Helmet and protective clothing are safety essentials when using a chainsaw
A helmet is designed for protection from falling branches and impacts.
The visor should cover all the face, to protect against scratches and sawdust. Protective glasses provide addition eye protection against a woodchip — or worse, a screw, nail or piece of metal.
Walsh says it is important to pick a forestry jacket that provides full upper body coverage, has signal colouring, and is ventilated.
Protective trousers or chaps should be fitted with ‘chainsaw protection’ that meets international standards. Saw protection consists of a lining with several layers of very long fibres that become entangled in the chain and stop it in a fraction of a second.
Boots should have protective toe caps, saw protection, and deep treaded anti-slip soles. It is vital to wear work gloves to protect against cuts and scratches, oils and fuels. Some gloves have saw protection material in the left hand, a very common injury spot.
It is a very good habit to have a first aid kit easily accessible when working with a chainsaw — and communication equipment (in case of an accident, having a whistle or mobile phone or radio or all three easily accessible could save your life).
About 120 chainsaw or wood- related accidents happen in Ireland every year, according to the HSA, and 12 people have suffered a fatal accident in the last five years arising from use of chainsaws or in tree felling work.
Husqvarna Ireland runs chainsaw information evenings around the country.
