Preface
This is the first edition of CSA Standard Z62.3, Chain Saw Kickback. It covers kickback requirements for gasoline-powered chain saws of 80 cm³ engine displacement and smaller, as well as electric-powered chain saws.
The Standard arose from a need to reduce injuries and fatalities in the Canadian forest industry, caused by accidents due to chain saw kickback. Saw chain designs were modified to produce chains that would reduce the degree of hickback. It therefore became important to evaluate the kickback performance of those chains and to determine the extend of their effectiveness.
The original intent was to prepare a standard that would evaluate only the performance of so-called low-kickback chain without the influence of safety features such as chain brakes. Chain saws, however, are normally sold as complete units, so it became necessary to develop a dual approach. The current Standard therefore addresses the performance of chain as part of a complete chain saw unit, as well as chain purchased separately as replacement chain.
This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Chain Saws under the jurisdiction of the Standards Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety.
Scope
1.1
This Standard specifies kickback requirements for gasoline-powered chain saws, 80 cm³ (4.88 cubic inches) engine displacement and smaller, Classes 1A, 1B, and 1C, and electric-powered chain saws, Classes 2A and 2C, as defined in CSA Standard Z62.1.
1.2
This Standard also specifies kickback requirements for saw chains.
1.3
This Standard also specifies kickback marking requirements.
1.4
The values given in SI (metric) units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
