Chainsaw PPE: protective clothing for safer chainsaw operation
STIHL has the protective equipment and clothing you need to stay safe
13.07.2023
PPE for chainsaw work
Your protective clothing must always be fit for purpose and must not hinder your movements. Do not wear any clothing that could become entangled in wood or undergrowth. You should also avoid wearing a scarf, tie or jewellery, and long hair should be secured out of the way to prevent it getting caught.
Click here for details of the PPE you need for chainsaw work.
Essential chainsaw PPE: a protective helmet
You must wear a safety helmet where there is a danger of falling branches and other objects.
Chainsaw PPE to protect the eyes and face
You can rely on STIHL visors and safety glasses to help protect you against injury during chainsaw work, and you will certainly appreciate their secure, comfortable fit and lightweight design. The safety glasses help to absorb harmful UV rays so you maintain a crystal-clear view of your surroundings, protecting your eyes on long working days.
Chainsaw PPE for ear protection
Using the correct ear defenders prevents damage and makes it easier to concentrate on your work. STIHL ear protectors are available in a number of varieties to match the volume of the machine at hand.
Chainsaw PPE for a secure grip
As a chainsaw user you need robust hand protection, preferably made from leather, to ensure you can maintain a secure grip even in cold or wet conditions. We recommend wearing cut-resistant protective gloves to help keep your hands safe.
Chainsaw PPE for leg protection
Cut protection trousers are a critical part of your personal protective equipment, even if you only use your chainsaw occasionally. It’s also important to only wear close-fitting clothing when working with a chainsaw, for maximum ease of movement and to avoid anything getting caught on excess fabric.
Chainsaw PPE footwear
The right footwear contributes greatly to safety while you work. You need safety boots that feature a sole with good grip, cut protection, and steel toe caps to help protect you against injury.
Chainsaw PPE
CHAINSAW PPE and responsible working can together keep you safe
No protective clothing can offer you absolute protection while you are using your chainsaw; nor is chainsaw PPE a substitute for safe working practices. It is crucially important to carefully take note of the safety information in the operating instructions for your chainsaw.
Checklist: how to clean and care for chainsaw PPE with cut protection inserts
For your PPE to last, it needs regular and appropriate cleaning. Fortunately, protective clothing can be washed in the washing machine, taking into consideration the following instructions:
- Use the gentle or delicates cycle at no more than 60°C, and a spin speed of 400 rpm or less.
- Do not use bleach or strong chemical cleaners.
- Do not wash chainsaw cut protection clothing inside out.
- Close Velcro and zips before putting your PPE in the washing machine.
- Wash similar colours together.
- Use colour-friendly or mild detergent, but do not use fabric softener.
- Air dry after washing.
- Iron at a low temperature to reactivate the dirt and water resistance in the outer layer.
- Store clean clothing in a dry, dark place – don’t store PPE clothing if it is dirty
When to replace chainsaw PPE
You must replace any PPE as soon as it no longer performs its protective function fully. Make sure you regularly check your protective equipment for damage and defects, and always check the user manual for information specific to each individual item of PPE.
You must replace your chainsaw protective equipment if you find:
- Obvious damage such as holes, porous areas or contaminated items of clothing.
- Material fatigue because an item of clothing has exceeded its recommended period of use.
You should also respect the recommended period of use for your PPE, as even chainsaw protective clothing ages. People who do a lot of work in the forest are likely to wear out their clothing more quickly, due to needing to wash it more frequently.
We recommend the following periods of use for protective clothing:
- One to one and a half years for people working in professional forestry.
- Up to five years for occasional users.
Summary: chainsaw PPE
- Helmets protect you from falling branches and other objects
- Wear a face guard or safety glasses to protect you from flying chips and other hazards
- Wear ear protection to reduce noise exposure
- Gloves protect against injury and ensure a good grip
- You should always wear cut protection trousers when using a chainsaw
- Wear safety boots to maintain a good foothold and protect against injury
- To ensure safe chainsaw use, responsible operation is just as important as PPE. It’s essential that you read the safety information in the operating instructions for your chainsaw
