PPE and HSE

[Mesterh]

With the super quick replies and info I've just got I thought i would also post this here too

 

Hi all,

 

A quick question about chainsaw pants .As far as I'm aware if you use a chainsaw in a tree you are "required" to use type c pants. Now looking at this guideline from the HSE http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg317.pdf

it would seem that it is only "recommended" that you use type c (all round protection) if your an arb or an occasional user.

I'm hoping that some1 here can elaborate on this a bit and give a definate yes or no to needing type c while climbing.

The only reason im asking is that its time to buy some new kit, harness rope and some chainsaw pants and the Stihl hiflex i have atm are definately pants! :thumbsdown:so if i can get away with something like the sip freedom or stretch air type A then i will.

Anyhow any info at all would be very much appreciated.

 

Cheers

[Arborist]

Yep type C for climbing. Aperently SIP have baught out some new tc for climbing, might be getting a pair on test!

[Steve Bullman]

welcome to the forum mate.....not 100% sure on the answer but im guessing its like anything else.....everythings fine till you have an accident then the insurance companies will do everything they can do get out of it....im sure that would be somehting they'd look at

[Pete Mctree]

I'm not 100% on this, but is seems as a employer or self employed individual you have the freedom of choice. However if you have staff you need to comform with best practice i.e. type c. I'm sure someone will have the details to the relevant regs somewhere

[Buzz]

Type c for staff, me i'd climb in shorts if i could get away with it lol. No i climb in front only SIP's. Very comfy.

[Mesterh]

I've just been looking at those sip type c not sure if they have 5 or 6 layers, I cant find there web site any1 got a link?

 

welcome to the forum mate

Thanks :wave:

 

not 100% sure on the answer but im guessing its like anything else.....everythings fine till you have an accident

Yep that about probably sums it up, no one gives a fook till theres an accident then the fingers of blame come's out.Or is it "the of blame"

[treejumper]

I use type C's - always have done!

 

The HSE say the following should be used in their AFAG guide 308

 

"Leg protection* incorporating all-round chain-clogging material

(complying with EN 381-5, type ‘C’ d e s i g n ) ."

 

- this is pretty definitive.

 

Page 2 of the attached link if you want to have a butchers

 

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/afag308.pdf

 

I hope this is of help!

[Mesterh]

I used to climb in front protection only huskies myself and only bought the hiflex because the arse didnt constantly rip out of em

Its just that atm we are constantly doing more and more commercial work and are having more and more talks with project site managers on what we can and cant do:banghead: If any1 has worked for Balfour Beaty or Lang o'rourke then you will know what i mean.If we were just doing domestic stuff then I would deffo buy some freedom type A. Allthough i still might just do that and carry a copy of the HSE guidelines about since thats what we are supposed to work to!

[Mesterh]

"Leg protection* incorporating all-round chain-clogging material

(complying with EN 381-5, type ‘C’ d e s i g n ) ."

Tbh I have read that article but which is to take priority? I'm guessing the afag308 but why the contradiction? you should either be required to wear type c or not. Two different guidelines from the same place aint doing any1 any favours imo.

Thanks for the input though always appreciated, and interesting to know what others use.

[treedave]

Type c up the tree, type a if it's a ground day - in the main. During the summer I do use the SIP freedom type a (with the extra protection round the back of the calf), with a risk assessment that states the advantage of reduced heat stress. Still I'm not sure that HSE would not see it as a move away from best practice. At the end of the day it only matters if there's an accident or insurance claim.