Chainsaw personal protective equipment (PPE)
It is essential that any one using a chainsaw either on or off the ground is provided with and wears appropriate PPE. Further information is contained in the following table and the safety topic section. Non-chainsaw users may also need to wear appropriate PPE, for example head, hearing or eye protection as identified in the task risk assessment.
| Equipment | BS or EN standard | Using a chainsaw on the ground | Using a chainsaw off the ground | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety helmet | BS EN 397 BS EN 14052 BS EN 12492 |
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Helmets to BS EN 397 or BS EN 14052 are only recommended for ground work. For tree climbing operations AFAG recommends a mountaineering style helmet complying with BS EN 12492. A helmet to this standard is also suitable for use on the ground where there is nothing in the task risk assessment to disqualify it. Helmets may be available which claim a BS EN 397 or BS EN 14052 shell and cradle but a BS EN 12492 chinstrap/retention system. Such hybrid helmets are also suitable for use on the ground where there is nothing in the task risk assessment to disqualify it. |
| Hearing protection | BS EN 352-1 BS EN 352-2 BS EN 352-3 |
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| Eye protection mesh visor | BS EN 1731 | |
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Consider the need for eye and face protection from flying debris created by the chainsaw and other hazards such as branches. Also consider hazards caused by reduced quality vision when wearing the protection. |
| Safety glasses or goggles | BS EN 166 | |
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Consider the need for eye protection from flying debris created by the chainsaw and other hazards such as branches. Glasses may not stay on the head as well as goggles for working at height. |
| Gloves | BS EN 381-7 | |
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Suitable gloves for the task and subject to the operator's risk assessment. Consider the need for protection from cuts from the chainsaw, thorny material and cold/wet conditions. Where chainsaw protection is required this should be to BS EN 381-7 |
| Leg and groin protection | BS EN 381-5 | |
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AFAG recommends Type C leg protection for aerial work, because of the high all-round chainsaw cut protection. Where wearing Type C is impractical (eg because of the higher risk of heat stress), it may be appropriate to use Type A, where justified by risk assessment. |
| Chainsaw boots | BS EN ISO 17249 | |
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Protective boots with good grip and protective guarding at front vamp and instep. |
| Gaiters | BS EN 381-9 | For occasional users working on even ground where there is little risk of tripping or snagging on undergrowth or brash, worn in combination with steel toe-capped safety boots. | ||
| Outer clothing | Should be non-snag. | |||
| High visibility clothing | Where justified by risk assessment. |