Chainsaw personal protective equipment (PPE)
FISA query response
In response to recent queries to FISA on PPE, Andy Sloss chair of the FISA Chainsaw Working Group has prepared some advice.
PPE is a fundamental piece of kit when using a chainsaw, not least chainsaw protective trousers. These should always be worn when working a chainsaw, but the choice of protection level and protection type should be determined through a risk assessment. Type-C trousers may appear to cover all bases, providing protection the full way around both legs, but this added bulk and material could increase fatigue for the wearer. Fatigue is known to be a major driver in forestry accidents, and can be exacerbated by heat stress, fluid and electrolyte loss from excessive sweating, and the extra effort required to move around in bulkier PPE. The nature of chainsaw work and challenging terrain is already physically demanding, so the right balance of comfort and protection is important.
Research into non-technical skills supports the importance of good decision making, situational awareness and cognitive readiness for operator safety, which could be hampered by the effects of fatigue.
The key is finding the right balance of protection for the work situation and the individual. This is where a risk assessment helps with making that decision.
Type-C trousers are primarily intended for workers who may find themselves in confined or dynamic positions, like climbers/arborists, and run a higher risk of striking anywhere other than the front and inside of the leg. There is justification for them to also be used where operators are inexperienced and/or occasional users, or will be largely static while working. HSE’s Chainsaws at Work guide supports this (page 8 – leg protection). This doesn’t rule out their use in other circumstances, but it will be beneficial to consider the added physical effects of wearing them.
While PPE rightly has its place, the risk of cuts should be controlled collectively along with good training and competence, maintenance of the saw and its safety features, good working practices and chainsaw discipline, awareness of body position and ergonomics, and of course supervision and mentoring. PPE sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls and won’t always offer 100% protection.
Where you employ and therefore provide PPE for your employees, it’s important to consult with them throughout the risk assessment process to ensure their needs and work situations are considered, and they have a choice in the most comfortable, and appropriate, types of chainsaw trousers.