Certified Arborist Practice Exam

Engaging the chain brake before starting a chainsaw is crucial for safety. The chain brake is designed to prevent the chain from moving while the engine is revving up and the chainsaw is idling. This becomes especially important as it minimizes the risk of accidental contact with the cutting chain, which can cause injury. Using the chain brake ensures that if the chainsaw were to start moving unexpectedly, it would remain in a safe position until the operator is ready to use it. This practice is part of standard operating procedures for chainsaw safety, emphasizing the importance of always prioritizing the safety features of the equipment before operating it. The other options, while related to the operation of a chainsaw, do not address the critical safety aspect that the chain brake provides before the equipment is engaged and whereas the ignition turns on the power and throttle controls the speed, it is the chain brake that directly mitigates risk during the starting phase.