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.
| Equipment | BS or EN standard | Using chainsaw | Not using chainsaw | Working at height | Working on the ground | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety helmet | BS EN 397 BS EN 12492 |
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For tree climbing operations HSE strongly recommends a mountaineering style helmet complying with BS EN 12492). |
| Hearing protection | BS EN 352-1 | |
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| Eye protection mesh visor | BS EN 1731 | |
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| Safety glasses | BS EN 166 | |
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| 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 |
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| Leg and groin protection | BS EN 381-5 | |
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HSE strongly recommends Type C leg protection for aerial work, because of the high all-round chainsaw cut protection. Where wearing Type C is impractical (e.g. 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 381-3. BS EN ISO 20345:2004 |
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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 in 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 | Non-snag | |||||
| Hi-vis |
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