Chainsaw basics: safety, simple cuts and maintenance

Use protective equipment, inspect the saw and avoid complex felling; trees under tension or near buildings and wires need a qualified operator.

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

This overview is not chainsaw training. Felling a standing tree near a house, road or power line—or cutting storm-damaged wood, a leaning trunk or a branch under tension—can be unpredictable. Hire a trained, insured professional for complex or hazardous work.

Protect yourself and others

Use chainsaw-rated leg protection, helmet, eye and hearing protection, gloves and sturdy non-slip boots. Keep bystanders outside the work area. Read the saw’s manual and use the chain, bar, fuel, oil and battery specified by its manufacturer.

Before starting

• Check the chain brake, controls, chain tension, lubrication, bar and general condition.
• Clear footing and an escape path; do not work alone in a remote location.
• Start and operate the saw as the manufacturer instructs, with both hands on the handles.
• Keep the upper tip of the guide bar away from objects: tip contact can cause severe kickback.

Know when to stop

Do not cut above shoulder height, work from an unstable ladder or make a cut whose compression and tension you cannot identify. Stop if the saw is damaged, the chain is dull, visibility is poor or fatigue affects control. Follow local rules for tree work and keep away from overhead electrical conductors.

Sources and limits

Sources: manufacturer instructions and occupational chainsaw-safety guidance. This page does not replace hands-on training, required protective equipment, local rules or professional tree work.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.