Drop starting

[mark_sauls]

[ QUOTE ]
Drop starting is really hard on shoulders elbows and wrists.

[/ QUOTE ]

only if it doesn't start

 

[Mangoes]

Our policies aloft are grey(er). Though staff are encouraged to not employ opposing motions (i.e. saw to ground - hand to sky). This is a hard habit to discourage with top handled saws.

However; on the ground I enforce a strict policy of leg lock or ground start, notwithstanding a flooded saw.

My career evolution started from the far side of the safety/arboricultural spectrum (no hard hats, no saw pants, free climbing, spur to prune and drop starting) and over 20 years has moved to the opposing side of the spectrum with good mentorship.

At the point when I became a mentor myself I chose a strict non-drop starting policy on the ground and i quickly observed that there was ZERO loss in productivity, yet an increase in percieved professionalism by co-workers and clients/observers. Some occasionally making comment that they had never seen such a safe manner or care of operation. Quite the paradigm for a residential customer to express!

Additionally - when teaching i found a manner of defense which seemed to be logical and readily accepted even by opposing perspectives.

Goes like this:

X = equals successfull ignition of saw

Drop starting requires -
A (R arm back)
B (L arm down)
C (L wrist resist rotation)
D (L arm out and away from appendages)

Therefore X=A+B+C+D

Wheras leg lock requires -
A (R arm up)
B (L arm locked straight)

Therefore X=A+B

By simple complexity of equation the leg lock method is safer.

 

[Pelorus]

Whereas leg lock requires -
A (R arm up)
B (L arm locked straight)
C insert rear handle of saw between legs. If stance appears awkward and unstable, it is because that is what it is.
D utter brief prayer that you don't topple over if the piston locks

 

[Mangoes]

I suppose the algebraic equation ought to reflect bias;

X=(A+B+C+D)^O

O=opinion, wherby opinion greatly influences perception of the equation.

I beleive if someone were to dogmatically review each process and allocate a value for each function, it would be revealed that a secure start up procedure requires less variables to control. Mine is but a simple metaphor to illustrate a perspective.

But an alternate is this; would I ever teach/encourage one of my children to drop start a saw? Never.

(Notwithstanding the current ideal that my kids will NEVER be encouraged to pursue a tree care career, I pray they choose something else)

 

[Pelorus]

[ QUOTE ]
would I ever teach/encourage one of my children to drop start a saw? Never.
(Notwithstanding the current ideal that my kids will NEVER be encouraged to pursue a tree care career, I pray they choose something else)

[/ QUOTE ]

My son watched me fall and get badly hurt years ago. It really shook him up. He is studying to write the ISA CA exam next month, but I'm hoping he completes a carpentry apprenticeship, and does not follow in my footsteps.

 

[WillySieg]

[ QUOTE ]

By simple complexity of equation the leg lock method is safer.

[/ QUOTE ] Nice post but this reasoning is terrible.

IF
A= Notch
B= back cut
C= Tree on ground

Then
A+B=C

And
B=C

I think it's clear simplicity of equation doesn't equal safety.

 

[macswan]

Mangoes I appreciate your perspective on the drop starting, thanks.

 

[treehumper]

Been leg locking for about 5 yrs now and never toppled over.