Chain Saw Safety Manual
English
8
– Establish escape paths for each 
worker – approx. 45° diagonally 
backwards
– Clear escape paths, eliminate 
obstacles
– Put down tools and equipment at a 
safe distance – but not on the 
escape paths
– When felling, stand only to the side 
of the falling trunk and only move 
back laterally onto the escape route
– Plan escape routes on slopes 
parallel to the slope
– When getting out of the way, watch 
out for falling branches and the 
crown area
Preparing the work area at the trunk
– Clear the work area at the trunk of 
branches, brush and other 
obstacles – secure footing for all 
workers
– Carefully clear the base of the trunk 
(e.g., with an axe) – sand, stones 
and other foreign objects will dull the 
saw chain
– Remove large buttresses: remove 
the largest buttress first – saw first 
vertically, then horizontally – only if 
the tree is in sound condition
Making a felling notch
With the help of the gunning sight on the 
shroud and fan housing of the chain 
saw, it is possible to check the direction 
of fall when cutting the felling notch. 
When making the felling notch, orient 
the chain saw so that the gunning sight 
points precisely in the direction in which 
you want the tree to fall.
Several possibilities are permissible 
when it comes to the sequence of 
horizontal and diagonal cuts – observe 
national regulations with regard to felling 
technique.
The felling notch (C) determines the 
direction of fall.
STIHL recommends the following 
procedure:
N Make a horizontal cut – in doing so, 
check the direction of fall with the 
gunning sight
N Start a diagonal cut at an 
approx. 45° angle
N Check the felling notch – then 
correct the felling notch, if 
necessary
Important:
– Felling notch at right angle to 
direction of fall
– As close to the ground as possible
– cut to a depth of approx. 1/5 to 1/3 
of the diameter of the trunk
001BA146 KN
001BA153 KN
001BA143 KN
C
C