If landscaping winter projects are on your to-do list, keep in mind that they can be dangerous if they aren’t done properly. It’s important to take precautions and stay safe while working outside. Here are some smart safety tips to keep in mind:
Wear protective gear. Personal protective gear is a must when cutting wood in any season, but in the winter it’s especially necessary due to the cold. Be sure to wear gloves, a hat under a helmet, hearing protection, and safety goggles to cover your eyes. A warm jacket and chaps will keep your body safer from the elements and the risks of using a chainsaw and cutting wood.
Check the conditions. In the winter, the ground is likely to be frozen and it could be slippery in some areas. When cutting wood with a chainsaw, you want to be sure that you have solid footing and aren’t on a slippery surface. Proper footwear with good traction is a must. If you can avoid it, don’t work outside when it’s very windy, snowing, or when there’s freezing rain coming down. Ideally, you want to be outside when there’s little to no wind and the conditions are calm.
Store equipment properly. If you’re going to be cutting wood with a chainsaw, make sure that it’s been properly stored. The sprocket cover should be clean and free from moisture. Try to keep the fuel tank dry, and remove any snow surrounding it before getting started. The throttle trigger should also be free of snow. You want your equipment to be as dry as possible in order to ensure that it functions properly and safely.
Hire professionals. The very best way to ensure your safety is by hiring professionals to take care of all of your wood cutting and winter landscaping needs. The Ohio Valley Group has extensive experience and the right skills to carry out the job properly and safely. Save yourself the time and the trouble, and simply call in the professionals. You’ll stay safe, and they will too, because they have the right equipment and skills to do so.