Even with the milder hurricane season expected along the Atlantic seaboard this year, generators and chain saws come in handy for any severe storm that results in power outages and downed trees. But as with any powerful tool, careless use can cause injury and even death. Carbon-monoxide exposure causes the most generator fatalities, according to preliminary Consumer Product Safety Commission data. And while chain-saw fatalities have dropped over the past few decades, the CPSC estimates nearly 29,000 injuries per year—with lacerations to fingers, knees, and legs most common. Here’s how to use these products safely:
Generators
Stationary generators are installed away from where fumes could enter the house. But portables can be wheeled anywhere, and users often run them in or near garages, where carbon monoxide fumes can enter the rest of the house and endanger family members.
• Run the generator only outdoors, at least 15 feet away from the house, away from doors and windows, and never in the basement, garage or any other enclosed space. And never run a portable in the rain; you can buy protective covers from companies such as GenTent Safety Canopies.
• Reduce fire risk by turning off a gasoline-powered generator and letting it cool before refueling.
• When you think you might need to run the generator to supply power, stock up on extra gasoline. (Most gas-powered portables use about 12 to 20 gallons a day.) Store gas only in an ANSI-approved container in a cool, well-ventilated place. Adding stabilizer to the gas in the can will help it last longer.
• For electrical safety, have a transfer switch (about $500 to $900 with labor) installed to connect the generator to your circuit panel. This lets you power hard-wired appliances and avoids the risk and hassle of extension cords. Most transfer switches also help you avoid overload by showing wattage levels. You’ll need at least a 5,000-rated-watt generator to be able to use one.
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Chain saws
Some of the most serious chain-saw injuries occur when the chain snags and the saw kicks back toward the operator's chest and head. But although chain saws now have safeguards designed to reduce kickback, even saws laden with safety features can cause injury.
• Start with snug-fitting clothing and sturdy work boots, preferably steel-toed. Shield your legs with cut-resistant chaps and the backs of your hands with protective gloves, and wear a helmet with a face shield. While this gear together costs about $200, you won’t think about the money the first time you avoid injury.
• You'll need hearing protection, since practically all saws—including electric models—exceed 85 decibels at ear level, where hearing damage occurs.
• Before you fire up the saw, check that its parts are in working order. In particular, keep the cutting chain properly sharpened, tensioned, and oiled (a sharp saw can help prevent kickback and will make the work go faster). Tip: Always have a second, sharpened chain on hand so that you can keep working when the first gets dull.
• Grip gas-powered saws firmly when pull-starting and keep both feet firmly on the ground; most handles include a spot for securing the saw with one foot while pulling the starter cord.
• Avoid sawing with the tip of the chain and bar, where kickback typically occurs. While plunge, boring, and other cuts that use the bar tip are essential for some kinds of sawing, they’re for experienced users and raise the risk of kickback.
• Saw only tree limbs you can reach from the ground. Never saw on a ladder or while holding the saw above your shoulders.
• Use a bar sheath or carrying case to protect yourself and the bar and chain when you’re carrying the saw. For hand-carrying, be sure that the engine is stopped and face the bar and chain to the rear. Also be sure the muffler is away from your body in case it’s still hot. For storage in a car or truck, stow it in the trunk or cargo area.
• Cutting down a tree is a job best left to the pros, particularly for trees larger than about 6 inches around. While trees often fall in the direction they’re leaning, it can be tricky to know where a tree will come down.
Looking for a new generator or chain saw? We’ve just tested dozens of both. Our Ratings of about 40 gasoline-powered, corded-electric, and battery-powered chain saws have just gone live, and next week we’ll post updated Ratings of about the same number of portable and stationary generators. See our buying guides for both generators and chain saws before going out to shop.
—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)
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