Stay safe and warm – the chainsaw accessories you need to get started
When it comes to safety clothing and equipment, different rules and regulations apply in different countries. But no matter where you are, this list of items will enhance your safety when working with chainsaws.
1. Helmet
Helmet with hearing protection, visor and protective glasses. The helmet is designed to protect you from falling branches and impacts. The visor should cover all of your face to protect against scratches and sawdust spray and the protective glasses provide additional protection for your eyes. Hearing protection protects against harmful loud noises. The inserts and cushions for your hearing protection will eventually become worn, so it’s important that you replace them regularly. It’s also important that you replace the helmet itself according to the recommendations in the manual and care instructions for your specific product. This is because the plastic in the helmet ages and becomes fragile, mainly due to UV light. Husqvarna helmets have a calendar where you mark the first day of usage. Our Forest helmet, Technical, also has a UV expire indicator that will let you know when it’s time to replace it.
2. Forestry jacket/shirt
The forestry jacket should provide full upper body coverage, have high viz colouring and reflectors and it should be ventilated.
3. Protective trousers/chaps
Protective trousers must be fitted with saw protection that meets international standards as well as local demands. The saw protection consists of a lining with several layers of very strong fibers that can become tangled in the chain. However, this product is no substitute for safe operation of a chain saw and does not provide total protection. It’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s washing guidelines. If you cut into the protective layers, the trousers must be discarded.
4. Protective boots
The boots should be fitted with protective toecaps, saw protection and deep treaded soles (anti-slip protection) in accordance with national standards.
5. Work gloves
You should always wear work gloves to protect against cuts, scratches, oils and fuels. Make sure the left glove comes with saw protection, since that will stop the chain in an instant if you happen to cut into it. This is similar to the protective trousers (see point 3).
6. First aid kit
A first aid kit should be easily accessible and close at hand.