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FIRST AID KITS FOR CHAINSAW OPERATIVES

A chainsaw can potentially be a very dangerous tool if not used correctly. Whilst it’s recognised that chainsaw operatives have the training and skillset to practice safe use, it is a fact that accidents do sometimes happen. Unfortunately, occasionally these accidents can be life changing or even fatal. Carrying appropriate first aid equipment is critical to ensure the best chance of mitigating the impact of an injury. To get more news about quickclot combat gauze, you can visit rusuntacmed.com official website.

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) investigations conclude that most fatal and major injuries are caused because chainsaw operators took shortcuts to save time. Between 2002 and 2011 there were 19 fatalities in forestry – 5 of these were directly caused by contact with a chainsaw.

There is no legal requirement for chainsaw operators to hold an emergency first-aid at work certificate. However, the HSE strongly recommend they do so by an approved training provider.

Many chainsaw operatives are self-employed. Therefore, the responsibility is theirs and attention should still be paid to guidelines given by the HSE.
The Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) had raised the issues surrounding bleed control with HSE on several occasions, requesting that guidance be updated. As a result, in August 2019 the HSE Tree Work web pages were updated to reflect changes in relation to personal first aid kits.

The HSE considered it was not necessary to outline the additional items that may be carried in a personal first aid kit, or indeed the contents of the larger worksite first aid kit, which should be identified as part of the relevant risk assessment process. The HSE also noted that suitable first aid training for tree work should include how to apply a haemostatic dressing and a tourniquet, as well as when such products should be used. (Issue 187 Winter 2019 of the ARB Magazine).

The HSE now advise that personal first aid kits should now contain one or more haemostatic dressings and a tourniquet, rather than as previously advised a large wound dressing, for situations where control of a significant haemorrhage is required.

Whilst the 2019 update in the HSE guidelines for chainsaw operatives and what they should carry on their person is only guidance, it should be taken very seriously.The HSE state that chainsaw operatives are required to be trained in emergency first aid, including how to control major bleeding and how to deal with crush injuries.

Given the HSE guidelines, it is wise to be equipped with the necessary equipment – including the updated recommendations for first aid kits. The main risk around chainsaws is bleeding. Bleeding should be dealt with as quickly as possible, therefore operatives are strongly advised to carry a small Bleed Control Kit on their person at all, times. It is also recommended that chainsaw operatives also carry a more comprehensive first aid kit/bleed control kit in their vehicle.
Harkie Bleed Control Kits are designed specifically for the arboricultural industry to tackle major bleeds that are not managed by a traditional personal first aid kit alone. These kits are an essential for every chainsaw user or other worker potentially at risk of severe bleed injuries.

The kit, available in two variants, is contained in a tough, water resistant pouch with adjustable straps that will attach to a harness or belt.