Chainsaw Jackets

About Chainsaw Jackets

Chainsaw jackets are essential Category III protective garments designed to protect operators from one of the most dangerous tools in common use. These specialised jackets incorporate multiple layers of chainsaw-resistant material that are engineered to stop or significantly slow a moving chainsaw chain upon contact, providing crucial injury prevention in the event of an accident. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks certified chainsaw jackets from trusted brands like Draper, ensuring compliance with EN 381-11 European safety standards for professional arborists, forestry workers, and serious DIY users.

Modern chainsaw jackets combine high-visibility outer fabric—typically fluorescent orange or yellow—with protective padding in critical areas including the chest, arms, shoulders, and back. These protective zones contain specialised fibres that bind and clog the chainsaw's sprocket mechanism when contacted, stopping the chain almost instantaneously. Beyond life-saving protection, quality chainsaw jackets offer excellent mobility, breathability through ventilation zones, and compliance with high-visibility standards (EN ISO 20471) for safer working in forestry environments.

Applications

Chainsaw jackets are vital protective equipment for professionals and serious users including:

• Arborists and Tree Surgeons – professionals working with chainsaws at height and ground level
• Forestry Workers – woodland management and commercial timber harvesting operations
• Groundsmen and Estate Managers – maintaining parks, large properties, and estates with regular tree work
• Local Authority Workers – council employees managing public spaces and roadside trees
• Landscape Contractors – offering tree felling and reduction as part of landscaping services
• Agricultural Workers – maintaining hedgerows, copses, and woodland on farmland
• Utility Companies – clearing vegetation from power lines and infrastructure
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts – homeowners with substantial woodland or regular tree maintenance

Choosing The Right Chainsaw Jackets

Certification and Standards: Always verify EN 381-11 certification and check the chain speed rating (measured in m/s). Professional users operating high-powered chainsaws should look for higher ratings of 24 m/s or 28 m/s for maximum protection.

Coverage and Protection Type: Consider Type classifications—Type A protects the front, Type B covers front and sides, whilst Type C offers all-round protection. Your working position and risk assessment should determine the coverage required.

Fit and Sizing: Proper fit is critical for effective protection. The jacket should be snug enough to keep protective padding positioned over vulnerable areas, yet allow free movement for reaching and overhead work. Consider seasonal layering requirements when selecting your size.

Visibility Requirements: For professional forestry work or operations near highways, choose jackets meeting EN ISO 20471 high-visibility standards with fluorescent materials and reflective strips for maximum visibility to machinery operators.

Ventilation and Climate: Chainsaw work is physically demanding. MyToolShed.co.uk recommends jackets with breathable fabrics, ventilation panels, and moisture-wicking properties for extended use, particularly in warmer conditions.

Safety Information

Chainsaw jackets are Category III PPE under UK regulations, protecting against risks causing serious injury or death. For professional use, employers must provide certified protective clothing under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and HSE chainsaw guidance. Regularly inspect your jacket for damage—any cuts or tears to protective zones compromise effectiveness. If your jacket contacts a moving chain, remove it from service immediately, even without visible damage, as internal protective layers may be compromised. Follow manufacturer washing instructions carefully, typically machine washing at 30-40°C and air drying only, as tumble drying can damage protective fibres. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 5 years or approximately 50 wash cycles. Remember that a chainsaw jacket is one component of complete PPE—always wear appropriate leg protection, safety helmet, face shield, ear defenders, gloves, and safety boots when operating chainsaws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chain speed rating do I need for my chainsaw jacket?

Chain speed ratings of 20 m/s are suitable for occasional domestic use, whilst professional operators should choose 24 m/s or 28 m/s ratings for high-powered chainsaws. Check your chainsaw's chain speed specification and select protective clothing rated above that speed for adequate protection.

Can I wear a chainsaw jacket over my normal work coat?

It's better to wear thermal layers underneath your chainsaw jacket rather than over a bulky coat, as this can reduce mobility and compromise the protective positioning. The jacket must fit properly with protective padding staying in the correct position over vulnerable areas to provide effective protection.

Do I need to replace my chainsaw jacket after it's been cut by a chain?

Yes, absolutely. If your chainsaw jacket contacts a moving chain, it must be taken out of service immediately and replaced, even if damage isn't visible externally. The protective fibres may be compromised internally, significantly reducing the jacket's ability to protect you in a subsequent incident.