A person was injured while operating a mechanical harvester. A piece of chain broke off the processing head and flew through the protective glass of the harvester striking the operator in the chest.

'Chain shot' are pieces of saw chain that fly free when a chain breaks during use. These pieces of chain travel at very high speeds and can forcibly strike anyone or objects in their path. The possibility of chain shot is present during the operation of any kind of logging machinery equipped with a guide bar and saw.

Operators of harvester heads, stroke delimbers, or dangle-head processors are most at risk of serious injury; however, person working near such equipment are also at risk.

Preventive Measures

The following are some suggestions for reducing the possibility of chain shot:

• Ensure Manufacturer specifications are followed, particularly use and maintenance specifications
• Retro-fit cutting heads with safeguards when available from the manufacturer
• Do not modify equipment without checking with the Manufacturer
• Inspect chains before using them; train operators to properly inspect and report problems (cracks, worn parts, loose rivets) with saw chains, bars, sprockets and other saw head components; do not use until problems have been fixed
• Use the correct amount and type of lubricant on chains
• When operating the equipment, where possible, position the head in a direction that if the chain breaks it would not travel towards any people
• Do not modify the cahin speed beyond the manufacturer specifications
• Keep chains sharp

(portions of the above material were excerpted from a Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Hazard Alert)

Additonal Resources

For further information please go to the following sites:

Broken Chain link almost kills worker - WorkSafe BC video, 2 minutes (you tube)

Hazard Alert - WorkSafe BC

Safety Alert of the Month - BC Forest Safety Council (pdf)

Chain Shot Safety Information - Oregon Cutting Systems