Analysis of dust exposure during chainsaw forest operations

Marchi, Enrico; Neri, Francesco; Cambi, Martina; Laschi, Andrea; Foderi, Cristiano; Sciarra, Gianfranco; Fabiano, Fabio

doi:10.3832/ifor2123-009

Cited by 37 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Air sampling results showed that fire fighters exposures to wood dust were above the NIOSH and ACGIH recommended OEL of 1.0 mg/m 3 . These exposures were similar to those measured in forestry workers in central Italy using chain saws [Marchi et al 2017]. During our site visit, fire fighters were primarily cutting small oak trees; however, the kinds of trees or bushes fire fighters cut during fuel reduction can vary by location.…”

Section: Wood Dustsupporting

confidence: 78%

Evaluation of wildland fire fighter exposures during fuel reduction projects.

Ramsey¹,

Eisenberg²,

Wiegand³

et al. 2019

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Section: Wood Dustsupporting

confidence: 78%

Evaluation of wildland fire fighter exposures during fuel reduction projects.

Ramsey¹,

Eisenberg²,

Wiegand³

et al. 2019

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“…Few studies have examined exposure of forest operators to wood dust, but it was determined that exposure to dust was 1.5 mg/m 3 for all operations except coppicing, where loads were greater [18]. Most loads, however, were lower than the EU occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 5 mg/m 3 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is estimated that in 25 member states of the European Union, 2% of the work force is occupationally exposed to inhalable wood dust [22]. In the European Union the Directive 99/38/EC [18], is setting the…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Influence of Chain Filing, Tree Species and Chain Type on Cross Cutting Efficiency and Health Risk

Marenče

Mihelič

Poje

2017

Forests

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As one of the major parts of the chainsaw, the cutting chain has an important impact on productivity and health risk in motor-manual harvesting. The efficiency of cross cutting and quantity of sawdust produced in relation to different cutting chain settings, chain producers and wood species has been measured. The trial was set up to include two tree species (fir and beech) and saw chains from two different producers. The chains were filed at three different top plate filing angles and depth height gauges. All factors were significant in terms of cutting efficiency and wood dust production. The top plate angle recommended by producers proved to be the most efficient, with the smallest quantity of inhalable wood dust. Cutting chain settings can be adapted to the specific requirements of the user; however, safe working practices should be followed. Significant differences between chain producers mean that users should conduct rational decision making when choosing a saw chain.

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“…Motor-manual tree felling, processing, and pruning by chainsaws, powered by internal combustion engines, are still very common in many countries [1][2][3][4][5] due to its multifunctional use and low financial investment [6][7][8]. However, the use of chainsaws results in the exposure of workers to hazards such as noise, hand-arm vibrations (HAVs), exhaust gases, and wood dust [9,10]. Chainsaw use shows one of the highest accident rates in professional and non-professional work [11][12][13][14] and causes several types of occupational diseases due to the repeated or continuous exposure to unfavourable environmental conditions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determining Noise and Vibration Exposure in Conifer Cross-Cutting Operations by Using Li-Ion Batteries and Electric Chainsaws

Neri

Laschi

Foderi

et al. 2018

Forests

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In many activities, chainsaw users are exposed to the risk of injuries and several other hazard factors that may cause health problems. In fact, environmental and working conditions when using chainsaws result in workers’ exposure to hazards such as noise, vibration, exhaust gases, and wood dust. Repeated or continuous exposure to these unfavourable conditions can lead to occupational diseases that become apparent after a certain period of time has elapsed. Since the use of electric tools is increasing in forestry, the present research aims to evaluate the noise and vibration exposure caused by four models of electric chainsaws (Stihl MSA160T, Stihl MSA200C Li-Ion battery powered and Stihl MSE180C, Stihl MSE220C wired) during cross-cutting. Values measured on the Stihl MSA160T chainsaw (Li-Ion battery) showed similar vibration levels on both right and left handles (0.9–1.0 m s−2, respectively) and so did the other battery-powered chainsaw, the Stihl MSA200C (2.2–2.3 m s−2 for right and left handles, respectively). Results showed a range of noise included between 81 and 90 dB(A) for the analysed chainsaws. In conclusion, the vibrations and noise were lower for the battery chainsaws than the wired ones, but, in general, all the values were lower than those measured in previous studies of endothermic chainsaws.

show abstract

Analysis of dust exposure during chainsaw forest operations

Abstract: , and in only two samples (one in conifer pruning and one in clear cut in coppice), the concentration was slightly higher than 5 mg m -3 .

Cited by 37 publications

References 30 publications

Evaluation of wildland fire fighter exposures during fuel reduction projects.

Evaluation of wildland fire fighter exposures during fuel reduction projects.

Influence of Chain Filing, Tree Species and Chain Type on Cross Cutting Efficiency and Health Risk

Determining Noise and Vibration Exposure in Conifer Cross-Cutting Operations by Using Li-Ion Batteries and Electric Chainsaws

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