Chainsaw Trousers and Boots for forestry use - Class 2 for tree felling and tree breakdown on the ground with Medium size saws (Husq 550,Stihl 362)

[TerryDeer]

This subject seems to get very little coverage and most chainsaw operators that I see, operating medium size saws are all using Class 1 trousers and mostly class 1 boots.

 

So if they had an accident and cut themselves, how would HSE and the Insurance Companies view this PPE. 

[Stubby]

1 hour ago, TerryDeer said:

This subject seems to get very little coverage and most chainsaw operators that I see, operating medium size saws are all using Class 1 trousers and mostly class 1 boots.

 

So if they had an accident and cut themselves, how would HSE and the Insurance Companies view this PPE. 

My son does de veg work on the railway and has to wear heavy all round jobbies . I myself have always avoided them and wear Pfanner or Cloggers with front only protection and zip vents up the back . Luckily in all the years I have been cutting I have never had to make a claim . 

Edited 8 hours ago by Stubby

[5thelement]

1 hour ago, TerryDeer said:

This subject seems to get very little coverage and most chainsaw operators that I see, operating medium size saws are all using Class 1 trousers and mostly class 1 boots.

 

So if they had an accident and cut themselves, how would HSE and the Insurance Companies view this PPE. 

Class 1 = 20m/s which is the approximate chain speed of the saws you mention, so why would HSE/Insurance have anything to say?

[woody paul]

Was only talking to arb kit supplier I use the other day about all round protection, and I asked if anyone made trousers like the old SIP ones which had protection at the back but only below knee. 

He said no. They were great. 

[5thelement]

28 minutes ago, woody paul said:

Was only talking to arb kit supplier I use the other day about all round protection, and I asked if anyone made trousers like the old SIP ones which had protection at the back but only below knee. 

He said no. They were great. 

They were Type -B, not seen them for years. 

[krummholz]

8 hours ago, TerryDeer said:

This subject seems to get very little coverage and most chainsaw operators that I see, operating medium size saws are all using Class 1 trousers and mostly class 1 boots.

 

So if they had an accident and cut themselves, how would HSE and the Insurance Companies view this PPE. 

Husqvarna 550xp Manual gives saw chain speed at maximum engine power as 19.6m/s, s, so Class 1 PPE would be totally adequate.

 

Other factors in a Risk Assessment might include the likelihood of increased fatigue or overheating from higher class, heavier PPE, justifying a lower class.

[Tree monkey 1682]

Only ever use all round protection ...I've never had a a hit with a saw touch wood,

If you don't have full protection...what's the point of wearing ppl?

[Brushcutter]

PPE is the last line of defence something has gone very wrong if your cutting your trousers/ boots. A failure of many other steps. Mainly adminstrative thing like work breaks and welfare facilities to reduce fatigue, timescales and deadlines to prevent rushing. Operator refresher training and experience. Level of supervision for the operation adherence to best practice. The HSE would be all over this step well before they cared about the trousers rating. As FISA 301 states no  PPE Can give 100% protection against cuts with a chainsaw.

 

I did wear class 2 trousers for a few years just because they were on sale. They were ok. Not much less flexible than my gladiators. That I had before and after.. only ever worn Haix protector pro boots and they are class one.