<html><head></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">Hey ChainPoints,<div><br></div><div>I hope you had a memorable Memorial Day Weekend. We thank all the Armed Forces and Their Families for past and present service to keep our Great Country free.</div><div><br></div><div>It was great weather here in the south this Memorial Weekend but the past few weeks have been exceptionally tough this year. Floods, Tornados and Isolated Storms have reeked havoc across our country. It has sparked my thoughts below beginning a series to get ready for a video project.</div><div><br></div><div>Laura is putting together training our calendar events for late Summer. We have some open days so now is a good time to contact her for scheduling. You can reach her at the office number below or eMail <a href="mailto:laura@forestapps.com">laura@forestapps.com</a> </div><div><br></div><div>We have over 1000 Liking our Face Book Fan Page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Forest-Applications-Training-Inc/195165196712">www.facebook.com/pages/Forest-Applications-Training-Inc/195165196712</a> You can also find us by searching Forest Applications. Come join the crowd...</div><div><br></div><div>If you have any questions on working storm situations or techniques to share please let me know. If I haven't experienced it and can't answer I will search to find out for you and I am always looking for new techniques to try and share... <a href="mailto:timard@forestapps.com">timard@forestapps.com</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Have a Great Week!</div><div><br><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: medium; "><div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; "><i>Good Sawing,</i></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; "><i><b>Tim Ard</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; "><a href="mailto:timard@forestapps.com">timard@forestapps.com</a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; ">(O) 770.222.2511</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; "><a href="http://www.ForestApps.com">www.ForestApps.com</a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; ">Twitter - @ForestApps</div></div></span>
</div><div>YouTube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/ARDTIM">www.youtube.com/ARDTIM</a></div>
<br><div><br></div><div><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">Planning A
Storm<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial">By Tim Ard, Forest Applications Training, Inc. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">To plan a storm… sounds strange
doesn't it? We really shouldn’t need to plan a storm; they seem to happen too
often and too frequently as it is. There is some type of storm, flood or
natural disaster that seems to be taking place somewhere in the U.S. and around
the world daily. So why plan?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">When the storm hits, no
matter what type and where, one of the first tools that’s requested and called
into action is guess what? The chainsaw. Thought of to be one of the top
dangers of all tool operation, second possibly to only the devastation of the
storm itself, is called into action to begin the clean up operations. So why
plan? Why plan the storm?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">An accident is an unplanned
event! So, during storm clean up, here are a few scenarios to consider planning
around:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A volunteer,
wearing running shoes, steps on a board with a nail in it and punctures his
foot through the soft bottom of the shoe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A volunteer,
moves a limb to a pile beside the road, passes another volunteer and the second
is struck in the eye. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A man cleaning a
lawn, under a willow tree, is hit in the top of the head by a small falling
limb and it stabs him in the top of his head causing injury and a quick trip to
the emergency room.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A chainsaw
operator cuts a storm fallen tree. The root system, bent over underground, and
when the trunk is severed the remaining trunk stands rapidly back up. A child
was in the area playing while adults were working the tree clean up. The child
was crushed and killed under the roots.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A homeowner
rushes around his property after a storm trying to pick up debris and remove a
fallen tree in his back yard. He approaches the fallen tree and steps on a
wire, thinking the power is off, and is electrocuted. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A chainsaw
operator with a recently purchased saw was pushing, the now dulling or dull
saw, through a limb on a storm fallen tree. The limb was bent and loaded with
pressure and when the saw finally made it through the cut the saw was thrown
quickly back toward the operator’s left leg. He was rushed to the emergency
room.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A storm clean up
volunteer was assisting, by pulling brush and limbs to a pile behind a chainsaw
operator. As the limb was pulled it caused a pinch of the saw bar and the
operator pulled the saw free and into his right leg just above the ankle. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A worker was
assisting a chainsaw operator by pulling brush from the debris line. The
chainsaw operator turned around, not knowing the position of the worker, and
cut the worker pulling brush in the right arm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A chainsaw
operator is cutting a top clear on a wind broken tree when another chainsaw
operator decides to fell the standing trunk. The operator on the top is quickly
knocked down with his saw to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">I have spoken to many groups
over the years on chainsaw applications and most deal with the use of a saw
after a storm at some point. The stories above- all came from real stories
related to me during breaks and conversations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">I have found, in my
experience anyway, that once a storm takes place it’s too late for training.
Yes, review can be suggested and plans can be formulated but the information
needed to be in practiced regarding saw maintenance and cutting techniques will
not be taken into use and reality once the volunteering at the work site begins.
Unless, the basis of knowledge is already in place the safety will not be in
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Safety is an awareness of
the things that can cause accidents and injury. You cannot put together a plan
to prevent accidents if you are unaware of the issues that may cause them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Volunteer groups have been
organized in several areas across the country for cleanup work on recent floods
and tornados. Organizing groups like the Baptist Disaster Relief and
Samaritan’s Purse have extensive training programs to train volunteers prior to
storm needs. FEMA and the Red Cross teams utilize these organizers as well as
their own. However, there are many Church and Civic Organizations that want to
help, and because of the many needs, thousands of volunteers approach storm
clean up operations with little or no awareness training.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">A smaller organizer(s)
should work hard to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">plan the storm</i>!
Seek the experience of some of the larger groups for training prior to the
need. Understand please that you cannot wait until the need arises to gain the
training knowledge and awareness. At a minimum, the need to have key people
trained to be able to organize the volunteers and have needed equipment and
tools ready to go should be in place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">From a chainsaw operations
standpoint:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Have your
equipment ready to go. The chainsaw(s) to be used must be in top working
condition. The Operator’s Manual should accompany the saw along with any
necessary tools specific to the unit. Operators should be familiar with the
particular saw type before work begins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Spare guide bars
and saw chains should be with the saw(s) to the storm worksite.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Mixed fuel and
chain oil should be located and supplies planned ahead to accomplish the work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Sharpening
systems must be considered and or located and an operator must practice and
understand when a chain is sharp and dull. When the chain needs sharpening. A
dulled saw chain is relatively more dangerous in storm damage work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) is to be required of all chainsaw operators on the
worksite. NO exceptions! Head, eye, ear, hand and leg protective wear as well
as boots should be on all chainsaw operators. If volunteers show up with
chainsaws they should not use them on the worksite without having proper PPE in
place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">A plan of work
for the area involving the chainsaw operators should be formulated and
supervised by the trained organizing/team leader. The chainsaw operator’s tasks
should begin with lead-time from the dragging, brushing and moving debris work.
In some cases larger equipment will need to be in place in the plan before
ground volunteers/workers are brought into the worksite. The work of pulling
and moving the debris must be time spaced after the sawing. It doesn’t have to
be more than just a few minutes separated, but distance (time space) needs to
be between chainsaws, equipment and workers on the ground moving debris.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Workers do not
hold limbs, logs, etc for the chainsaw operator’s to cut. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Large equipment
does not hold limbs or logs for chainsaw operators to cut. Move it to location
for safe cutting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:
Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial">Workers/volunteers
moving debris by hand should have heavy-duty footwear with traction soles.
Preferably high top work boots with ankle support. No running shoes, sneakers
or sandals allowed. Safety glasses and work gloves are required. If debris,
limbs and standing trees are still over the worksite, hardhats are required. In
some site conditions a dust mask is required. According to the task, but
especially with tree debris work, long pants and long sleeve shirts are proper
work apparel. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">You may think of a few more
bullet points for storm planning that can be added to these. I am continuing to
compile more as I think though what’s needed in different storm scenarios.
Elvex Safety has agreed to sponsor and produce a storm planning video to
include these thoughts and also the most important cutting techniques related
to chainsaw operations. Visit <a href="http://www.forestapps.com">www.forestapps.com</a>
and subscribe to our free ChainPoint eNews for more future details.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Forest Applications
Training, Inc. is a training company with over 20-years of history specializing
in chainsaw applications and safety for logging, tree care, government agencies
and disaster relief. Tim Ard is the President and Lead Instructor and has
conducted chainsaw training in over 40 states. For information call 770-222-2511
or write <a href="mailto:info@forestapps.com">info@forestapps.com</a> .<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">© Copyright 2011 Forest
Applications Training, Inc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</span>Reprint with permission acceptable. <a href="mailto:info@forestapps.com">info@forestapps.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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