Which is the correct way to start a chain saw?
- By drop-starting it, pushing the saw away while pulling the cord
- On the ground or firmly supported, with the chain brake on
- Resting on the operator's knee, with the bar pointing at the ground
- Held in one hand at waist height, with the chain brake released
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B. On the ground or firmly supported, with the chain brake on
The saw is started with the brake on while held firmly on the ground or locked securely against the body in an approved position. Drop-starting leaves the saw uncontrolled and is prohibited.
Reference: ANSI Z133 (chain saws); arborist study guide: Safe Work Practices
A climber is about to make a chain saw cut in the tree. How must the climber be secured?
- With the climbing line alone, kept slack so the saw cannot reach it
- With a second attachment, such as a lanyard, plus the climbing line
- With the saw lanyard clipped to the harness as the second tie-in
- With the climbing line tied around the limb that is being cut
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B. With a second attachment, such as a lanyard, plus the climbing line
Two points of attachment are used when operating a chain saw aloft so that cutting one line does not cause a fall. A saw lanyard holds the saw; it is not fall protection.
Reference: ANSI Z133 (chain saw use in trees); arborist study guide: Climbing
What is the minimum breaking strength for an arborist climbing line when new?
- 5,400 pounds
- 10,000 pounds
- 3,600 pounds
- 2,700 pounds
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A. 5,400 pounds
Arborist climbing lines must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds when new. Rigging lines are chosen by working load for the job and are never used as climbing lines.
Reference: ANSI Z133 (ropes and climbing equipment)