Chainsaw PPE Guide: What You Need and What the Ratings Mean
Anyone using a chainsaw needs the right protective kit. Here's what to wear and how to read the ratings on the label.
The essential kit
- Chainsaw trousers or chaps with cut-protection padding
- Chainsaw boots with cut protection and steel toecaps
- Chainsaw gloves with cut protection on the back of the hand
- Helmet with a mesh visor and ear defenders (forestry helmet), or a climbing helmet with visor and ear protection for tree work
- Hi-vis clothing where you're working near roads or other people
Protection class: match it to your saw
Chainsaw trousers, boots and gloves are tested at a chain speed and given a class:
- Class 1: tested at 20 m/s. Covers most saws.
- Class 2: tested at 24 m/s.
- Class 3: tested at 28 m/s, for the fastest professional saws.
Check your saw's chain speed in the manual and choose PPE rated at or above it.
Trouser design: Type A or Type C
- Type A: protection on the front of the legs. Suits ground-based work where the saw is always in front of you.
- Type C: protection all the way around the leg. The choice for climbing and tree work, where the saw can come at you from any angle.
- Type B (chaps): front protection that straps over your clothes, suited to occasional use.
Boots: leather or rubber?
Leather boots are lighter and more comfortable for long days and climbing. Rubber boots are fully waterproof and easy to clean. Fit matters, so call in to try them on.
Look after your PPE
Once the cut-protection layer has been cut, the trousers, boots or gloves must be replaced, as they no longer protect you. Wash and check your kit regularly.
Filter our PPE by Protection class and Protection type: