From: Pedersen, Aaron J -FS <ajpedersen@fs.fed.us>
Date: Mon, Aug 20, 2018 at 2:10 PM
Subject: FW: ****Important*** Stand down use of bow bars

All,

 The safety related concerns around the use of bow guide bars is topic we have covered extensively here in R6, yet it appears there is work still to be done.  

 Please help spread the word amongst sawyers that bow bars are not to be used in any situation (details below).

Saw Program Managers,

I need your help in spreading the word that bow bars should not be being used in any situation.

Specifically the NWCG Chainsaw training course (S-212 2012 version page 2.13) states:

"Bow bars are no longer approved for use on Stihl or Husqvarna chain saws (see owner's manuals; web addresses are listed in Appendix A). One of the primary reasons is that the bow bar changes the saw's center of gravity, preventing the chain brake from engaging properly during kickback. Bow bars should be removed from service."

The Stihl owner’s manual (for all types of saws) specifically warn against doing this :

                “Warning! Do not mount a bow guide on any STIHL chain saw. Any chain saw equipped with a bow guide is potentially very dangerous. The risk of kickback is increased with a bow guide because of the increased kickback contact area. Low kickback chain will not significantly reduce the risk of kickback injury when used on a bow guide.”

While OSHA and ANSI are silent on the subject and there is no specific current FS policy which prohibits the use of bow bars – we should always follow the intent of training materials and only use the equipment in a manner it was designed for by following the Manufacturer’s guidelines.

I have consulted with our Office of General Counsel (OGC) lawyer and their council was to immediately remove all bow bars from service to reduce the risk of liability should there be an accident resulting in injury or property damage.

I am asking that each of you contact your Forest Saw Coordinators to assure that bow bars are no longer being used.