As you look to pruning your landscaping, cleaning up the dead plants and trying to turn it back from brown to green, you might be tempted to grab the chain saw and start. 

However, nearly 150,000 people are injured using a chain saw each year. And they are not simple cuts. The average chain saw accident requires 110 stitches!

Many of these accidents could be prevented if a few simple steps were taken. Here's a few things:

1. Read the manual and understand the operating procedures.
2. Do not use alcohol when operating the saw
3. Prepare the saw properly with lubrication, tension, filters, etc
4. Use safety and caution when starting the saw.
5. Watch closely for kick back issues
6. Always avoid making cuts with the saw between your legs, always cut with the saw to the outside of your legs.
7. Don't stand on a log and saw between your feet.
8. Always stand to one side of the limb you are to cut, never straddle it.
9. Always keep in mind where the chain will go if it breaks, never position yourself or other people in line with the chain.
10. Keep the chain out of the dirt, debris will fly, the teeth will be dulled and the chain life shortened considerably.

For the full article, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/safety/ae1025w.htm