Essential PPE for foresters
Apart from your mind, your body is your most valuable tool when working in the forest. You need to protect it at all times by wearing proper personal protection equipment (PPE) that satisfies international safety standards. Husqvarna is a world leader in PPE for foresters and these accessories are essential for anyone operating a chainsaw.
Cutting Edge is the supplier of Husqvarna products and accessories in Zimbabwe. We have a nationwide network of dealers that ensures foresters have the right machinery and PPE for their operations. Every chainsaw user should have the basic PPE items in their toolbox.
What PPE do foresters need?
1. Forestry Helmet – The helmet shields your head and face from falling branches, tree debris, and other dangers, so it is arguably the most essential piece of safety gear. Although there are many different styles of forestry helmets, all Husqvarna helmets have the same design element – integrated face visors and hearing protectors.
The visor should completely shield your face to prevent wood chips and other hazards from hitting your eyes, nose and mouth. The mesh on the face visor is so fine that it’s difficult to notice its presence. This maintains maximum visibility for the operator while protecting their eyes.
The earmuffs on forestry helmets help bring noise levels below the permissible 85dB(A) level. This protects against damaging noise emissions and makes it more comfortable for the operator to work for longer periods. The inserts on the ear muffs will eventually wear out, so it’s important to replace them once they show signs of old age. This is also important from a cleanliness standpoint.
It’s important to note that every forest helmet has an expiration date. UV rays are the primary cause of the helmet’s plastic material ageing and finally becoming brittle. As a result, you should replace a helmet no later than three years after taking it out of its original packaging or within five years after the date of manufacture.
2. Chainproof trousers and chaps – Also called safety trousers or chaps, these garments are made from several layers of specially woven fibres inside a cotton casing. They are comfortable and durable, but their most important safety feature is that they can stop a chainsaw blade within 1.8 seconds. This prevents a spinning blade from cutting through the fabric and into your legs.
The woven fibres are designed to hook onto the chainsaw blade and pull out in long strands that wrap themselves around the chainsaw sprocket. This jams the sprocket and stalls the engine, preventing further damage to the operator’s limbs. If the protective layers are cut with a chainsaw, the trousers must be thrown away.
All of Husqvarna’s protective trousers are equipped with saw protection that satisfies international EN381 standards and are rated for 20m/s chain speeds. It’s vital to stick to the washing instructions provided to preserve your trousers.
3. Gloves and boots – Other essential items to keep you safe when using a chainsaw include boots and gloves. For the best hand protection when using a chainsaw, Husqvarna offers protective gloves made of the same sprocket-clogging fabric as the trousers. Gloves are also necessary when working with the chain itself, such as when sharpening or filing.
You should wear safety boots that meet international requirements, such as those made by Husqvarna, and have deep-treaded soles (anti-slip protection), saw protection, and protective steel-toe caps. This will keep your feet dry and protected when working in damp and slippery forest environments.
4. Wear colours that pop on top – We advise that chainsaw operators dress in high-visibility clothing on their upper bodies, such as a jacket or tunic in a neon colour. Chainsaw operators must be highly visible for safety reasons; if you’re injured and unable to move in a dense forest environment, your colleagues and rescue teams will need to be able to spot you easily amongst the foliage and logs.
A bright orange or yellow vest will allow you to be easily seen. This is also important for the drivers of large trucks and forestry machinery. They need to be able to spot chainsaw operators on foot. Colours that pop are an essential part of PPE for foresters.
Emergency supplies and necessary tools
In addition to your clothing and the chainsaw itself, there are many practical tools that you should always have with you when using a chainsaw. The most important items are a first aid kit, a cell phone, and a whistle. First aid kits, lifting hooks, lifting tongs, combination spanners, and measuring tapes can all be holstered in Husqvarna’s specifically made tool belts.
In addition, you should pack an axe, wedges, a breaking or impact bar, and filing supplies. The Husqvarna Combi Can, which combines separate canisters for chain oil and mixed petrol into a single product, is also worth including in your kit list. This combi can from Husqvarna has a convenient toolbox compartment and non-spill spouts to reduce waste.
Our nationwide network of Husqvarna service dealers can help you choose the best tools and PPE for your needs. To find out more about our range of Husqvarna chainsaws, accessories and PPE, please contact us today.
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Cutting Edge is the leading supplier of Husqvarna, GARDENA and Hunter products in Zimbabwe. We bring you the best tools in the business with world-class service and after sales care. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and product offerings from our brands.