Chainsaw PPE extends well beyond the trousers. A complete chainsaw PPE system protects the operator from head to foot — and each item is as important as the others. This guide covers every piece of CE-certified protective clothing and equipment required for safe chainsaw use in Ireland.
The Complete Chainsaw PPE System
Chainsaw injuries are almost always severe — the combination of chain speed, exposed teeth and the forces involved means even brief contact causes life-altering damage. A full PPE system significantly reduces injury severity across all contact scenarios. Under Irish Health and Safety legislation, employers must provide all of the following for employees using chainsaws; self-employed operators must provide this protection for themselves.
| PPE Item | CE Standard | Class / Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw trousers | EN ISO 11393 | Class 1, 2 or 3 | Most critical item — match class to saw speed |
| Chainsaw helmet | EN 397 | Industrial safety | Must integrate visor and hearing protection |
| Eye protection (visor) | EN 166 | Mesh forestry visor | Mesh type — not solid visor for chainsaw work |
| Hearing protection | EN 352 | SNR rated for saw | Ear defenders integrated with helmet are standard |
| Chainsaw gloves | EN 381-7 | Class 0 or 1 | Must carry specific chainsaw protection rating |
| Chainsaw boots | EN ISO 17249 | Class 1 or 2 | Steel toecap + chainsaw leg protection required |
Chainsaw Trousers
CE chainsaw trousers are statistically the most important single item of chainsaw PPE — the legs are the most common point of chainsaw contact. Class 1 (up to 20 m/s) for occasional homeowner use; Class 2 (24 m/s) for arborists and regular users; Class 3 (28 m/s) for professional forestry workers. See our full chainsaw trousers Ireland guide and our chainsaw pants guide for detailed buying advice.
Chainsaw Helmet, Visor and Hearing Protection
A chainsaw-specific helmet must meet EN 397 (industrial safety helmet), EN 166 (visor) and EN 352 (hearing protection). Integrated helmets combining all three are the most practical option. The visor must be a mesh type — solid visors can shatter from debris and obstruct vision. Hearing protection is critical as chainsaws typically produce 100–120 dB(A) — sustained exposure without hearing protection causes permanent damage rapidly. Most professional Irish forestry workers use Husqvarna, Stihl, or Pfanner integrated helmets that meet all three standards in one unit.
Chainsaw Gloves
Chainsaw gloves must meet EN 381-7, which tests specifically for chainsaw cut resistance on the back of the left hand — the most exposed hand during chainsaw operation. Standard cut-resistant gloves (EN 388) are not a substitute. Class 1 chainsaw gloves protect at chain speeds up to 20 m/s; Class 1 is sufficient for most users as the glove design is intended to activate the chainsaw brake through the mechanism of the hand being pushed into the chain. Chainsaw gloves must be replaced after any contact event.
Chainsaw Boots
Chainsaw protective footwear must meet EN ISO 17249, which tests chainsaw cut resistance on the upper of the boot. Standard steel-toecap work boots are not sufficient — they protect against impact but not chainsaw cuts. Class 1 chainsaw boots protect at chain speeds up to 20 m/s; Class 2 up to 24 m/s. Husqvarna, Pfanner and Haix produce chainsaw boots widely available in Ireland. When buying online, confirm EN ISO 17249 certification is present — standard safety boots are sometimes incorrectly listed alongside chainsaw footwear.
Chainsaw Jacket
A chainsaw protective jacket is required for arborist work and any overhead chainsaw use where the upper body and arms are exposed to the chain. Chainsaw jackets must meet EN ISO 11393-4 and are available in Class 1 and Class 2 protection. They use the same fibre-jam protection mechanism as chainsaw trousers. For ground-level felling where the saw remains below waist height, a jacket is not always required — but for climbing arborists or anyone using the saw above waist level it is essential PPE. See our brand comparison in the chainsaw brands guide as most brands producing trousers also produce matching jackets.
Where to Buy Chainsaw PPE in Ireland
Husqvarna and Stihl dealer networks have broad coverage across Ireland and stock full chainsaw PPE ranges including helmets, jackets, gloves and boots as well as trousers. Agricultural merchants stock Husqvarna PPE in many rural areas. For specialist arborist brands (Clogger, Pfanner, Teufelberger), online ordering through specialist arborist suppliers is typically the best route. The HSA chainsaw safety guidance provides a useful checklist for employers and self-employed operators when assessing their PPE provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
CE-certified chainsaw trousers (EN ISO 11393), chainsaw protective footwear (EN ISO 17249), a helmet with integrated visor and hearing protection, and chainsaw gloves (EN 381-7). A chainsaw jacket is required for overhead and arborist work. Employers must provide all of this; self-employed operators have the same duty of care.
Base layers, then chainsaw trousers, then boots, then jacket. Helmet last before starting the saw, gloves after the helmet is secured. This ensures no straps or fastenings are caught under other garments.
Yes. No exemption exists for homeowners or occasional users. Class 1 chainsaw trousers, appropriate footwear, helmet with visor and hearing protection, and chainsaw gloves are recommended for any chainsaw use however infrequent.
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