule 8-A of this Part, applying a threshold chain speed of 18.3 metres per second or 3 600 feet per minute;

(ii)ASTM F 1414-04 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chainsaw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing, but applying a threshold chain speed of 16.8 metres per second or 3 300 feet per minute;

(iii)ISO 11393-2 Protective clothing for users of hand-held chain-saws — Part 2: Test methods and performance requirements for leg protectors, applying a Class 2 threshold chain speed of 24 metres per second or 4 724 feet per minute;

(iv)BS EN 381-5: 1995 Protective clothing for users of hand-held chainsaws — Part 5: Requirements for leg protectors, applying a Class 2 threshold chain speed of 24 metres per second or 4 724 feet per minute.

(3) A leg protective device worn by a worker must have a label that

(a) is permanently affixed,

(b) uses lettering that is at least 6 mm (1/4 in.) high, and

(c) clearly indicates all of the following information:

(i) the name or trademark of the manufacturer;

(ii) the standard met or exceeded under subsection (2) (a);

(iii) the standard met or exceeded under subsection (2) (b);

(iv) the year of manufacture of the device unless otherwise marked on the device.

(4) The requirement to wear leg protective devices does not apply to a firefighter using a chainsaw at the scene of a structural fire. Section 8.21(1)(2)(3)(4).

Part 12 — Tools, Machinery, and Equipment

Chainsaws – Standards

(1) A chainsaw must meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z62.1-95, Chainsaws.

(2) A chainsaw must have a chain brake that activates automatically upon kickback regardless of the position of the power head or operator’s hands.

(3) A chainsaw manufactured before January 1, 1999, with a guide bar exceeding 66 cm (26 in.), measured from the top of the cutters at the bar tip to the point of the “dogs” or “bumper spikes”, is exempt from the requirement for a chain brake. Section 12.72(1)(2)(3).

Stopping chain movement

A chainsaw chain must be stopped before the saw operator moves from cut to cut, unless the next cut is in the immediate area and the saw operator can safely move to the next cutting position. Section 12.73.

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation can be found at bclaws.gov.bc.ca.

Under Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, employers are required to inform workers about the risks associated with workplace tools and provide training on their safe use (Part 16 – Section 16.3). Regarding chainsaws (Part 16 – Section 16.27), employers must ensure that these tools comply with CSA Z62.1-15 standards, are equipped with safety features such as a chain brake, safety chain, and chain catcher, and include mechanisms to minimize kickback risks.

Duty to Inform Workers

An employer must ensure that a worker is:

(a) Informed of any risks associated with a machine or tool used in the workplace; and

(b) Provided with information, instruction and training in the safe use and operation of the machine or tool. Section 16.3.

Chainsaw Requirements

(1) An employer must ensure that a chainsaw used at a workplace is

(a) manufactured, used and maintained in accordance with CSA Z62.1-15, Chainsaws;

(b) equipped with a safety chain, chain brake, and chain catcher;

(c) operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications; and

(d) equipped with a mechanism that minimizes the risk of injury from kickback when the saw is in use. Section 16.27(1).

(2) When a chainsaw is used by a worker operating from an elevated work platform or personnel basket, an employer must ensure that appropriate start-up procedures are developed and implemented to protect the safety and health of the worker. Section 16.27(2).

Further details on the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation can be found at gov.mb.ca.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act – Sections 348 to 356 includes general provisions for safe operation of machinery and tools, including chainsaws. Employers must ensure workers are trained and equipped with PPE, although there are no chainsaw-specific provisions.

PART XXI LOGGING AND SILVICULTURE OPERATIONS

Chainsaws, Brush Saws, and Clearing Saws

(1) An owner of a chainsaw shall ensure that the chainsaw meets the applicable requirements of CSA standard Z62.1-11, “Chainsaws” or a standard offering equivalent or better protection and CSA standard Z 62.3-11 (R2021) “Chainsaw kickback” or a standard offering equivalent or better protection.

(2) An owner of a chainsaw shall ensure that the chainsaw

(a) is used only with a safety chain that is filed according to the manufacturer’s specifications,

(b) is equipped with an adequate chain brake, and

(c) is fitted only with component parts specified by the manufacturer. Section 348(1)(2).

An employee who operates a chainsaw shall

(a) stop the motor before carrying the saw from one location to another,

(b) stop the motor before adjusting the chain,

(c) adjust the saw according to the manufacturer’s specifications so that the chain is stopped while the motor is idling,

(d) immediately remove a defective saw from use until repaired,

(e) start the saw when it is cold by holding it against a solid object below waist level,

(f) not start the saw by pulling on the cord while the other hand engages the throttle mechanism,

(g) hold the saw in both hands while operating it,

(h) not operate the saw above shoulder height,

(i) stand on a solid base when operating the saw, and

(j) not climb on or work under a felled tree. Section 349.

Hydraulically driven chainsaw

(1) An employer shall ensure that an employee operates a hydraulically driven chainsaw in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and does not operate the chainsaw in a way that the saw bar is directly in line with the cab or other people.

(2) An employer shall maintain a hydraulically driven chainsaw in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Section 349.1.

An employee who operates a brush saw or a clearing saw shall

(a) operate and maintain the saw in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications,

(b) ensure that the saw is equipped with an adequate blade guard,

(c) maintain a minimum 10 m distance from any other person while operating the saw,

(d) regularly inspect the blade and file it when necessary,

(e) replace the blade at the first sign of cracks or fractures,

(f) fit the saw only with blades and component parts as specified by the manufacturer,

(g) use a harness suitable for use with the saw,

(h) ensure that the harness is well maintained and properly adjusted and that the emergency release on the harness functions properly,

(i) stop the engine before any manual adjustment, cleaning, clearing of debris or other work is carried out on the blade or blade guard, and

(j) not start the saw while it is attached to the harness. Section 350.

(1) An employer shall ensure that an employee who operates a chainsaw, brush saw or clearing saw is knowledgeable of the emergency communication procedure and the transportation procedure set out in New Brunswick Regulation 2004-130 under the Act and is accompanied by a person who holds a valid First Aid Workplace Certificate in accordance with that Regulation.

(2) An employer shall ensure that an employee who operates a chainsaw, brush saw or clearing saw has

(a) a suitable fire extinguisher or a round point shovel readily available,

(b) suitable first aid supplies readily available, and

(c) a pressure bandage. Section 351(1)(2).

An employee who operates a chainsaw, brush saw or clearing saw shall

(a) not work alone,

(b) not girdle trees,

(c) not refuel the saw while the engine is operating,

(d) move the saw at least 3 m from where it was refueled before starting the engine,

(e) refuel only from a non-glass container with spout or funnel,

(f) not refuel the saw near any source of ignition, and

(g) carry or keep close at hand the pressure bandage provided by the employer. Section 352.

For more information:

  • Felling Procedures. Section 353(1)(2).
  • Standing dead tree. Section 353.1(1).
  • Delimbing and Bucking. Section 355(1).
  • “Bucking”. Section 356(1).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be found at laws.gnb.ca.

Under Part VII – Sections 79 and 109 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador, workers operating chainsaws must wear leg protective devices with a permanently affixed label indicating the standard the device meets.

Personal Protective Equipment – Part VII

Leg protection

A worker operating a chainsaw shall wear a leg protective device with a label permanently affixed to the outer surface of the device indicating the standard it meets. Section 79.

Chainsaws

(1) A chainsaw shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z62.1 “Chainsaws”.

(2) A chainsaw shall have a chain brake that activates automatically upon kickback regardless of the position of the power head or operator’s hands.

(3) A chainsaw chain shall be stopped before the saw operator moves from cut to cut, unless the next cut is in the immediate area and the saw operator can safely move to the next cutting position. Section 109(1)(2)(3).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at assembly.nl.ca.

 

Under Part 3: Section 10(2) and Part 8: Section 90 of the Occupational Safety General Regulations in Nova Scotia, employers are required to ensure that chainsaws comply with the latest versions of applicable CSA standards. However, these regulations do not provide sufficient detailed information regarding specific operational procedures, maintenance requirements, or worker safety measures beyond compliance with the listed standards.

Part 3 – Personal Protective Equipment

Hazard to eyes, face, or neck

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if a person operating a chainsaw is wearing adequate face protection as a substitute for the protective equipment referred to in subsection (1). Section 10(2).

Part 8 – Mechanical Safety

Chainsaws

An employer must ensure that a chainsaw complies with the latest version of the following applicable CSA standards:

(a) CSA Z62.1 “Chainsaws”;

(b) CSA Z62.3 “Chainsaw Kickback”. Section 90.

Further details on the Occupational Safety General Regulations can be found at novascotia.ca.

In Part 10 – Sections 154 to 158 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, chainsaws are required to meet several safety standards to ensure the protection of workers. Employers or suppliers must ensure that a chainsaw is equipped with an effective chain brake or a chain and bar designed to minimize kickback risks, and that the chain stops when the engine is idling. While the regulations set these key requirements, there are no further specific guidelines provided about operational procedures or advanced safety measures beyond these basic protocols.

PART 10 MACHINE SAFETY

Chainsaws

(1) An employer or supplier shall ensure that a chainsaw is

(a) equipped with an effective chain brake or a chain and bar that is designed to minimize the possibility of a kickback; and

(b) designed and constructed so that the chain stops when the engine is idle.

(2) If a chainsaw is to be used by a worker operating from an elevated cage or basket and the width of the case or basket is less than twice the length of the chainsaw, an employer shall ensure that a secondary platform is installed outside the cage or basket and is used to store the chainsaw and to start the chainsaw engine.

(3) An employer shall ensure that a worker who operates a chainsaw

(a) stops the chain while the worker is walking with the chainsaw;

(b) does not operate the chainsaw at a height that is higher than the worker’s shoulder level;

(c) holds the chainsaw firmly in both hands; and

(d) maintains the chainsaw, cutting chain, and safeguards.

(4) A worker who operates a chainsaw shall

(a) stop the chain while they are walking with the chainsaw;

(b) not operate the chainsaw at a height that is higher than the worker’s shoulder level;

(c) hold the chainsaw firmly in both hands;

(d) maintain the chainsaw, cutting chain and safeguards; and

(e) maintain the chainsaw so that the chain stops when the engine is idle. Section 154(1)(2)(3).

Circular Saws

(1) An employer shall ensure that a circular saw blade that develops a crack on its outside edge is discarded unless

(a) the blade is effectively repaired by a competent individual; and

(b) the original blade tension is restored.

(2) An employer shall ensure that a circular saw blade that develops a crack from the eye or the collar is discarded.

(3) An employer or supplier who provides a portable hand operated saw shall ensure that the saw is equipped with a safeguard that automatically covers the exposed part of the blade during use, and the entire blade when not in use. Section 155(1)(2)(3).

Power-fed Circular Ripsaws

(1) An employer or supplier shall ensure that a power-fed circular ripsaw with horizontal, power-driven feed rolls used at a work site, is equipped with a sectional non-kickback device located in front of the blade and across the full width of the rolls.

(2) An employer or supplier shall ensure that a power-fed circular ripsaw used at a worksite

(a) is equipped with a splitter that extends to the height of the top of the saw blade; and

(b) has a saw blade that is equipped with a safeguard or is located where a worker cannot reach it. Section 156(1)(2).

Bandsaws

(1) An employer shall ensure that a bandsaw blade that develops a crack, with a depth more than 5% of the width of the saw blade, is discarded unless

(a) the width of the blade is reduced by a competent individual so as to eliminate the crack; or

(b) the cracked section is repaired by a competent individual.

(2) An employer or supplier who provides a bandsaw to a worker shall ensure that the saw has an automatic tension control device. Section 157(1)(2).

Cut-Off Saws

An employer or supplier who provides a hand operated, sliding or swing cut-off saw to a worker shall ensure that

(a) the saw is equipped with a device that will return the saw automatically to the back of the table when the saw is released at any point in the saw’s travel; and

(b) a limit device is installed to prevent the saw from travelling beyond the outside edge of the cutting table. Section 158.

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at justice.gov.nt.ca.

In Part II – Sections 109 to 112 of Ontario’s General Construction Regulations, specific safety requirements are outlined for equipment, including chainsaws, to ensure worker protection. These regulations emphasize that every mechanically operated part, such as gears, pulleys, and saws, must be guarded or fenced to prevent worker injury.

PART II GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Equipment, General

Every gear, pulley, belt, chain, shaft, flywheel, saw, and other mechanically-operated part of a machine to which a worker has access shall be guarded or fenced so that it will not endanger a worker. Section 109.

(1) Safety chains, cages, or other protection against blown-off side or lock rings shall be used when inflating a tire mounted on a rim. Section 110.

(1) Every chainsaw shall have a chain that minimizes kickback and a device to stop the chain in the event of a kickback.

(1.1) No worker shall use a chainsaw unless he or she has been adequately trained in its use.

(1.2) No worker shall use a chainsaw unless he or she is wearing,

(a) adequate personal protective equipment and clothing, including gloves; and

(b) adequate eye protection and hearing protection.

(2) A worker shall hold a chain-saw firmly when starting it and firmly in both hands when using it.

(3) The chain of a chain-saw shall be stopped when not cutting. Section 112. 1.1, 1.2, (2)(3).

Further details on the O. Reg. 213/91: Construction Projects can be found at ontario.ca.

In Prince Edward Island, the Occupational Health and Safety Act – Sections 41.8 to 41.25 outlines specific safety requirements for chainsaw operations to protect workers. Employers must ensure that workers operating chainsaws wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, safety eyewear, safety pants, a hard hat, and safety boots. Chainsaws must be in safe working order and equipped with essential safety features, such as a safety chain, chain brake, anti-vibration mounts, throttle-control lockout, chain catcher, and rear hand guard.

Chainsaw operation

When operating a chainsaw, the employer shall ensure that the worker wears and the worker shall wear approved hearing protection, safety eyewear, safety pants, a hard hat, and safety boots. Section 41.8.

Chainsaw operation

(1) The employer shall ensure that no worker operates a chainsaw unless it is in safe working order.

(2) No worker shall operate a chainsaw unless it is approved and is equipped with a safety chain, chain brake, anti-vibration mounts, throttle-control lock out, chain catcher, and rear hand guard. Section 41.9(1)(2).

Maintenance

Where a chainsaw is to be refueled or maintenance work is to be performed on a chainsaw, a worker shall stop the chainsaw motor prior to refueling it or performing maintenance work on it. Section 41.10.

Fuel storage

The employer shall ensure that a worker shall store and distribute fuel for a chainsaw from an approved safety container. Section 41.11.

Starting saw

No worker shall start a chainsaw unless it is at least 3 m (10 ft.) from the fuel container required under section 41.11. Section 41.12.

Fire extinguisher

When operating a chainsaw during the fire season, a worker shall have a fire extinguisher readily available and in proper working condition. Section 41.13.

Pressure dressing

Each chainsaw operator shall carry an approved pressure dressing and bandage when operating a chainsaw. Section 41.14.

Chainsaw maintenance

A worker shall maintain a chainsaw in a manner so that the chain will not move when the chainsaw motor is idling. Section 41.15.

Stopping saw when carrying

A worker shall stop a chainsaw motor where the chainsaw is to be carried a distance longer than usual between trees to be felled. Section 41.16.

Holding saw

When operating a chainsaw, a worker shall hold the chainsaw firmly in both hands. Section 41.1.

Starting saw

No worker shall start a chainsaw while it is resting against any part of his body. Section 41.18.

Safety gloves

A worker shall wear safety gloves or mitts while sharpening a chainsaw. Section 41.21.

For more information:

  • Felling procedure. Section 41.25.

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations can be found at canlii.org.

In Québec, according to the Regulation Respecting Health and Safety in Forest Development Work – DIVISION IV – Sections 14 to 23, DIVISION V – Sections 27, 32, 43, DIVISION VI – Sections 45 to 49 employers must ensure chainsaws meet safety standards, provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) like hearing protection and safety footwear, and ensure workers are properly trained. Employers are also responsible for maintaining equipment, ensuring fire safety, and implementing safety protocols during chainsaw operation.

DIVISION IV – FOREST DEVELOPMENT EQUIPMENT

An extinguisher or other device capable of controlling the beginning of a fire must be within reach of a worker using a chainsaw or brush cutter. Section 14.

Chainsaws must comply with CSA standard CAN/CSA-Z62.1-03, Chainsaws, and be Type 1, Class 1A. Section 16.

The chain of a chainsaw must comply with CSA standard CSA Z62.3-04, Chainsaw Kickback. Section 17.

  1. A forestry machine must be

(1) equipped with a lighting system when used for night work;

(2) equipped with an extinguisher placed within the operator’s reach;

(3) maintained and cleaned so as to prevent any risk of fire;

(4) equipped, in the case of a skidder, with a parking brake;

(5) equipped with a roof if there is a risk of falling objects;

(6) equipped with a cab with full doors and a protective screen if the operator risks being hit by an object;

(7) equipped with a rollover protective structure where there is a risk of rollover;

(8) equipped with a seat in good condition that is suitable for the work performed and the forestry machine, as well as with a safety belt.

(9) equipped with grip handles, non-slip steps or ladders installed so as to enable safe access by the driver and facilitate maintenance;

(10) equipped, where it has catwalks or platforms, with a non-skid floor and guardrails. Section 21.

An operator must not leave the controls of a forestry machine without first securing the blade or lifting arms on the ground so as to prevent inadvertent movement and without applying the parking brake if the machine is so equipped. Section 22.

Traction chains mounted on forestry machines must be adjusted to fit the tires. Section 23

Individual Protective Equipment and Temporary Shelter

The wearing of eye protectors or a face protector in compliance with CSA standard Z94.3, American National Standard For Occupational And Educational Personal Eye And Face Protection Devices ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, or NF EN standard 166, Personal Eye Protection ─ Specifications, is mandatory for every worker who is exposed to a danger that may cause injury to his or her eyes or face from

(1) particles or objects;

(2) dangerous substances or molten metals;

(3) intense radiation. Section 45.

The wearing of protective shoes with flexible, non-slip soles and complying with CAN/CSA standard Z195, Personal Protective Equipment ─ Protective Footwear ISO 20345, or NF EN ISO 17249, Safety Footwear with Resistance to Chainsaw Cutting, is mandatory for every worker exposed to foot injuries incurred in the following cases:

(1) by perforation;

(2) by the falling of heavy, burning, or sharp objects;

(3) by contact with molten metal or hot or corrosive liquids.

Despite the first paragraph, when a chainsaw is being used, the wearing of protective footwear for chainsaw operators complying with CAN/CSA Z195-02, Protective Footwear, or NF EN ISO 17249, Safety Footwear with Resistance to Chainsaw Cutting, is required. Section 46.

The wearing of unaltered forest pants providing frontal protection from flying objects and obstacles and a protective surface meeting Class B standard of CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91, Leg Protective Device for Chainsaw Users, is mandatory for every worker using a brush cutter. Section 47.

The wearing of pants complying with NF EN ISO 11393-2, Protective clothing for users of hand-held chainsaws – Part 2: Performance requirements and test methods for leg protectors, or Class A, C or D standards of ASTM F3325, Standard Specification for Leg-Protective Devices for Chainsaw Users, is mandatory for every worker using a chainsaw. Section 48.

The wearing of gloves or mitts ensuring a good grip on handles is mandatory for every worker using a chainsaw or brush cutter. Section 49.

For more information:

  • Division Development Work. Sections 27, 32, 43.

Further details on the Regulation Respecting Health and Safety in Forest Development Work can be found at legisquebec.qc.ca.

In Saskatchewan, under Part 7 – Section 7-10, and Part 10 – Section 10-13 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, employers must ensure workers operating chainsaws use lower body protection, such as safety pants or chaps, to prevent injuries. Chainsaws must be equipped with safety features like chain brakes and be maintained to stop the chain when idling. When used in elevated cages or baskets, additional platforms are required for storage and engine startup. Employers are also responsible for enforcing safe operating practices, including stopping the chain while walking and limiting operations to shoulder height or below.

Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment

Lower body protection

(1) If a worker is at risk of a cut, puncture, irritation or abrasion to the worker’s lower body, an employer or contractor shall ensure that the worker uses safety pants or chaps that are appropriate for the work being performed by the worker.

(2) A worker operating a chainsaw is deemed to be exposed to the risk described in subsection (1). Section 7‑10(1)(2).

PART 10 Machine Safety

Chainsaws

(1) An employer, contractor, or supplier shall ensure that a chainsaw is: (a) equipped with an effective chain brake or a chain and bar that is designed to minimize the possibility of a kickback; and (b) designed and constructed so that the chain stops when the engine is at idle.

(2) If a chainsaw is to be used by a worker operating from an elevated cage or basket, the width of which is less than twice the length of the chainsaw, an employer or contractor shall ensure that a secondary platform is installed outside the cage or basket and is used to store the chainsaw and to start the chainsaw engine.

(3) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a worker who operates a chainsaw:

(a) stops the chain while the worker is walking with the saw;

(b) does not operate the saw at a height that is higher than the worker’s shoulder level;

(c) holds the saw firmly in both hands while operating the saw; and

(d) maintains the chainsaw, cutting chain, and safeguards in safe operating condition.

(4) A worker who operates a chainsaw:

(a) shall stop the chain while the worker is walking with the saw;

(b) shall not operate the saw at a height that is higher than the worker’s shoulder level;

(c) shall hold the saw firmly in both hands while operating the saw;

(d) shall maintain the chainsaw, cutting chain, and safeguards in safe operating condition; and

(e) shall maintain the chainsaw so that the chain stops when the engine is idle. Section 10‑13(1)(2)(3)(4).

Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at saskatchewan.ca.

In Yukon, under Part 4 – Sections 4.10 and 4.11 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, employers must ensure chainsaws meet CSA Standard Z62.1-03 or equivalent standards and are equipped with anti-kickback chains, chain brakes, and vibration isolation systems. Workers operating chainsaws must use appropriate personal protective equipment, follow safe operating procedures, and have fire extinguishers or shovels during fire seasons. Refueling, maintenance, and adjustments require the motor to be off, and saws must not be used above shoulder height or while climbing on or under felled trees. Defective saws must be removed from use until repaired.

Part 4 – Hand Tools and Power-Driven Portable Tools – Chainsaws

Specific requirements for chainsaws

A worker using a chainsaw, brush saw, or clearing saw shall

Protective equipment

(a) wear appropriate personal protective equipment, as required in Part 1 – General,

Engine off

(b) stop the motor before carrying the saw from one location to another, unless the next cut is in the immediate area and he or she can safely move to the next cutting position,

Adjusting the chain

(c) stop the motor before adjusting the chain,

Idling

(d) adjust the saw according to the manufacturer’s recommendation so the chain is stopped while the motor is idling,

Defective saw

(e) immediately remove a defective saw from use until repaired,

Starting

(f) start the saw when it is cold by holding it firmly against a solid object below waist level,

Grip

(g) hold the saw in both hands while operating it,

Footing

(h) stand on a solid base while operating the saw,

(i) move the saw at least 3 m (10 ft.) from where it was refueled before starting the engine, and

(j) refuel only from an approved gasoline container with a spout or funnel to minimize spillage,

Drop starts

(k) not drop start the saw by pulling on the cord while the other hand engages the throttle mechanism,

Reach

(l) not operate the saw above shoulder height,

Standing

(m) not climb on, or work under, a felled tree,

Girdling

(n) not girdle a tree, and

Refueling

(o) not refuel the saw while the engine is operating or it is near a source of ignition. Section 4.11.

For more information:

  • General Requirements for Chainsaws. Section 4.10(1)(2)(3).

Further details on the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations can be found at wcb.YK.ca.