According to the Teagasc farm survey, approximately 7% of minor and major farm accidents are caused by a chainsaw. While training and competence is important, a lax approach to wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is a common factor contributing to such injuries. This week’ the Irish Farmers Journal talked with Tim Thoma from Tree Care and Training in Co Wicklow to see what essential PPE is needed when operating a chainsaw. Tim said the first point to note before purchasing PPE is to make sure they meet at least the minimum standards.
The pictograms which you can find on the inside of protective clothing, reflect the different levels of protection they provide. The higher the value for a parameter, the higher the level of protection. The following safety equipment should be used:
Safety helmet (to conform to EN 397). Suitable eye protection (visor to EN 1731 or safety glasses to EN 166).Ear defenders (EN 352).Safety boots with steel toecaps and a good grip (EN 381/345).Chainsaw trousers (EN 381-5).Non-snag close-fitting outer clothing.Safety helmet
A safety helmet is a necessary piece of kit, offering protection from falling limbs and branches Tim said.
“Loose branches cause a significant risk, with any forceful strike to the head likely to cause serious injury or even a fatality. It really offers some protection from the unknown,” he said.
According to Tim, safety helmets must meet EU 397 regulations to ensure they have the proper specifications. “It is a good idea to get an all-in-one forestry or machinery-type helmet, which contains an eye-face protection and ear muffs as one,” he advised. Safety helmets usually cost from €30 to €50 to purchase.
Ear protection
Tim says it can vary significantly from machine to machine, but noise levels of a chainsaw commonly measure around 110 decibels when in use. “With the safe noise level at 85 decibels, using a chainsaw for a significant amount of time poses a very real risk to your ears and over time will affect your hearing,” he warned. Tim said ear plugs are cheap and handy, and do help to muffle sound. However, he said while they will provide some ear protection, they are nowhere near as effective or as comfortable as ear muffs. “When purchasing ear muffs, it is important that they comply with EU 352 standards and have an attenuation rating of at least 25 dB (A),” Tim explained. A good set of earmuffs can cost from €15 to €30.
Chainsaw trousers
Correct protective trousers are an essential item of clothing for chainsaw users, Tim stressed. Like the other PPE gear, they must be worn to comply with the health and safety at work act. They provide protection from the chainsaw blade. If the chain comes in contact with the trouser material, special fibre lining entangles and brings the chain to a halt after contact is made. While these trousers are expensive, having a pair could save you from receiving a life-changing injury.
“Anyone who works with chainsaws full time has usually received a few nicks in their trousers over time so they are very important. You should also follow the manufacturer’s washing guidelines to keep the protective material in good condition and upgrade them when required,” Tim said. Chainsaw trousers usually cost from €70 to €100.
Safety boots
Correct footwear will provide you with a good grip and safety protection from the saw. “As part of regulations, chainsaw boots should be fitted with a protective toecaps, saw protection uppers and deep-treaded soles to provide a good stable grip. Chainsaw boots have three classes, with the minimum protection being found on class one and maximum on class three,” said Tim. As with any range of footwear, there is a huge variance in price across the market, with a good pair of chainsaw safety boots costing anything from €90 to €200. It must be noted, however, that good safety boots are long-lasting and are multipurpose according to Tim.
Gloves
Tim said gloves are important to wear too and should not be discredited. “Work gloves should always be worn when operating power tools. Gloves will protect you from cuts, scratches, splinters and engine oils. Saw protection similar to what’s in the chainsaw trousers is common,” he said. Gloves will also provide some comfort and ease from the high vibrations, which if left exposed for long periods can cause nerve and skin damage according to Tim.
Upper body clothing
According to Tim there are many different types of padded jackets on the market which will provide some protection. “It is important that upper body clothing is tidy, close-fitting and comfortable. Materials worn should really be non-snag,” he explained.
First aid kit
While not classed as PPE, a first aid kit may just save life or limb. “Found as standard on the harness used when climbing trees, it is a good idea for farmers to keep one close by, especially if working in an isolated area. It is important to have a large wound dressing available in the kit, to temporarily treat any wounds or gashes, which are the most common chainsaw injury,” Tim concluded.
Read more
Chainsaw checklist: what you need to know before you buy
Safe Family Farms: staying safe in the forest
According to the Teagasc farm survey, approximately 7% of minor and major farm accidents are caused by a chainsaw. While training and competence is important, a lax approach to wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is a common factor contributing to such injuries. This week’ the Irish Farmers Journal talked with Tim Thoma from Tree Care and Training in Co Wicklow to see what essential PPE is needed when operating a chainsaw. Tim said the first point to note before purchasing PPE is to make sure they meet at least the minimum standards.
The pictograms which you can find on the inside of protective clothing, reflect the different levels of protection they provide. The higher the value for a parameter, the higher the level of protection. The following safety equipment should be used:
Safety helmet (to conform to EN 397). Suitable eye protection (visor to EN 1731 or safety glasses to EN 166).Ear defenders (EN 352).Safety boots with steel toecaps and a good grip (EN 381/345).Chainsaw trousers (EN 381-5).Non-snag close-fitting outer clothing.Safety helmet
A safety helmet is a necessary piece of kit, offering protection from falling limbs and branches Tim said.
“Loose branches cause a significant risk, with any forceful strike to the head likely to cause serious injury or even a fatality. It really offers some protection from the unknown,” he said.
According to Tim, safety helmets must meet EU 397 regulations to ensure they have the proper specifications. “It is a good idea to get an all-in-one forestry or machinery-type helmet, which contains an eye-face protection and ear muffs as one,” he advised. Safety helmets usually cost from €30 to €50 to purchase.
Ear protection
Tim says it can vary significantly from machine to machine, but noise levels of a chainsaw commonly measure around 110 decibels when in use. “With the safe noise level at 85 decibels, using a chainsaw for a significant amount of time poses a very real risk to your ears and over time will affect your hearing,” he warned. Tim said ear plugs are cheap and handy, and do help to muffle sound. However, he said while they will provide some ear protection, they are nowhere near as effective or as comfortable as ear muffs. “When purchasing ear muffs, it is important that they comply with EU 352 standards and have an attenuation rating of at least 25 dB (A),” Tim explained. A good set of earmuffs can cost from €15 to €30.
Chainsaw trousers
Correct protective trousers are an essential item of clothing for chainsaw users, Tim stressed. Like the other PPE gear, they must be worn to comply with the health and safety at work act. They provide protection from the chainsaw blade. If the chain comes in contact with the trouser material, special fibre lining entangles and brings the chain to a halt after contact is made. While these trousers are expensive, having a pair could save you from receiving a life-changing injury.
“Anyone who works with chainsaws full time has usually received a few nicks in their trousers over time so they are very important. You should also follow the manufacturer’s washing guidelines to keep the protective material in good condition and upgrade them when required,” Tim said. Chainsaw trousers usually cost from €70 to €100.
Safety boots
Correct footwear will provide you with a good grip and safety protection from the saw. “As part of regulations, chainsaw boots should be fitted with a protective toecaps, saw protection uppers and deep-treaded soles to provide a good stable grip. Chainsaw boots have three classes, with the minimum protection being found on class one and maximum on class three,” said Tim. As with any range of footwear, there is a huge variance in price across the market, with a good pair of chainsaw safety boots costing anything from €90 to €200. It must be noted, however, that good safety boots are long-lasting and are multipurpose according to Tim.
Gloves
Tim said gloves are important to wear too and should not be discredited. “Work gloves should always be worn when operating power tools. Gloves will protect you from cuts, scratches, splinters and engine oils. Saw protection similar to what’s in the chainsaw trousers is common,” he said. Gloves will also provide some comfort and ease from the high vibrations, which if left exposed for long periods can cause nerve and skin damage according to Tim.
Upper body clothing
According to Tim there are many different types of padded jackets on the market which will provide some protection. “It is important that upper body clothing is tidy, close-fitting and comfortable. Materials worn should really be non-snag,” he explained.
First aid kit
While not classed as PPE, a first aid kit may just save life or limb. “Found as standard on the harness used when climbing trees, it is a good idea for farmers to keep one close by, especially if working in an isolated area. It is important to have a large wound dressing available in the kit, to temporarily treat any wounds or gashes, which are the most common chainsaw injury,” Tim concluded.
Read more
Chainsaw checklist: what you need to know before you buy
Safe Family Farms: staying safe in the forest
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