Chopping Tools

Chopping tools include axes, adzes, brush hooks, hatchets, machetes, and Pulaskis.

When working with chopping tools (figure 28):

Figure 28—A volunteer wears appropriate personal protective
equipment while using chopping tools on the Florida Trail.
Courtesy of Bob Stone, Florida Trail Association

• Wear appropriate PPE (hardhat, eye protection, gloves, and nonskid boots). Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, as necessary.
• Carry the tool by grasping it around the shoulder of the handle close to the tool head, with your arm hanging naturally at your side. Never carry a chopping tool on your shoulder. Carry the tool on the downhill side so it is more easily discarded in a fall.
• Remove all obstructions that might catch the tool.
• Keep bystanders out of the chopping area.
• Position your body securely while working.
• Use a natural striking action; don't chop cross handed.
• Watch for springpoles (saplings bent over by fallen trees). If you are cutting a sapling that is bound down, be alert; it may snap up suddenly. If you don't need to make the cut, leave the sapling alone.
• Use the tool properly—not as a wedge or maul.
• Stand on the opposite side of the log from the limb being chopped and swing toward the top of the tree or branch.
• Stop chopping if the cutting edge picks up a wood chip. Remove the chip before continuing.
• Keep the cutting edge of the tool almost perpendicular to the log or limb to prevent glancing blows.
• Use special foot and shin/leg protection when necessary.
• Check the tool periodically for a loose head. Tighten as needed.

Cutting Tools

Cutting tools include saws, knives, chisels, files, shears, and snips. They must be handled with care.

Wear safety goggles, gloves, and nonskid boots when working with cutting tools. Wear long pants and a longsleeved shirt, as necessary. Make sure tools are properly maintained and in good working condition. Never use a chopping tool to strike a cutting tool.

Chain Saws and Crosscut Saws

To operate a chain saw (figure 29) or crosscut saw, you must have completed an approved Forest Service training course and be certified. Basic first aid and CPR are also required, but are separate courses. Saw training and recertification are required every 3 years.

Figure 29—The Chiloquin and Rogue snowmobile club members
use chain saws to clear tree branches and other vegetation from
drainage ditches on both sides of a Forest Service road, designated
as a snowmobile trail. Fremont-Winema National Forests
hosted a snowmobile trail maintenance work day to celebrate
National Trails Day in June 2007. Courtesy of Erica Hupp,
Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region

Bow Saws

When working with bow saws:

• Carry a bow saw over your shoulder with the guarded blade to the rear and on the downhill side. Ensure that the cutting edge faces away from your body, even when the guard is in place.
• Examine materials being cut for nails, knots, and other objects that may damage the saw and cause it to buckle. Hold pieces being cut firmly in place. If you are in a workshop, support the ends of long pieces with a bench to prevent the material from pinching at the cut.
• Start with a partial cut, then set the saw at the proper angle. Do not push or force the saw. Begin cutting with light, gentle strokes until the teeth begin forming a kerf (or slot).
• Watch for springpoles (saplings bent over by fallen trees). If you are cutting a sapling that is bound down, be alert; it may snap up suddenly. If there is no need to make the cut, leave the sapling alone.

Files

When working with files:

• Use properly sized handles and knuckle guards.
• Wear cut-resistant gloves.
• Tap the file into the handle by striking the handle end on a flat surface. Do not drive the handle with a hammer.
• Use the correct type of file for the work. Cut only during the forward pass of the file; do not file backwards. When filing small objects, clamp them securely in a vise or clamp.

Pry and Tamping Bars

When working with a pry or tamping bar:

• Wear appropriate PPE, such as eye or face protection, foot protection, gloves, and a hardhat.
• Make sure you have a secure fulcrum and toeholds. When prying, push with your palms. When applying leverage, keep your feet and other parts of your body out of line with the bar.
• Ensure that other people are far enough away so they won't be struck with rock chips when you are breaking, chipping, or prying rock or similar materials.
• Carry bars at their balance point on the downhill side of your body.
• Replace bent or twisted bars. Bent or twisted bars can rotate during use, striking the user.
• Store bars so that they are not likely to tip over, roll, or fall.

Shovels

When working with shovels (figure 30):

Figure 30—The Oregon Trash Dogs use shovels to help clean up.
Courtesy of Ginger Hamilton, Forest Service, Northern Region

• Keep shovels sharp, replacing them if either the shovel's head or handle cracks, develops ragged edges, or splits.
• Use a shovel properly, never as a pry bar.
• Support your upper body by bracing the forearm closest to your body against your thigh as you pivot the blade sideways.

Lifting and Carrying

• Check the intended route and the destination before moving a load.
• Bend and stretch gently to warm muscles.
• Check the load for weight and size. Do not try to lift or move material that is beyond your ability. If the load blocks your vision, get help.
• Check the load for nails, splinters, rough strapping, and sharp edges. Use a handtruck or other mechanical aid whenever possible.
• Stand close to the load with feet apart. Keep your heels down and turn your feet slightly out.
• Bend your knees, keeping your back as straight as possible.
• Center your body over your feet. Place your hands under the load with your palms up.
• Lift gradually and smoothly with your legs, arms, and shoulders. Keep the load close to your body. Rise slowly, straighten your knees, and stand.
• Avoid quick, jerky, or twisting motions.
• Face the spot where the load is to be placed. Avoid lifting the load above your shoulders. If necessary, use a step stool or platform to get the load higher.
• Bend your knees, keep the load close to your body, and slowly lower it to waist level. Keep your back straight, supporting the load with your legs, arms, and shoulders.
• Don't get your fingers and hands caught underneath the load.

Office Safety

You can help keep your workplace safe by practicing good housekeeping and making sure you know where the fire extinguishers and escape routes are.

While working in the office:

• Know the emergency evacuation plan.
• Know the procedures for bomb threats and other security issues.
• Know where to find first aid supplies.
• Keep walking and work areas free of obstacles.
• Keep work areas, living spaces, and storerooms clean and neat, with all materials properly stored.
• Use all furniture as intended by the manufacturer.
• Adjust workstations to meet your needs.
• Place the heaviest loads in the bottom drawers of file cabinets. Open only one file drawer at a time.
• Do not place or store materials on top of file cases, cabinets, and bookcases.
• Do not place electrical cords under rugs or carpets.

Figure 31—A retired director of the International Institute of Tropical
Forestry now volunteers in the office to retrieve information
from the library and research files. He also consults on forestry matters.
Courtesy of Elizabeth (Liza) Hernandez, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry