Chainsaws are a valuable tool for serious backyard work. But they are also among the most dangerous handheld tools that a person can easily buy or rent. This means that everyone who handles a chainsaw must take steps - even before turning on the machine - to ensure safety and best practices no matter what project they are working on.

What are some of these steps? Here are a few things to do before you start up your new chainsaw.

1. Speak With a Pro

Take the time to consult with an experienced professional before you start working in your backyard. If renting a chainsaw, explain what you need to do so that you can match the right chainsaw model with your work. Go over the tool's proper use, safety features, and maintenance with the rental pro. Remember that every model is a little different, so you should familiarize yourself with the specifics before use.

2. Use Safety Equipment

Anyone who works with power tools should also use good quality personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety. For chainsaw users, this includes safety glasses or goggles, a hard hat (for falling or flying objects), sturdy work gloves, work boots, and an apron or chaps made specifically to protect your legs. Inspect this safety equipment and don it before you pick up any chainsaw.

3. Have a Buddy

A second pair of eyes and hands is a good idea when cutting limbs or small trees. The buddy system gives you an additional person off of whom to bounce ideas - hopefully preventing any bad decisions. It also provides someone to watch out for safety and to help guide you or remove branches as you work. And it's someone who can help if there is an emergency.

4. Make a Plan

Talk and walk through your plan for how to proceed. What is your goal, and what specific things do you need to do in order to accomplish it? How will you proceed through the steps of your work? How will you do it safely?

If felling a small tree, for instance, how do you expect it to fall? Can you safely control its fall, or would it be wiser to go with its natural fall angle? What is your escape route? Once the tree is down, how will you cut it into smaller pieces? What size pieces do you need and where will they go?

5. Clear the Area

Don't get so focused on the tree or branches that you don't pay attention to what's around you. Is the ground below safe, solid, and dry? Could you slip and fall? If so, you may benefit from putting down something more solid to walk on. Look around the area to identify items that could be damaged if the tree falls in certain ways. Remove what you can. And ensure that you and your helper have unobstructed escape routes.

6. Inspect the Chainsaw

Before turning it on, go over what you learned about the chainsaw itself. If your buddy was with you when you rented it, ask them to help you be certain you're using it properly. Inspect the knobs, buttons, and chain to make sure that it everything is in good condition and tight. Practice using the safety features. Only when you're comfortable with the machine again should you actually turn it on.

Even if you're in a hurry, taking the right preparatory steps will keep everyone safe and help the work go quickly and easily. Want more tips on getting ready for your backyard chainsaw project? Visit the experts at Ever-Joy Rent All Corp today.