PPE jackets, do you wear one?

[bofh]

I had some bad news today, a friend had an accident and is hopefully in for an opp this evening.

 

I'm not sure yet if the saw was moving at the time but I would hope not as otherwise thinks might be a lot worse. From what I know he was up a tree at the time working rather than on the ground and managed to run the saw over his arm

 

I've worked with him and I know he's a very safe guy, so the question is obviously in my head tonight....

 

Jackets, I've not personally ever seen a climber wearing one to be honest. So I'd like to know from the members what their views are on them.

 

Do the restrict the job too much in a tree?

 

PS, the good news is that he out of hospital now and is in a cast for the next 10 weeks I shall obviously now get on the phone and rib him a little.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Firstly, I hope your 'friend' is okay and soon recovers...and returns!

 

As you are aware there is no requirement to wear a chainsaw jacket (see AFAG 301//401) unless of course your site specific risk assessment dictates otherwise (easy to say but in reality highly unlikely to veer be applicable whilst climbing, whihc of course would/could restrict movement and increase heat stress / fatigue.)

 

In my expereince, most/many accidents are down to poor work positioning techniques and often involve untrained and/or inexpereinced guys.

 

The main area where chainsaw jackets may be used are in MEWP work I would suggest.

 

Cheers

Paul

[skyhuck]

There are also protective sleeves that can be worn instead of a jacket, not some thing I have ever used myself.

 

As Paul says safe working practise is the real answer, as PPE only offers limited protection and is very much a last line of defence.

[RobArb]

I can only ditto what has been said previous, not something I have ever worn myself due to comfortability (is that even a word), and getting too hot.

 

Hope your friend recovers too:thumbup:

 

Sent from my Galaxy S2

[Ty Unnos]

I am pretty sure PPE jackets don't have any protection in the arms.

 

It is usually just across the shoulders and chest so would not have helped your friend.

 

I hope he makes a speedy recovery.