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Free chainsaw pre-start checklist
Free chainsaw pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers chain tension, bar, chain brake, throttle lock, spark arrestor and PPE. Download free.
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22 checks · 7 sections · Sign-off
22 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Asset ID
- Make / model
- Serial number
- Date
- Operator
- Location
Chain and Bar
Chain Brake
Throttle and Controls
Spark Arrestor
Anti-Vibration Mounts
Fuel and Oil System
PPE Check
Declaration
I confirm that all pre-start inspection items have been checked as indicated above. Any faults or defects have been recorded and reported. This chainsaw is / is not (circle one) safe for use. Do not operate if the chain brake, throttle interlock or spark arrestor has failed.
Operator
Signature · Print name · Date & time
Supervisor Acknowledgement
Signature · Print name · Date
The MapTrack chainsaw pre-start checklist contains 22 checks across 7 sections.
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General guidance only. Check the form against your equipment manual, site procedures and local requirements before using it.
Short answer
A chainsaw pre-start checklist records the operator's check before cutting: chain tension and sharpness, guide bar, chain brake, throttle lock, chain catcher, anti-vibration mounts, muffler and spark arrestor, fuel and bar oil, and the operator's protective gear. Arborists, forestry and council crews complete it before each cutting session as common practice. Regulation 213 of the model WHS Regulations requires competent-person maintenance following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Checked against Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack chainsaw pre-start checklist contains 22 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Chain and Bar, Chain Brake, Throttle and Controls, Spark Arrestor, Anti-Vibration Mounts, Fuel and Oil System, PPE Check.
- Regulation 213 sets no before-use check; it ties maintenance and inspection to the manufacturer's recommendations, and a check before each cutting session is common practice.
- Test the chain brake as the manufacturer's manual describes before cutting, and tag the saw out of use if it does not stop the chain.
- Where PPE is used to control a risk, regulation 44 requires the PCBU to provide suitable PPE, maintain it and ensure it is used.
- AS 2727-1997, the chainsaw safe working practices guide, is withdrawn with no listed replacement, so work from the manufacturer's manual.
- Each operator who picks up a shared saw checks it again, so the record ties the saw's condition to the person using it.
What is a chainsaw pre-start checklist?
A chainsaw pre-start checklist is a structured daily inspection form completed before operating a chainsaw on any worksite. It is used by arborists, forestry workers, landscapers, council crews, emergency services and general operators to confirm a chainsaw is safe to use before each cutting session. The checklist covers chain tension and sharpness, guide bar condition and wear, chain brake operation, throttle lock and trigger interlock, anti-vibration mounts, muffler and spark arrestor condition, chain catcher, fuel and bar oil levels, air filter and starter cord, and all required personal protective equipment including chainsaw chaps or trousers, helmet with visor and hearing protection, steel-capped boots and gloves.
In Australia, the WHS Act and WHS Regulations require a PCBU to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that plant, including chainsaws, is safe, and require it to be maintained and inspected by a competent person. Chainsaws are classified as high-risk plant due to the cutting chain, kickback hazard, and vibration exposure. Australian Standard AS 2727-1997 (Chainsaws, Guide to safe working practices, now withdrawn) gave guidance on chainsaw safety. A documented pre-start checklist is the standard method for meeting these obligations and provides evidence for audits, incident investigations and insurer requirements.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Running saws across landscaping crews? See landscaping equipment tracking for pre starts, servicing and who has each saw.
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Benefits of using this chainsaw pre-start checklist
- Kickback prevention: verify the chain brake engages correctly and the chain catcher is in place before every use.
- Chain integrity: confirm chain tension, sharpness and condition to reduce the risk of chain derailment or breakage.
- Fire safety: check the spark arrestor and muffler condition to prevent ignition in dry or fire-prone environments.
- Operator safety: ensure all required PPE (chaps, helmet, visor, hearing protection, gloves, boots) is present and in serviceable condition.
- WHS compliance: documented pre-start inspections demonstrate the PCBU has met their duty of care for plant inspections under WHS Regulations.
- Vibration management: inspect anti-vibration mounts and handles to reduce hand-arm vibration exposure for operators.
What to include in a chainsaw pre-start checklist
- Chainsaw details: make, model, serial/fleet number, bar length, chain type and site location.
- Operator details: name, qualification/competency reference, inspection date and time.
- Chain and bar: chain tension, chain sharpness, depth gauges, guide bar condition, bar groove wear, bar nose sprocket.
- Chain brake and safety: chain brake operation (manual and inertia), throttle lock, trigger interlock, chain catcher.
- Anti-vibration system: front and rear anti-vibration mounts, handle condition.
- Engine and fuel: fuel level, bar and chain oil level, air filter, spark plug, starter cord, choke and decompression valve.
- Muffler and spark arrestor: muffler condition, spark arrestor screen (clean and intact).
- PPE check: chainsaw chaps or trousers, helmet with face visor, hearing protection, chainsaw gloves, steel-capped boots.
- Defect register: item, description, action required, reported to.
- Sign-off: operator signature and date.
How to use this chainsaw pre-start checklist
Record chainsaw and operator details
Note the chainsaw make, model, serial number and bar length at the top of the form. Record your name, competency details (such as AHCPCM205), the date, time and site location for traceability.
Inspect chain bar and safety devices
Check chain tension by pulling the chain at the bar midpoint and verify sharpness of each cutter tooth. Inspect the guide bar for groove wear and nose sprocket condition. Test the chain brake using both manual push and inertia activation methods.
Check engine fuel and spark arrestor
Verify fuel and bar oil levels are adequate for the planned cutting session. Inspect the air filter for blockage, check the starter cord for fraying, examine the muffler and confirm the spark arrestor screen is clean and undamaged.
Inspect anti-vibration mounts and handles
Check front and rear anti-vibration mounts for cracks, perishing or deterioration that would increase vibration transmission. Confirm both handles are secure, undamaged and provide a firm grip. Replace any worn mounts before operation.
Verify PPE is complete and serviceable
Confirm you have chainsaw chaps or trousers meeting AS/NZS 4453.3, a helmet with face visor, hearing protection rated for chainsaw noise, chainsaw gloves with cut protection and steel-capped boots, all in serviceable condition.
Record defects and sign off
Log any faults in the defect register with a clear description and action required. Report safety-critical defects to the supervisor before using the chainsaw. Sign, print your name and date the completed checklist.
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How often should you complete this checklist?
A chainsaw pre-start inspection must be completed before each use or at the start of each cutting session. If the chainsaw is used by multiple operators each operator must complete their own pre-start check. Chainsaws used in arborist and forestry operations are typically inspected at the start of every shift. The chain brake must be tested before every cutting session without exception.
The WHS Regulations require the PCBU to ensure plant is inspected and maintained so it remains safe. Most state and territory codes of practice for tree work and chainsaw operation mandate a daily pre-start inspection. In MapTrack you can schedule chainsaw inspections by asset and receive alerts when checks are overdue ensuring no chainsaw is operated without a current pre-start record.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
A chainsaw pre-start checklist should cover chain tension and sharpness, guide bar condition, chain brake operation (manual and inertia), throttle lock and trigger interlock, chain catcher, anti-vibration mounts, muffler and spark arrestor, fuel and bar oil levels, air filter, starter cord, and all required PPE including chainsaw chaps or trousers, helmet with visor, hearing protection, gloves and steel-capped boots.
Link to this answerYes. Under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations the PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that plant is safe, and regulation 213 requires it to be maintained and inspected by a competent person. Chainsaws are classified as plant under the WHS Regulations. Most state and territory codes of practice for tree work and chainsaw operation specifically require a documented daily pre-start inspection. AS 2727-1997 (Chainsaws, Guide to safe working practices, now withdrawn) gave additional guidance on chainsaw safety.
Link to this answerThe chain brake must be tested before every cutting session. This is a non-negotiable safety check. Test both the manual (hand guard push) and inertia (kickback simulation) activation methods. If the chain brake does not engage immediately and stop the chain the chainsaw must not be used until repaired.
Link to this answerAustralian WHS codes of practice for chainsaw operation typically require chainsaw chaps or trousers (meeting AS/NZS 4453.3), a helmet with face visor (mesh or polycarbonate) and hearing protection, chainsaw gloves with cut protection, and steel-capped boots. Some jurisdictions also require high-visibility clothing when working near roads or machinery. Always check your specific state or territory requirements.
Link to this answerYes, this chainsaw pre-start checklist is completely free to download as a PDF. No account or signup is required. For teams wanting to move beyond paper forms, MapTrack offers a digital version that schedules each inspection, emails the assigned person in the week before it falls due, and stores completed records in the cloud for instant retrieval during audits.
Link to this answerApplicable regulatory standards
This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Work Health and Safety RegulationsMaintenance by a competent person per the manufacturer, and suitable PPE provided, maintained and used. | Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW)NSW: the same plant maintenance and inspection duty, numbered as in the model. | Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW), commenced 22 August 2025, text as at 21 January 2026 |
| NSW Parliamentary Counsel's Office (NSW Legislation) |
| Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)Primary duty to provide and maintain safe plant, so far as is reasonably practicable. | Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplaceHow plant is inspected and maintained by competent people following the manufacturer's instructions. | November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024) |
| Safe Work Australia |
Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)
Maintenance by a competent person per the manufacturer, and suitable PPE provided, maintained and used.
- reg 213: Plant must be maintained, inspected and, if necessary, tested by a competent person, following manufacturer or competent person recommendations; annual inspection applies only if neither is practicable.
- reg 44: Where PPE is used to minimise a risk, the directing PCBU must provide suitable, maintained PPE unless another PCBU has; its use is required so far as reasonably practicable.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW)
Edition: Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW), commenced 22 August 2025, text as at 21 January 2026
NSW: the same plant maintenance and inspection duty, numbered as in the model.
- s 213: Requires competent-person maintenance, inspection and necessary testing of plant, following the manufacturer's recommendations, else a competent person's, or annual inspection if neither is reasonably practicable.
- Part 5.1: General duties for plant and structures, covering designers, manufacturers, suppliers, installers and those managing plant.
Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)
Edition: Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025)
Primary duty to provide and maintain safe plant, so far as is reasonably practicable.
- s 19: Primary duty of care: a PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others, including safe plant, systems, training and supervision.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace
Edition: November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024)
How plant is inspected and maintained by competent people following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Section 3.5: Inspecting plant: how and when plant should be inspected by a competent person, reflecting reg 213.
- Section 3.6: Maintenance, repair and cleaning of plant, following manufacturer instructions and by competent people.
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.
The numbers behind this chainsaw pre-start checklist
The pages below gather the figures behind this kind of check. Each figure on them carries its source and date, so you can quote it in a toolbox talk, a budget case or a board paper without chasing the original report.
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The MapTrack chainsaw pre-start checklist contains 22 checks across 7 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Chainsaw Pre-Start Checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/chainsaw-pre-start-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Chainsaw Pre-Start Checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/chainsaw-pre-start-checklist
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/chainsaw-pre-start-checklist.
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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
<p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
<p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">Chainsaw Pre-Start Checklist</p>
<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Chainsaw details: make, model, serial/fleet number, bar length, chain type and site location.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Operator details: name, qualification/competency reference, inspection date and time.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Chain and bar: chain tension, chain sharpness, depth gauges, guide bar condition, bar groove wear, bar nose sprocket.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Chain brake and safety: chain brake operation (manual and inertia), throttle lock, trigger interlock, chain catcher.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Anti-vibration system: front and rear anti-vibration mounts, handle condition.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Engine and fuel: fuel level, bar and chain oil level, air filter, spark plug, starter cord, choke and decompression valve.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/chainsaw-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Chainsaw Pre-Start Checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.
About the author
Co-Founder & Commercial Director
Jarrod has spent over a decade in technology consulting and asset management, including roles at Accenture (mining and heavy industry) and CGI as an Asset Management Consultant. He co-founded MapTrack and built and scaled its original platform, then rebuilt it with Lachlan and Alex from thousands of customer conversations and 300+ user research sessions with field teams. His consulting background gives him deep insight into the operational and compliance challenges facing asset-intensive Australian businesses.
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