This Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives your team a clear, step-by-step method for checking, starting and cutting with a petrol, battery or electric chainsaw. It covers the pre-start inspection, kickback and cutting technique, timber under tension, refuelling, chain tensioning and sharpening, shutdown and storage, and what to do if someone is cut. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Arborists and tree maintenance crews
Landscaping and garden maintenance businesses
Farms and rural property operators
Council parks and grounds maintenance teams
Firewood suppliers and land clearing contractors
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Cuts or amputation from contact with the moving chain
Kickback driving the bar and chain towards the operator
Being struck by falling branches, timber or debris
Timber under tension or compression springing back or pinching the bar
Burns or fire from a hot engine, exhaust or spilt fuel
Hearing loss from chainsaw noise
Hand arm vibration from prolonged use
Strains from the saw's weight and awkward cutting postures
Slips, trips and falls on uneven ground, wet timber or debris
Eye and skin injury from wood chips, dust and sawdust
What's included
10 pre-operational checks, from chain tension and bar oil to the chain brake, kill switch and exclusion zone
A 14-step operating procedure covering safe starting, kickback, cutting timber under tension, limbing, refuelling and chain sharpening
Isolation and energy control for clearing jams, adjustments, maintenance, refuelling and transport, for petrol and battery saws
9 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for chain cuts and serious bleeding, kickback, equipment faults and fires
PPE checklist, including chainsaw protective legwear and a face screen, and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover tree felling?
No. It covers general cutting, pruning and limbing. Felling large, hazardous, storm damaged or fire affected trees, work near overhead powerlines, and brushcutters, pole saws or cut off saws are covered by other procedures.
Does it suit battery and electric chainsaws?
Yes. It covers petrol, battery and electric chainsaws, including removing the battery before clearing a jam, adjusting the chain or doing maintenance.
Does it include chain sharpening and maintenance?
Yes. It includes checking and retensioning the chain during use, sharpening to the correct filing angle and depth gauge setting, cleaning the saw, and draining fuel before extended storage.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
