Accident: Chainsaw boot.

[Marc]

O.k this happened to one of my friends last week, he was halving some large stems to go through the big chipper. The cutter is not the most experienced, but is usually very carefull and gives a lot of thought to his position and how to make his cuts.

Unfortunatly somehow his saw got twisted then moved round and kicked back into his foot.

 

His Elten boots offered no protection at all, the protection had bunched up leaving and exposed area on the side of his foot (something i've noticed on most eltens after they've been worn for a few months)

 

What he found so frustrating is that his boots were next to useless, we've all seen Eltens video of the boots stopping a saw in perfect circumstances i'e coming down onto the tongue area where the protection is thickest, in reality accidents are never in perfect circumstances.

 

His injury was not serious, and only need a few stitches.

[Andy Collins]

Surely the protection managed to slow the chain speed sufficiently, or else he would have lost the end of his foot? As we've said before, protection is only half the issue, safe working practices are equally important. I think the boots have done their job, had they been newer he may not have received a scatch.

We all try to get an extra bit of wear out of PPE, rather than change them when they are worn, so maybe this is a handy wake-up call.

[Marc]

Andy he was finishing his cut so was backing of the throttle when the wood shifted and steered the saw nose into the side of his foot.

A full throttle saw and poor positioning would of been a totally different story.

 

You raise a good point though he'd been on about getting a new pair of boots for weeks, although i'm sure even new eltens will offer minimal side protection, and probably few other boots as well.

 

Although i'm not going to prove my point by making videos of me plunging the saw into the side of different boots.

 

Which only goes to show that you can't relie on ppe protecting you fully.

 

Stay safe, I only posted this to show what can happen in the blink of an eye.

Remember good positioning and planning your cuts.

My friend may of avoided this accident if he finished his cut with a pulling chain rather than a pushing chain which lead to the kickback, but we all do it i'm sure, i know i do.

[christreeroot]

Those boots dont even look worn in.....

 

These are what i call well used boots lol:icon14:

 

 

 

 

If you notice you dont need climbing spikes as the metal protection underneath is sticking out at the toes lol

[skyhuck]

If you have to wear boots in that condition you need put up your rates!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Husqvarna King]

Hahaha i bet they were comfortable though....nothin like a stiff pair of new boots:wave:

[christreeroot]

If you have to wear boots in that condition you need put up your rates!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

NO no no just used for mucking around in the yard etc, i will tell you what they are so comfortable and suprisingly still waterproof:wave:

[Bob Rolfe]

hiya chris i remember you buying them you cheap skate get a new pair its about time! lol

[christreeroot]

hiya chris i remember you buying them you cheap skate get a new pair its about time! lol

 

 

Ahhh no that was the second pair, i have a lovely new shiny pair though but i dont want to get them sweaty in this lovely weather....:wave:

[tokaloch]

How many people realise that the area protected on boots is actually laid down in the CE standard and is not the manufacturers choice. the Elton boots have been hit on the side where there is no protection. This is not Eltons fault but the fault of the committee who lay down the standard. My opinion is more people should lobby the European committee to either improve the standard or make it mandatory to explain where the protection is on every brand of boot. BTW I have no connection to Elton and have no gain from defending them. I am merely pointing out the truth.

If those Haix boots had been mine, I wouldnt have kicked until the midsole cut through from the inside and I would have had them re-soled long before the wear had gone through to the welt. But I suppose I am a tight ass and want the maximimum out of my money