Chainsaw PPE: the protective clothing that will keep you safe

Safety in chainsaw work means comprehensive and effective PPE. As the chainsaw expert, STIHL has the protective equipment and clothing you need.

Close-up of STIHL ADVANCE Ergo MS protective gloves for chainsaw work being worn by someone holding a chainsaw

 Overview: chainsaw PPE

  • Helmets protect you from falling branches and other objects
  • Wear a face guard or safety glasses to protect you from flying chips and other hazards
  • Include ear protection in your PPE gear to reduce noise exposure
  • Gloves protect against injury and ensure a good grip
  • You should always wear cut protection trousers when using a chainsaw
  • Wear safety boots to maintain a good foothold and protect you against injury
  • To ensure safe chainsaw use, responsible operation is just as important as PPE. It’s essential that you read the safety information in the operating instructions for your chainsaw

Chainsaw protective equipment: Choosing the right PPE for chainsaw work 

Your chainsaw protective clothing must always be fit for purpose and must not hinder your movements. Do not wear any clothing that could become entangled in wood or undergrowth. You should also avoid wearing a scarf, tie or jewellery. Secure long hair out of the way, for example using a hairnet. We recommend that you wear close-fitting clothing with cut protection inserts.

Click here for details of the PPE you need for chainsaw work.  

Essential chainsaw PPE: a protective helmet

You must wear a safety helmet where there is a danger of falling branches and other objects.

Two STIHL ADVANCE helmet sets resting on felled tree trunks in a forest
A woman wearing a STIHL helmet set including face protection, ear protection and helmet

Chainsaw PPE to protect the eyes and face

You can rely on STIHL safety glasses to protect you against injury during chainsaw work, and you will certainly appreciate their secure, comfortable fit and lightweight design. The safety glasses also absorb harmful UV rays so you maintain a crystal-clear view of your surroundings, protecting your eyes even on long working days. The safety glasses can be combined with a face shield to further protect you from flying cuttings. 

STIHL FUNCTION Light safety glasses in orange, with CONCEPT 28 ear protectors and protective gloves

Chainsaw PPE for ear protection 

Chainsaws are noisy power tools. Using the right ear defenders prevents damage and makes it easier to concentrate on your work; in a noisy environment, STIHL ear protectors will effectively mitigate the impact on you.

A close-up of STIHL ADVANCE Ergo MS protective gloves being put on

Chainsaw PPE for a sure grip

As a chainsaw user you need robust hand protection, preferably made from leather, to ensure you can maintain a secure grip even in cold or wet conditions. We recommend wearing cut-resistant protective gloves to effectively keep your hands safe. 

Someone is trimming wooden planks using a STIHL MS 261 chainsaw and wearing STIHL ADVANCE X LIGHT protective trousers

Chainsaw Protective Clothing to avoid leg injuries

Cut protection trousers are an important part of your personal protective equipment, even if you only use your chainsaw occasionally. And before you consider the protective qualities of your PPE, it’s also important to only wear close-fitting clothing when working with a chainsaw, for maximum ease of movement and to avoid anything getting caught on excess fabric.

CHAINSAW Protective Equipment and responsible working can together keep you safe

No chainsaw protective clothing can offer you absolute protection while you are using your chainsaw; nor is chainsaw PPE a substitute for safe working practices. It is crucially important to carefully take note of the safety information in the operating instructions for your chainsaw.

Checklist: how to clean and care for chainsaw PPE with cut protection inserts

For your chainsaw protective equipment to last, it needs regular and appropriate cleaning. Fortunately, chainsaw protective clothing can simply be washed in the washing machine, though you should note the following care instructions:

  • Use the gentle or delicates cycle at no more than 60°C, and a spin speed of 400 rpm or less.
  • Do not use bleach or strong chemical cleaners.
  • Do not wash chainsaw cut protection clothing inside out.
  • Close Velcro and zips before putting your chainsaw PPE in the washing machine.
  • Wash similar colours together.
  • Use colour-friendly or mild detergent, but do not use fabric softener.
  • Air dry after washing.
  • Iron at a low temperature to reactivate the dirt and water resistance in the outer layer.
  • Store clean clothing in a dry, dark place – don’t store PPE clothing if it is dirty
Person wearing STIHL protective clothing: work gloves, cut protection trousers and helmet set

When to replace chainsaw PPE

You must replace any PPE as soon as it no longer performs its protective function fully. Make sure you regularly check your protective equipment for damage and defects.

You must replace your chainsaw protective equipment if you find:

  • Obvious damage such as holes, porous areas or contaminated items of clothing.
  • Material fatigue because an item of clothing has exceeded its recommended period of use.

You should also respect the recommended period of use for your PPE, as even chainsaw protective clothing ages. People who do a lot of work in the forest are likely to wear out their clothing more quickly, due to needing to wash it more frequently.

We recommend the following periods of use for protective clothing:

  • One to one and a half years for people working in professional forestry.
  • Up to five years for occasional users.
A person in protective equipment, holding a STIHL MS 462 CM petrol chainsaw, stands at the foot of a tall tree in a forest, looking up