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Every lumberjack’s main job is cutting down trees for lumber, but before a tree can be cut down, it must be bucked.
Bucking is the process of cutting the felled and delimbed tree into logs of a specific length. It is a physically demanding job that requires skill.
Chain saws are commonly used for bucking, but manual saws and axes can also be used. The type of saw used depends on the size of the tree and the thickness of the logs.
As a beginner, do you wear a face shield when bucking wood? Most professional lumberjacks wear a face shield when bucking wood. Learn why you should do the same.
Do You Wear a Face Shield When Bucking Wood? Find Out the Reasons
A face shield is a piece of personal protective equipment that is worn on the head to protect the face from injuries. It is typically made of durable plastic and has a curved shape that covers the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
Bucking wood is dangerous because it can result in serious injuries if you are not careful. The face is a particularly vulnerable area, and even a small piece of firewood can cause serious injury.
Professional and amateur lumberjacks should both wear a face shield when bucking larger trees. Wearing a face shield when bucking wood is recommended for the following reasons:
1. Protect Your Eyes
One of the most important reasons to wear a face shield when bucking wood is to protect your eyes. The eyes are the most valuable part of your body and they should be protected at all times.
When using a chain saw, a lot of sawdust is produced, and if you do not wear a face shield, this dust can cause irritation to your eyes.
In addition, the chainsaw can also throw small pieces of branch that can hit you in the eye. A face shield will protect your eyes from both the sawdust and the small pieces of wood.
2. Protect Your Face
Another reason to wear a face shield when felling wood is to protect your face. A piece of wood can easily cause damage to your face, which is a very sensitive area. The wood particle and chainsaw kickback can hit you in the face.
You can also suffer a chain brake, and if the chain hits your face, you may sustain serious injuries. A face shield will protect your face from these particles. This will also protect your face from the sawdust that is produced by the chainsaw blade.
3. Avoid Inhaling Sawdust
When you are using a chainsaw, a lot of sawdust is produced. This sawdust can be harmful to your health if you inhale it.
Wearing a shield with a face mask will prevent the sawdust from entering your nose and mouth. This will help you to avoid inhaling the sawdust, which can cause respiratory problems.
4. Improve Visibility
Another reason to wear a face shield when bucking trunk and wood is that it can improve your visibility.
When you are using a chainsaw, the sawdust can obscure your vision and make it difficult to see what you are doing. Wearing a face shield will help to keep the sawdust away from your eyes so that you can see clearly.
5. Keeps You Cool
Wearing a face shield when bucking wood can also help to keep you cool. When you are safe from injuries, you can concentrate on your work without being concerned about possible hazards. Consequently, you will remain calm.
6. Protects Your Hearing
The sound generated by a chainsaw can be extremely loud, resulting in damage to your hearing. Wearing a face shield will protect your ears from the loud noise of the chainsaw. As a result, you will be able to avoid hearing loss.
7. Reduces Fatigue
Another reason to wear a face shield when bucking wood is that it can reduce fatigue. You should always be alert when working with a chainsaw.
If you are tired, you may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid an accident. Wearing a face shield will help you to stay alert and reduce the risk of accidents.
8. Gives You Confidence
As long as you wear a face shield, you will be able to handle a chainsaw with confidence. This is because you know that you are protected from potential injuries. As a result, you will be able to work more efficiently and safely.
9. Improves Communication
When you are wearing a face shield, it is easier for others to see your facial expressions. This can be helpful when you are working in a team. If you need to communicate with someone, they will be able to see your expressions and understand what you are trying to say.
10. Saves Time
If you do not wear a face shield, you will have to stop working more frequently to clean the sawdust from your eyes and face. Wearing a face shield will save you time because you will not have to stop as often.
11. Avoid Sunburn On Your Face
The sun’s harmful rays are exposed to you when you are working outdoors. Using a face shield will protect your skin from the sun’s rays and prevent sunburn. Therefore, you will be more comfortable working in the sun.
12. Keeps Insects Away from Your Face
Whenever you are working outdoors, you are at risk of being bitten by insects. This can cause distractions and even injury. By wearing a face shield, you are able to keep insects from getting close to your face, which allows you to concentrate on your work.
13. Convenient
A face shield is convenient to use because it can be easily removed when you need to take a break. You do not have to take the time to put on and take off the shield every time. This allows you to work more efficiently.
14. It Is the Law
In some states, it is mandatory to wear a face shield when using a chainsaw. Wearing a face shield will ensure that you are following the law and will help to avoid any potential penalties.
15. Looks Professional
When you wear a face shield, you will look more professional. This is because you will be taking the necessary precautions to avoid injuries. As a result, you will be more likely to be hired for jobs.
16. Saves Money
If you are injured while using a chainsaw, you may have to pay for medical bills. Wearing a face shield will help to avoid injuries, which will save you money.
17. Increases Productivity
When you are working safely, you will be able to work more quickly and efficiently. This is because you will not have to stop as often to take breaks or clean the sawdust from your eyes. As a result, you will be more productive.
How to Use a Face Shield?
To avoid any potential injuries, it is imperative to use a face shield correctly. Knowing how to properly use, therefore it is crucial. Here are the steps that you need to follow:
Step 01: Familiarize Yourself with the Face Shield
Before you start using the face shield, you need to familiarize yourself with it. This is because each type of face shield is different and has its own features.
You should therefore take the time to read the instructions that come with the face shield. Be sure to understand how each part of the face shield functions. This will help you to use it correctly. A face shield has these parts:
Visor – This is the part of the face shield that covers your whole face and eyes. Many face shields are equipped with safety glasses. It is important to ensure that the visor and glasses are clear so that you can see clearly while you are working.
Headgear – The component is responsible for securing it to your head. Make sure that the headgear is adjustable so that you can achieve a comfortable and secure fit.
Chin cup – Used to secure the face shield to the wearer’s chin. This ensures that the face shield will not move while you are working.
Helmet – Some face shields come with a helmet. If yours does, make sure that the helmet fits properly and is comfortable to wear.
Step 02: Check the Fit of the Face Shield
It is important to make sure that the face shield fits properly. This is because a poorly fitting face shield will not provide adequate protection. To check the fit, you should put on the face shield and adjust it until it is snug.
Be sure that you can see clearly through the face shield and that your entire face is covered. If your face shield has a helmet, wear the helmet and make sure that it is properly secured.
Step 03: Adjust the Headgear
Once you have put on the face shield, you need to adjust the headgear. In addition, your headgear is accountable for attaching the face shield to your head. To adjust the headgear, you should first loosen all of the straps.
Then, you should put on the face shield and position it so that it covers your entire face. Next, you should tighten the straps until the face shield is secure. You should be able to move your head without the face shield moving.
Step 04: Check the Chin Cup
If your face shield has a chin cup, you need to make sure that it is positioned correctly. The chin cup should be positioned so that it rests against your chin. Once it is in place, you should tighten the straps until it is secure.
By following these steps, you can be sure that you are using your face shield correctly. This will help to ensure that you are adequately protected while you are working.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Face Shield
You already know why you should use the face shield and how you can utilize it. However, you can only reap the benefits of it when you select the right one. The following factors should be taken into consideration when making your choice:
1. Material
The material of the face shield is an important consideration. It should be made from a durable material that can withstand impact.
2. Size
When choosing a face shield, you need to make sure that it is the correct size. The reason for this is that a small face shield will not provide adequate protection. On the other hand, a face shield that is too large can be difficult to wear and may obscure your vision.
3. Visor
The visor is an integral part of the face shield. It should be made from clear material so that you can see clearly while you are working.
4. Headgear
Attaching the face shield to your head is accomplished by the headgear. Make sure that the headgear is adjustable so that you can achieve a comfortable and secure fit.
5. Anti-fog
When working, you will want to be able to see clearly. To ensure this, you should choose a face shield that has an anti-fog coating.
6. Anti-reflective
If you will be working in an environment where there is a lot of light, you should choose a face shield with an anti-reflective coating. This will help to reduce the amount of glare that you are exposed to.
7. UV Protection
Whenever you are working in an environment where you will be exposed to UV rays, you should choose a face shield that offers UV protection. This will help to protect your face and eyes from the harmful effects of the sun.
8. Breathable
In order to be able to work comfortably, you must be able to breathe. To ensure this, you should choose a face shield that is breathable.
9. Reusable
If you are looking for a face shield that you can use multiple times, you should choose a reusable option. By doing so, you will save money over time.
Safety Precautions When Bucking Wood
Only using a face shield is not enough to protect you when you are bucking Wood. In order to be as safe as possible, you should take the following precautions:
1. Wear Gloves
Always wear gloves when bucking wood. This safety gear will help to protect your hands from splinters and other injuries.
2. Use the Proper Tools
You should only use tools that are designed for the task when working with wood. Using the wrong tools can lead to injuries.
3. Wear the Proper Clothing
Wearing appropriate clothing is essential when bucking wood from fallen tree. Avoid wearing clothing that is too loose or too tight. In addition, you should wear clothing that is made from breathable material.
4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Whenever you are engaged in woodworking, you should remain aware of your surroundings at all times. This includes being aware of potential hazards such as power lines or other objects that could fall.
5. Follow the Proper Procedures
It is always important to follow the proper procedures when working with wood. Doing so will ensure that you are working safely and correctly.
6. Wear a Dust Mask
In order to protect your lungs from the harmful particles that are generated while working with wood, you should wear a dust mask.
7. Keep Children and Pets Away
It is advisable to keep children and pets away from a woodworking area. This will help to prevent them from being injured by flying debris.
8. Have Someone Nearby
When you are doing woodwork, you should have someone nearby in case of an emergency. This person can provide assistance if you are injured.
Tips for Maintaining Your Face Shield
Proper care and maintenance of your face shield are essential to ensure that it remains effective. Here are some tips for maintaining your face shield:
1. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
When you are not using your face shield, you should store it in a cool, dry place. Doing so will help to prevent the material from becoming damaged.
2. Clean After Each Use
You should clean your face shield after each use. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could potentially damage the material.
3. Inspect Regularly
You should inspect your face shield regularly for any signs of wear or tear. If you notice any damage, you should replace the face shield immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions:
There are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to face shields. Here are a few of the most common questions:
1. How Long Do Face Shields Last?
Face shields typically last for several years. However, the lifespan of a face shield will depend on how often it is used and how it is taken care of.
2. Can I Clean My Face Shield With Soap and Water?
Yes, you can clean your face shield with soap and water. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals as they could damage the material.
3. Can I Wear My Glasses Under a Face Shield?
Under a face shield, you can wear your glasses. However, you should make sure that the glasses are not loose-fitting as they could fall off and become a safety hazard.
4. Any Woodworking Job Requires a Face Shield?
Woodworking is a big topic and there are many different aspects to it. Not every woodworking job will require the use of a face shield. However, there are certain situations where a face shield is necessary. For example, when you are working with power tools or when there is a risk of flying debris.
Conclusion
It is now clear why do you wear a face shield when bucking wood. Face shields are an important piece of safety equipment and they can help to protect you from injuries. Always make sure to follow the proper safety procedures when working with wood. This will help to ensure that you are working safely and correctly.