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 15 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. 

[Tilio-acerion]

From FISA

 

Chainsaw personal protective equipment (PPE)

UKFISA.COM

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In response to recent queries to FISA on PPE, Andy Sloss chair of the FISA Chainsaw Working...

Chainsaw personal protective equipment (PPE)

FISA query response

In response to recent queries to FISA on PPE, Andy Sloss chair of the FISA Chainsaw Working Group has prepared some advice.

PPE is a fundamental piece of kit when using a chainsaw, not least chainsaw protective trousers. These should always be worn when working a chainsaw, but the choice of protection level and protection type should be determined through a risk assessment. Type-C trousers may appear to cover all bases, providing protection the full way around both legs, but this added bulk and material could increase fatigue for the wearer. Fatigue is known to be a major driver in forestry accidents, and can be exacerbated by heat stress, fluid and electrolyte loss from excessive sweating, and the extra effort required to move around in bulkier PPE. The nature of chainsaw work and challenging terrain is already physically demanding, so the right balance of comfort and protection is important.

 

Research into non-technical skillssupports the importance of good decision making, situational awareness and cognitive readiness for operator safety, which could be hampered by the effects of fatigue.

The key is finding the right balance of protection for the work situation and the individual. This is where a risk assessment helps with making that decision.

 

Type-C trousers are primarily intended for workers who may find themselves in confined or dynamic positions, like climbers/arborists, and run a higher risk of striking anywhere other than the front and inside of the leg. There is justification for them to also be used where operators are inexperienced and/or occasional users, or will be largely static while working. HSE’s Chainsaws at Work guidesupports this (page 8 – leg protection). This doesn’t rule out their use in other circumstances, but it will be beneficial to consider the added physical effects of wearing them.

While PPE rightly has its place, the risk of cuts should be controlled collectively along with good training and competence, maintenance of the saw and its safety features, good working practices and chainsaw discipline, awareness of body position and ergonomics, and of course supervision and mentoring. PPE sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls and won’t always offer 100% protection.

Where you employ and therefore provide PPE for your employees, it’s important to consult with them throughout the risk assessment process to ensure their needs and work situations are considered, and they have a choice in the most comfortable, and appropriate, types of chainsaw trousers.

Edited 6 hours ago by Tilio-acerion

[Dan Maynard]

9 hours 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. 

Think the Solidur Climb have calf protection too.

https://www.chrisforestry.co.uk/store/Solidur-CLIMB-chainsaw-trousers-Type-A-p543321745