SAW SHOP - PPE: 2nd Line of Defense

By Greg Helton, Chainsaw & Logging Safety Trainer

With this being my first article in “The Saw Shop,” I thought it might be good to talk about PPE, Personal Protective Equipment.

When discussing PPE, I always try to point out that it is our 2nd line of defense. I mean by “line of defense” that it should be secondary to providing protection as we operate our chainsaws. Our 1st line of defense is between our ears. PPE is critically important (and required), but we should not depend on it as our only protection. I have confidence in the PPE I wear, but I don’t want to test it out on myself. Proper training and practicing good saw habits will help reduce the risk of testing my PPE.

So, let’s talk about what PPE is required while we operate our chainsaws. I like to go from head to toe:

HARD HAT – Anywhere there is an overhead hazard, a hard hat must be worn. Felling timber or topping are jobs that require hard hats. Make sure your hard hat is in good shape. UV rays from the sun can break down the plastic over time.

Occasionally, do the stress test on your hard hat. Squeeze it from the sides and listen for any crackling. Look for any white lines that appear when you test it. Make sure the suspension is in good shape, with no broken straps or plastic. Remember, the space between the suspension and the hard hat is not a storage compartment. It is designed to absorb an impact.

EAR PROTECTION – “Huh!” That is the usual response I get when talking about hearing protection. If you are exposed to 85 decibels or more in an 8-hour shift, you must have hearing protection. The average noise level of a chainsaw is between 106 and 120 decibels. Earplugs or earmuffs work great. Protecting your hearing now is something you will see the benefit from later.

EYE PROTECTION – Since 2013, FMIC has required all chainsaw operators to wear safety glasses. Before 2013, we saw an average of 18 claims per year relating to chainsaws and eyes. Since 2013 the average has dropped to 3 per year. That is a pretty good impact. Speaking of impact, make sure the glasses you wear are impact resistant. They should have “Z-87” somewhere on the frame.

FACE PROTECTION – In addition to eye protection, face protection is beneficial to prevent brush and large chips from hitting your face. Keep in mind that FMIC still requires safety glasses in addition to face protection.

HIGH VISIBILITY – It is very important for chainsaw operators to be seen. Make sure you are wearing some type of high-visibility clothing. A safety vest or bright orange or green shirt are great choices. FMIC requires that anyone working on the ground must have high visibility to prevent someone from running over or hitting them.

LEG PROTECTION – Here is a big one! All chainsaw operators must wear leg protection constructed with cut-resistant material. Cut-resistant pants or chaps may be worn. Make sure they are in good working condition, with no tears or cuts that have pulled fibers. If the chaps or pants have been cut and fiber has been pulled out, they are done! They have fulfilled their duty and must be replaced. Be sure that all the straps are working so the chaps can be fitted around your leg properly. They must cover down to 2 inches below the top of your boot. Clean! Be sure to wash them periodically. Over time, chaps will become dirty and matted with oil, mud, and sawdust. Washing them will help fluff the material and help them be more responsive.

FOOT PROTECTION – According to the OSHA Standard, chainsaw operators must wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material. The soles of the boots must be sharp, calksoled, or other slip-resistant type soles.

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT – Additionally, chainsaw operators working away from the deck must have a compact first aid kit that contains supplies to control bleeding and infection.

There you have it. Head to toe, what is required PPE for a chainsaw operator.

Remember, this is the 2nd line of defense.

PROPER TRAINING CAN HELP BUILD THE 1ST LINE OF DEFENSE BETWEEN OUR EARS.

If you need assistance with proper PPE or would like to schedule training for your employees, contact your Field Representative. ~FMIC