Chainsaws, with their roaring engines and aggressive appearance, have been a staple of horror films and urban legends for years. While they’re incredibly efficient at felling trees and cutting firewood, their capability also comes with a dark side.
a chainsaw can indeed cut through a person, and the results would be devastating. The sharp teeth of a chainsaw, primarily designed for dense wood, would mercilessly slice through human flesh, bone, and muscle, causing grievous injuries and extensive blood loss.
We’ll delve into the mechanics of why chainsaws are so deadly and discuss the importance of safety precautions. Join us as we unpack this alarming topic.
Can a Chainsaw Cut Through A Person – Truth
You might think that a chainsaw can’t cut through the human body. However, chainsaws are lethal; they can sever human bone like wood and flesh like butter. They are often even applied to amputations.
Bones are more durable than flashes, but they are fragile. Therefore, a low-power woodworking chainsaw can cut through a person. You don’t need to use a heavy chainsaw or apply extra pressure to make it operate.
If the person wears safety clothes, the saw can get snagged before it gets to the bone. It means Chainsaws don’t seem to have any difficulties cutting through human flesh, but the clothing might be an issue.
It’s the core idea of chainsaw chaps. Before cutting into your skin, the saw becomes tangled as it comes into contact with the chaps.
An Insight into Chainsaw History (guide in 2023)
The original purpose of chainsaws was to cut bone during childbirth. The chainsaw was created in the 18th century to facilitate childbirth by cutting through the pelvic bone.
The doctors used a procedure known as a “symphysiotomy” to aid with the baby’s delivery. To produce more space for the baby involves removing certain bones and cartilage.
The chainsaw’s original use on women changed in the 19th century when it became extensively industrialized and utilized in cutting trees. Therefore, it is not shocking that a chainsaw can cut through the body.
Will a Chainsaw Cut Through Bone and Meat?
A chainsaw can cut through bone and meat and is often utilized in butcheries and meat processing plants for quick and efficient cuts.
When cutting through bone and meat, the chainsaw should be clean, well-maintained, and used with precision to ensure the meat’s integrity and worker safety. Always employ proper safety precautions to prevent accidents during the process.
Can a Chainsaw Cut Through Other Materials?
Chainsaws are versatile and capable of cutting through various materials with appropriate attachments. They can efficiently cut through ice, making them valuable for ice sculptors. With specialized blades, chainsaws can also cut through shingles, assisting in roofing tasks.
Additionally, chainsaws can cut through plastic, though it’s essential to use the correct chain to avoid melting the plastic. Always consult the user manual and wear safety gear when cutting through different materials.
Are Chainsaws Dangerous? (minimize the risk)
Chainsaws are among the most hazardous types of equipment, and improper handling can result in deadly injuries.
Read the full article “Are Chainsaws Dangerous“
You should avoid using such risky items without the required training and safety equipment. Here are some potential risks it could present to you:
1. Kickback
It is one of the most frequent mishaps for chainsaw users. A kickback occurs when the chainsaw’s blade tip makes contact with a hard surface or unexpectedly becomes lodged in a piece of wood.
By doing so, the chain’s force will redirect in the other direction, or more specifically, toward the user.
read more: How Do I Know If My Chainsaw is Backwards?
Now, chainsaws come with a kickback mechanism to prevent kickback. Your chainsaw won’t move if a kickback occurs. However, it still has the potential to hit you in the face, and the steady blades can seriously hurt you.
2. Pushback and Pull-In
When the chainsaw’s blade strikes a hard surface like metal or unexpectedly becomes lodged, it results in pushback and pull-in.
In these scenarios, the chainsaw is either pushed back in the user’s direction or drawn toward the wood.
It increases your risk of losing your balance or falling over the tool’s moving blades. You can use a high-quality small chainsaw to avoid this issue.
3. Some Unusual Incidents
Talking about other uncommon accident types, including chain slides, is also crucial.
The chain may come off when you start using a chainsaw with a loose chain. It might therefore land on your face or another portion of your body.
Chainsaws now incorporate a “chain catcher” underneath the chainsaw to prevent such tragedies. It caught the chain immediately when it slipped.
Other mishaps include the user cutting his leg, slipping and falling onto his chainsaw, etc. Most accidents occur because of the user’s lack of attention to their surroundings.
Can a Chainsaw Kill You? (Can it Result in Death)
The short answer is yes. The chainsaw is among the most destructive power tools. They may potentially cause death if used poorly. In fact, the USA alone reports about 28,000 chainsaw-related incidents annually.
Accidents may occur if the chain snaps while the saw is in use. As a result, the saw or flying debris strikes the operator.
Accidents can also happen when the saw operator loses control. As a result, they get clipped instead of the intended target.
Read the full article “Can a Chainsaw Kill You“
The most frequent chainsaw-related fatalities include lacerations, amputations, fractured bones, back strains, and even death.
Modern chainsaws do, however, incorporate safety precautions.
For instance, they include chain catchers, chain breaks, vibration-reducing devices, and safety throttles. These characteristics reduce the possibility of harm or death.
Safety Gear For Chainsaw (7 Tips For Beginners)
Follow these safety precautions when using a chainsaw.
Hard Hat
To protect your head from falling debris and accidental cuts, it’s important to wear a hard hat.
Eye Protection
To keep your eyes safe from sawdust, chips, and other flying debris, wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields.
Hearing Protection
To prevent hearing damage from the loud noise of a chainsaw, wear earplugs or earmuffs for hearing protection.
Work Gloves
Work gloves will protect your hands from cuts, blisters, and vibrations from the chainsaw.
Protective Footwear
Steel-toed boots will protect your feet from falling objects and accidental cuts.
Chaps or Cut-resistant Pants
Chaps or pants made from cut-resistant material will protect your legs from accidental cuts.
Long-Sleeved Shirt
To protect your arms from cuts and sun exposure, wear a long-sleeved shirt.
What to do if you are involved in a chainsaw accident
I totally understand how terrifying a chainsaw accident can be. If you or someone you know is ever involved in one, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Turn Off the Chainsaw: First and foremost, make sure the chainsaw is off. Get it far away so there’s no further harm.
Step 2: Call for Help: Seriously, if it looks bad or even if you’re just unsure, dial emergency services. In the US, that’s 911.
Step 3: Apply Direct Pressure: Got bleeding? Use a clean cloth or bandage and press down. If the bleeding’s super bad and won’t stop, consider using a tourniquet above the injury.
Step 4: Stay Calm: I know it’s tough, but try to keep your cool. Panicking or getting too worked up can make things worse, especially if there’s bleeding.
Step 5: Avoid Removing Embedded Objects: If something got lodged into the skin because of the accident, leave it be. It might be stopping more bleeding.
Step 6: Evaluate Equipment: Once everything’s settled, look over that chainsaw. See if there’s any damage or issues that might’ve caused the accident.
Key Takeaway
- Chainsaws are powerful and versatile.
- Originating with medical purposes, now widely used in various industries.
- Potential to cause serious harm if misused.
- Can cut through diverse materials, including bone.
- Utmost caution and safety measures are essential.
- Always prioritize safety to prevent accidents.
Ethan Morgan, a seasoned arborist and chainsaw aficionado, has spent over a decade in the forestry industry. He has hands-on experience with a wide variety of chainsaws and is proficient in their operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.
Morgan’s wealth of knowledge, backed by a Chainsaw Operator Certification, enables him to provide high-quality, trusted advice for both hobbyists and professionals. He’s dedicated to sharing his expertise, fostering a safer and more efficient chainsaw community through YourSawHouse.com
