What Are the Dangers of Electric Pruning Saws?

Kickback

• Kickback is a significant danger associated with electric pruning saws. Kickback can occur as you position the moving chain on the wood that you want to saw. When the tip of the guide bar touches the wood, it causes the saw to kick back toward you. Kickback will happen when the chain gets pinched in the cut on the wood. The saw may stop for a second then quickly reverse the action, which sends the saw backward. If you are unaware of this danger, you could sustain serious injury.

Falling Wood

• An electric pruning saw has an extension handle with a 14-foot reach. This means that when you are sawing tall tree branches, you will be under them. To prevent potential injuries from falling branches, stand off to the side as you trim. Note that your upward range will be shortened as you trim at an angle. For this reason, you may want to use a ladder; however, be aware that falling wood could hit you hard enough to knock you or the ladder over.

Flying Debris

• When you are cutting thin branches or twigs or if the saw inadvertently comes in contact with them, the saw's chain can throw them outward unexpectedly. This flying debris could injure you or bystanders nearby while you are working. Bystanders should be at least 50 feet away to avoid flying debris.

Improper Clothing

• When you are working with the pruning saw, you will have flying debris and sawdust around you. If you aren’t wearing work gloves, safety glasses and sturdy shoes, you risk the chance of injury to your hands, eyes and feet. If you have long hair, it should be tied back so there is no chance of it getting tangled in the pruning saw handle or the moving saw chain. Loose clothing can get entangled in the saw if the moving chain gets too close to your clothing or if you experience kickback with the chain.