Pruning Saws (Download)
Pruning Saws http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kM7t6IwmQlQ/SQc65HgEWBI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/8CHm5hW_L4g/s400/professional+pruning+saws.JPG Description Pruning saws allow for quick and easy cutting of smaller branches and limbs. They are especially useful when cutting sticky, gummy plants and live wood. Pruning saws come in fixed and folding blade designs, and some have belt scabbards so they are always handy. http://gardening.about.com/od/toolschool/ig/Pruning-Tools/Pruning-Saws.htm http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Zdk9SnemL._SL500_AA300_.jpg An example of a pruning saw. Kinds of Pruning Saws Curved Blade Saw Best for home use and in nurseries This type has a 12” -16” blade with six teeth per inch http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Zdk9SnemL._SL500_AA300_.jpg An example of a curved blade pruning saw. Kinds of Pruning Saws Straight Double-Edged Saw Best for cutting sap or green wood This type has a 6 – 8 teeth per inch on one side and 4 – 6 larger teeth per inch on the other side An example of a straight double-edged pruning saw. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/Fspubs/05232810/fig023.gif Kinds of Pruning Saws Tri-Cut Blade Saw This type has teeth that are sharpened on three sides, like a triangle Designed to cut faster and easier Stays sharper longer than traditional saws An example of a tri-cut blade. http://esscodist.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/Trie250.GIF Kinds of Pruning Saws Tree Saws This type has a straight or curved 12- 16 inch blade and a pistol style handle The saw’s teeth cut on the pull stroke and slides back on the push stroke An example of a tree pruning saw. http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/htmlpubs/htm88232601/images/proprune.jpg Kinds of Pruning Saws Folding Saws Ideal for light pruning Very portable and safe to transport http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/pruning-tools-felco-pruning-saws-c-29_78.html An example of a folding pruning saw. Kinds of Pruning Saws Pole and Rope Saws Used for cutting high limbs without the aid of a cherry-picker However, found to be difficult and awkward to use An example of a pole and rope pruning saw. http://www.benmeadows.com/images/xl/CORONA-Professional-Pole-Saw-BEN-_i_bmw150430.jpg Construction Uses Pruning saws have a blade that is used to cut branches and small trees. Their construction use relates primarily to landscaping and site clearing. Pruning saws can be used for thick or high , difficult to reach branches. A worker using a pruning saw for site clearing. http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/htmlpubs/htm88232601/images/figure04.jpg Pruning Hazards Many pruning activities require workers to enter into thick brush, creating a safety hazard. Such an environment can cause skin lacerations or eyes harmed due to ricocheting branches, flying debris, or sharp twigs. A potentially hazardous area in which pruning saws would typically be used. http://www.pansite.org/vegetation.JPG Pruning Hazards Sawing branches may cause particulate matter to fill the air. This presents an inhalation hazard. Falling limbs and debris are dangerous and may be fatal. Branches or Foliage http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/rd/how-to-know-when-to-use-saws-for-pruning-trees0.jpg Cutting branches with pruning saws can be hazardous. Pruning Hazards It is important to check the condition of the pruning blade before use. A dull or rusty blade can be a safety hazard as well as inefficient. Blade Condition and Maintenance http://www.ehow.com/pruning-saw/#ixzz1HSJ6f3AQ http://i.ehow.co.uk/images/a07/a8/ca/remove-rust-saw-800X800.jpg Pruning saws need regular maintenance and upkeep to keep them in pristine condition. Pruning Hazards Pinch Point: Many pruning saws are collapsible. Fingers could be caught between the blade and the handle Slipping: Proper control must be maintained over the blade to avoid slipping. A slip could result in a severe cut. Breaking: Using excessive force while pruning may cause the blade to break. The resulting metal shards could injure the user Pruning Saws Pruning Hazards Bees, wasps, snakes and ticks within trees and foliage. Heat stroke Poison Ivy Miscellaneous http://thepracticalhorse.com/_Media/poison_ivy.jpg kauaihoney.com/images/FeralHive.jpg Bee hives can hang from branches that need to be pruned, causing greater potential for stings. Workers can brush up against poison ivy while pruning, causing skin irritation. Pruning Hazards Often times pruning activities take place in high trees which leads to falling concerns. The fact that a pruning saw is involved may cause a hazard in itself. For instance, a falling worker may land on an open pruning saw they were working with. Fall Potential Example of Pruning Fatalities A worker died while pruning trees in Scotland when he plunged 30ft from a cherry picker. Worker pruning on a cherry picker. http://www.friendsofthekoala.org/fok/files/images/koala%20country%20energy%20cherry%20picker%20003.preview.jpg www.dailyrecord.co.uk/…/man-dies-after-falling-from-cherry-picker-as-he- pruned -trees-86908-21441916/ Example of Pruning Fatalities A worker was trimming trees along an electric utility line. Numerous high- and low-voltage lines ran through the trees at various heights in this area. The worker was trimming a large branch when he leaned back to prune some small branches above his head. The back of the victim’s neck came into contact with a 7,200-volt power line and he was electrocuted. OSHA and Pruning Saws OSHA has not recorded any serious injuries or deaths related to pruning saws from 1990 thru 2009. http://www.commercialcleaningincharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/osha-logosvg.png An image of the OSHA logo. OSHA and Pruning Saws There are no OSHA regulations directly pertaining to pruning saws. http://eshpartnering.com/topics/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/OSHA-poster.jpg An example of a OSHA poster. Pruning Safety Pruners should wear protective eyewear, gloves, headwear, shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants Wear light-colored, thin clothing for hot days and warmer layers for cold or wet days . Wear sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats to protect against the sun Proper Attire Examples of proper protective equipment. http://www.cordless-drills.net/images/pictures/ao-safety-sx-safety-eyewear-full-frame-clear-lens.jpg http://thatwoman.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/hard_hat.jpg Pruning Safety Before pruning begins, survey the area for hidden hazards such as snakes , bees, and poison ivy. Workers should be trained in pruning hazards, safe pruning techniques, proper tool handling, ladder safety, and appropriate personal protective equipment. Proper Training Pruning Safety Never prune trees or branches within 10 feet of power lines. Maintain a safe working distance from other people when using pruning tools. Do not attempt to cut branches bigger than the pruning tool was designed to cut. Proper Practices Should not prune trees or branches within 10 feet of a power line. http://www.srpnet.com/electric/graphics/pruning2.gif Pruning Safety Maintain a constant awaremess of the location of hands and fingers. The blade on a pruning saw needs to be sharpened with regular sharpening tools . Sheath pruning saws immediately after use to prevent accidental cuts. Proper Practices http://www.yates.co.nz/images/nz/products/books-tools-and-propagation/ars-pruning-saw-and-sheath-cam-24ln.jpg Covering pruning saws when not in use is safe practice. Think Safety Work Safely