Michigan Administrative Code
Department - Labor and Economic Opportunity
MIOSHA
General Industry and Construction Safety and Occupational Health Standards
General Industry Safety Standards
Part 38 - HAND AND PORTABLE POWERED TOOLS
FUEL POWERED TOOLS
Section R. 408.13882 - Chain saws

(1) A chain saw shall be used only for cutoff work such as cutting trees, limbs, poles and beams. A chain saw shall not be used to open a hole in a solid object such as a floor, wall, or panel. Chain saws that are specifically designed for firefighting operations to cut holes in roofs, floors, and walls are exempt from this rule.

(2) A chain saw shall be equipped with a positive-type on-off ignition switch that is conveniently located to allow the operator to move it into the off position without relinquishing his or her grip on the saw.

(3) A manual chain oiler control, if provided on a chain saw, shall be located so that it can be operated without relinquishing a secure grip on the saw.

(4) An engine throttle control, if provided on a chain saw, shall be located so that it can be operated without relinquishing a secure grip on the saw.

(5) A chain saw shall have a guard that protects the throttle lever from casual contact from brush or other foreign objects.

(6) A chain saw that is equipped with a centrifugal clutch shall have a throttle control, carburetor, and clutch system so that the engine idle speed becomes lower than the clutch engagement speed if the throttle control is released, thereby allowing the chain to come to a complete stop.

(7) A chain saw's moving parts, such as a flywheel, rotating screen or clutch, shall be guarded. A saw's chain shall be guarded adjacent to the handle area and the sawdust shall be directed away from the operator.

(8) A saw's chain shall be stopped if it is not being used for sawing.

(9) A chain saw shall be carried by the top handle with the guide bar to the rear.

(10) A chain saw shall not be started within 10 feet of the place where it was refueled.