CSA Group CSA Z62.1:26 National Standard of Canada Chain saws

Preface

This is the seventh edition of CSA Z62.1, Chain saws. It supersedes and replaces the previous editions of CSA Z62.1, Chain saws, and CSA Z62.3, Chain saw kickback.

The following are the major changes to this edition:

a) consolidation of content from CSA Z62.1 and CSA Z62.3 into a single, unified standard;

b) revision of the scope to apply exclusively to fuel-powered chain saws, with corresponding updates to the classification;

c) updated references for electrically powered chain saws, now addressed through applicable CSA standards; and

d) alignment of kickback performance testing with ISO 9518 and updated provisions for evaluating 1/4-in pitch replacement saw chains.

The effective implementation date of this Standard is expected to be two years from the date of publication; this would apply to all products built after that date. Manufacturers may also bring their products into compliance with this Standard anytime after the publication date.

This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Manually Portable Power Saws and Power Cutters, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Notes:

1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.

2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.

3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.

4) A request for interpretation can be submitted to clarify the meaning of a provision in this Standard. To submit a request for interpretation, please refer to www.csagroup.org/request-for-interpretation. Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines governing standardization and are available on the Standards Activities page at standardsactivities.csagroup.org.

5) This Standard is subject to review within five years from the date of publication. Suggestions for its improvement will be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:

a) Standard designation (number);

b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;

c) wording of the proposed change; and

d) rationale for the change.

1 Scope

1.1 Inclusions

This Standard applies to portable, handheld, fuel-powered chain saws intended for forestry and other wood-cutting applications. It describes safety and environmental requirements for the design of chain saws.

1.2 Exclusions

This Standard does not apply to the following types of chain saws:

a) electrically powered chain saws for forest service (see CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62841-4-1); and

b) electrically powered chain saws for tree service (see CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62841-4-9).

1.3 Terminology

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.4 Units of measurement

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.