Chainsaw PPE: Chaps, Helmets & Boots
A running chain moves fast enough to cut deep into a leg in a fraction of a second, and kickback can throw the bar toward your head. Chainsaw PPE is designed to stop or slow the chain and protect you from falling limbs, flying chips and noise.
- Landscaping & tree work
- Utilities
- Storm cleanup
Head-to-toe gear
| Body part | Gear | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Hard hat or forestry helmet | Protects from falling limbs; many come as a system with face screen and earmuffs |
| Eyes and face | Safety glasses plus a mesh face screen | Z87+ glasses always; the screen alone isn’t eye protection |
| Ears | Earmuffs or plugs | Chainsaws are often 100 dBA or more |
| Hands | Work gloves; some have cut protection on the back of the left hand | Good grip, and snug enough to control the saw |
| Legs | Chainsaw chaps or chainsaw protective pants | Labeled to a recognized standard, such as ASTM F1897; cover from the waist to at least 2 inches below the top of the boot |
| Feet | Chainsaw-protective boots, or sturdy safety-toe boots | Cut-resistant boots are required for logging; good ankle support and traction |
| Body | Snug clothing; hi-vis near roads | No loose sleeves, scarves or drawstrings |
How chaps work
Chaps and chainsaw pants have layers of long, strong fibers. When the chain cuts through the outer shell, it pulls those fibers out and wraps them around the drive sprocket, jamming the chain in a fraction of a second. That’s why:
- They aren’t cut-proof. They reduce the chance and severity of a cut. A saw at full throttle can still get through.
- Once the inner fibers are cut or pulled, the chaps are done. Patching the outer shell doesn’t restore protection. Retire them.
- Wash and care for them only as the label says. Some cleaners and heat damage the fibers.
- Fit matters. Chaps that are too short or slide around leave gaps. Buckle all the straps.
Before you start the saw
- Helmet, face screen, safety glasses and hearing protection on
- Chaps or chainsaw pants buckled and the right length
- Gloves and boots on, with good footing
- Chain brake works, chain is sharp and tensioned, chain catcher in place
- Clear escape path planned, and coworkers at least two tree lengths away when felling
- Start the saw on the ground or held firmly, never drop-starting
Kickback happens when the upper tip of the bar touches wood or another object. The saw can jump back at your face in an instant. Don’t cut with the tip, keep both hands on the saw, and don’t cut above shoulder height. See Chainsaw Safety.
The rules
OSHA’s logging standard spells out chainsaw PPE: leg protection, foot protection that resists chainsaw cuts, head, eye and face protection, and hearing protection. For tree care, landscaping and storm cleanup, employers must provide the PPE their hazard assessment shows is needed, and the industry standard ANSI Z133 calls for the same gear.
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.266: Logging operations, including PPE
- 29 CFR 1910.132: PPE hazard assessment
- See also: Landscaping & Tree Work · Hearing Protection
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