Chainsaw trousers are an essential item of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the forestry industry. Chainsaw users are at particularly high risk of injury: uneven forest terrain, slippery ground, heavy machinery – often you’re only a split second away from slipping or falling. The running chainsaw then quickly becomes uncontrollable. Consequently, woodland and forestry workers cannot do without reliable chainsaw protection under any circumstances.
Chainsaw trousers are both trousers and bib & braces which have been inspected according to EN ISO 11393-2:2019. This European safety standard defines the requirements for leg protection when working with hand-operated chainsaws. Therefore, EN standard chainsaw trousers provide comprehensive protection from injuries to the legs from power saws or hand-operated chainsaws.
Cut protection trousers tested according to EN ISO 11393-2:2019, cut protection class 1, protect the legs from injuries caused by hand-held chainsaws at a chain speed of up to 20 metres per second. The protective effect is achieved by blocking the chainsaw. For this purpose, a multi-layered insert of loosely woven, very long and fine, tear-resistant threads is incorporated between the outer fabric and lining on the front of the trousers, from the hip to the ankle - the so-called cut protection insert. As soon as the chain of the chainsaw cuts the outer fabric, it comes into contact with the threads of the cut-resistant insert. These wind around the chainsaw’s drive wheel, jamming it and preventing severe injuries to the legs.
The EN ISO 11393-2 regulating chainsaw protection distinguishes four chainsaw protection classes which are measured according to chain speed:
Chainsaw trousers by Engelbert Strauss meet chainsaw protection class 1 – which is the chainsaw protection class most worn in the forestry industry. In accordance with this protection class, the chainsaw protection protects from a chain speed of 20 m/s. When buying premium chainsaw trousers, the priority should be checking the speed of the power saw used. Chainsaw trousers of higher classes are heavier and stiffer. This means a lower level of flexibility.
In addition to the chain speed, chain sharpness, chain tension, impact angle and impact energy are also crucial parameters for the degree of protection of chainsaw trousers. What’s clear is that as every contact with a chainsaw is different, chainsaw trousers cannot provide one hundred percent protection from injuries. Nevertheless, they are vital to avoid severe leg injuries with dangerous consequences when working with chainsaws.
The German Board of Trustees for Forestry Work and Technology (KWF) tests safety clothing and forest equipment in an extensive utility value examination. If the product meets all safety-related aspects in full, it is awarded the KWF Standard symbol. Trousers, jackets and shoes for use in the forest must undergo a one-year endurance test before they can be awarded the KWF-Profi symbol. They are tested by forestry professionals at work. The requirements correspond to the state-of-the-art with respect to efficiency, health & safety, ergonomics and environmental compatibility. The test includes technical measurements, practical forestry tasks and surveys. The examination focusses primarily on the wearing properties, durability, care and features.
Our trousers with KWF Profi symbol / FPA approved:
KWF professionally tested e.s. chainsaw trousers KWF are super light and comfortable, with six layers of protective material in elastic stretch fabric and guarantee a high level of freedom of movement. They are equipped with practical details and a number of pockets which are functionally arranged according to the KWF classification committee.
The e.s. KWF forestry chainsaw dungarees are equipped with six layers of chainsaw protection material and especially pleasant and comfortable to wear. The extra-wide braces provide a secure fit without wrinkling. On the back there is an elasticated insert which guarantees optimum comfort. A practical bib pocket also has a number of pockets and features.
Soft, low-noise and weather-proof wax clothing of cut protection class 1. Forestry cut protection trousers e.s.cotton touch is a practical all-weather trousers for use in the forest. Zips on the side are dirt-proof, the Velcro fasteners are very stable for the tough forest environment. Durable, functional and comfortable cut protection trousers.
Forestry cut-protection jeans by Engelbert Strauss These class 1 trousers in a casual 5-pocket jeans style and lots of useful details for use in the forest represent very cool safety clothing.
The hard-wearing CORDURA® stretch fabric of the e.s.vision chainsaw trousers guarantees optimum freedom of movement. Hydrophobic, strengthened thorn protection on the lower trouser leg protects from obstacles in the undergrowth. A number of pockets and features, such as zip ventilation on the thighs, sewn-in dirt and tick protection, as well as comfortable EAZYFIT® technology make the chaps the perfect companion for forestry work.
The forms indicate where the cur protection layers are. Select the cut protection form depending on whether or not you frequently use professional chainsaws at work, or only use a chainsaw occasionally:
Cut protection form A
Cut protection trousers of type A are intended for professional use in forestry operations. According to EN ISO 11393, the cut protection covers the front of the leg and to a certain extent the rear left leg area (by 5 cm each).
Cut protection form C
Form C also protects the back of the legs that are less at risk, and therefore offer all-round protection. They do, however, restrict movement more. For this reason, this protection form is not recommended for regular professional use, but only for persons who use chainsaws in exceptional cases, e.g. fire service and technical relief workers.
Cut protection form B
Chaps, with straps for closure. For occasional use, not for professional use.
Chainsaw trousers by Engelbert Strauss are available in different designs and with a variety of features. What’s important is: For all e.s. chainsaw trousers, the focus is on safety – they therefore provide reliable protection from injuries when working with chainsaws. The e.s.vision cross chaps and dungarees have a special feature: Thanks to new positioning of the cut-resistant insert, the e.s.vision cross provides a larger protection radius and therefore protects from rip saws. In combination with bXeric®, a special elastic and robust material, the insert stretches and ensures unrestricted freedom of movement - for even more safety and comfort when working!
Protective clothing by Engelbert Strauss for the forestry industry is made from high-quality materials to ensure the highest level of safety. The differences are in the equipment, details and design. Therefore, choosing the right forestry trousers is a matter of taste. From experience, the first question to ask yourself when looking for the right chainsaw trousers is:
This is also a matter of taste and personal comfort. As the protection is incorporated exclusively into the leg area, both types of trousers are suitable for forestry work.
The advantage of trousers with chainsaw protection lies in their flexibility. With the help of braces, chaps can be more comfortable to wear in warm temperatures. These provide an improved level of comfort in the upper body area. A higher waistband protects you from the cold in the winter.
Bib and Braces on the other hand provide additional storage space in the chest area. What’s more, small items can be handily stowed. Thanks to the bib over the chest and back, dungarees are also warmer than chaps. A significant advantage for forestry work in the winter.
In general, protective clothing should be chosen so that it is possible to work unrestricted. At the same time, the clothing should not be too large so that snagging is not possible. Chainsaw trousers by Engelbert Strauss are available both in regular sizes and in smaller sizes. With the help of the size table, you can find the right size quickly and easily in the online shop.
Trousers with chainsaw protection should not come into contact with pointed or sharp objects (for example, power saw chains, thorns, metal tools, etc.) or with aggressive substances, such as acids, oils, solvents, fuels or animal faeces to avoid damaging the material. Likewise, contact with hot objects (exhausts, etc.) and other heat sources (open fire, hot ovens, etc.) should be avoided – this can impair the chainsaw protection.
Only the upper layer may be repaired in the event of damage. However, never sew through the cut-resistant insert! When changing or repairing safety clothing, (for example, shortening the legs) do not repair, change, shorten or sew through the cut-resistant insert. Any change to the cut-resistant insert may reduce or destroy its protective properties! For repairs and for further instructions on looking after your chainsaw trousers, please refer to the attached instructions for use.
Only robust, easy-care materials are used in chainsaw trousers by Engelbert Strauss. For protective clothing for woodland and forestry work, particular focus is on maximum freedom of movement through flexible fabric, comfortable waistband solutions and elastic inserts. So that the durability of these products is also guaranteed in addition to wear comfort and design, protective clothing should be cleaned regularly.
Please remember that complete protection when working with chainsaws is more than a pair of chainsaw trousers: Therefore, your outfit should also include the right footwear and appropriate gloves. Forestry safety shoes, such as S2 Triton forestry safety shoes protect against cuts from hand-operated chainsaws with steel toe caps. The leather forestry cut protection gloves have been tested according to EN 381-7:1999 (cut protection, class 0:16 m/s) and EN 388:2016 (mechanical risks, 2132X). The soft leather guarantees an excellent grip on the chainsaw, the left glove has a special cut protection insert on the back of the hand. Also remember head and face protection when working – the latter protects the eyes from severe injuries from flying sawdust and other bits of wood. Engelbert Strauss provides forestry protective helmet combinations for this purpose. This is also equipped with ‘2C’ e.s.-certified ear defenders. You will also find many more products to protect your ears from the loud noise of the chainsaw in the hearing protection category.
Why spend a long time looking when it is so simple? The product filters on the chainsaw trousers overview page in the Engelbert Strauss online shop will help you quickly find the perfect pair: Here you can not only browse products by size, colour and collection, but also by equipment features, such as pockets and ventilation, and material and care features.
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