Safety & Protective Clothing 

There is a legal requirement to provide chainsaw-protective clothing to anyone employed to cut timber. While, it is not illegal for a private individual to use a chainsaw on his or her own farm or in the garden without wearing protective clothing, clearly there are important safety considerations. Also, should an accident occur insurance companies are increasingly saying that anyone operating a chainsaw should be aware of legislative requirements and take adequate precautions to protect themselves; accident payments and general compensation for loss of work may be reduced or withdrawn.

Various types of clothing are stocked from a number of suppliers.

• Chainsaw-protective trousers, leggings and bib-and brace from three manufacturers – Oregon, Husqvarna and SIP – in sizes ranging from small to triple extra large. Both front-protective (type A) for groundwork and all-round protective (type C) tree surgery clothing is stocked. Stihl protective clothing is available to order, as are chainsaw protective jackets and brushcutter clothing.

click image to enlarge (where available)

• A choice of types and colours of tough waterproof jackets and trousers.
• Oregon and Husqvarna chainsaw helmets for groundwork and tree climbing. Ear muffs and visors for brushcutting are also stocked.
• Ten types of chainsaw-protective footwear, from size 6 to size 14 are stocked: Oregon and Husqvarna Wellington boots; Stihl, Oregon, Hydrofell, Aquafell, Elten, Trojan and Haix leather boots and Oregon gaiters. Also, work boots with steel protection for summer or winter use.

click image to enlarge (where available)

• Chainsaw-protective gloves from Oregon, Husqvarna and SIP. Gardening gloves and leather hedging gloves are also stocked.

Several options for leg protection are available, with the choice being a balance between type of work being carried out (ground work, tree climbing etc), individual preference for a style of clothing (leggings, bib & brace or trousers with or without braces), matching the fit of the clothing (leg length and width, elasticity etc) to the wearer, appearance (e.g. colour) and price.

All chainsaw protective helmets are date stamped and have a limited lifespan, depending on exposure to sunlight. This is generally accepted as 3 years in the construction industry and for professional chainsaw operators, but farmers and private individuals find it more difficult to know when their helmet has become brittle and no longer offers full protection.

Chainsaw protective footwear is either in the form of rubber Wellingtons or leather boots, to suit preferences and weather conditions. Husqvarna Wellingtons have soft nylon tops which can be laced to prevent sawdust falling into the boots, while Oregon boots have rear laces and are not so closely fitting. With chainsaw protective leather boots, some are heavy duty for forest groundwork while others are more supple for tree surgeons.

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