On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 08:32:04 GMT, Lobby Dosser
wrote:

I think you need special dispensation or something to use a
chainsaw now in the UK.

You need a licence to stand _near_to_ someone else using a chainsaw.

This rule is generally observed in woodlands - it's the insurer's
rule, rather than a legal requirement, The HSE rules only extend to
operators, but it's now awkward for your liability cover if you have
anyone who's not a ticket holder anywhere on a site where you're
sawing.

On public "art events" though, where there's some chainsaw carving
going on, even basic safety rules go out of the window. Lots of real
cowboy stuff there, and one day there'll be an accident and the
tabloid papers will go berserk for a "Ban These Evil Machines"
campaign.

There are a series of licences for chainsaw operators, light felling,
heavy felling, and working at height with chainsaws. You're not even
allowed to buy a top-handle chainsaw without the right licence.

As to the actual injury rates, forestry in the UK has a good safety
record. If you hear of an accident, chances are that it's a farmer
with no training, no safety kit, and using an ancient unbraked saw
that was being hard to start.

--
Smert' spamionam