What are examples of recommended personal protective equipment?
Use proper safety clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) that are appropriate for the tasks being performed to reduce the risk of injury. Identify hazards and assess the risk for each task to determine the appropriate control measures that need to be in place, including PPE. Clothing should be well-fitting to prevent any entanglement with the chainsaw. The following personal protective equipment and clothing are recommended when operating a chainsaw.
The standards that are referenced below are the most recent editions. You should consult legislation or the local occupational health and safety agency in your jurisdiction to confirm which version is used or is referenced in legislation that applies to your workplaces.
Eye Protection PPE
Safety glasses with side shields, safety goggles, and face shields approved by standards like CAN/CSA Standard Z94.3-20: Eye and Face Protectors.
- ppe A face shield attached to the hard hat without safety glasses does not provide adequate eye protection.
Gloves and Mitts
Leather gloves with ballistic nylon reinforcement on the back.
- context They offer a good grip on the saw and absorb some vibration that provides some protection for the hands.
- context Leather gloves can also prevent cuts when sharpening the saw.
Foot Protection
Heavy, well-fitted, safety work boots approved by standards like CAN/CSA Standard Z195-14 (R2023): Protective Footwear.
- requirement In addition to the regular requirements for safety boots, chainsaw operators should wear boots made from cut-resistant materials that offer protection from contact with running chainsaws.
- requirement Boots made of ballistic nylon offer the best cut protection.
- requirement Use rubber soles for wet weather and snow; and hobnail boots, grip soles or cork soles for rough terrain.
High-Visibility Clothing
Workers should wear high-visibility clothing (e.g., vests) when appropriate.