Chainsaw Trousers

About Chainsaw Trousers

Chainsaw trousers are essential personal protective equipment designed to safeguard operators from severe leg injuries during chainsaw use. These specialised garments incorporate multiple layers of cut-resistant fibres that react instantly upon contact with a moving chainsaw chain, clogging the drive mechanism and stopping the blade within milliseconds. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of chainsaw protective clothing including full-length trousers, safety leggings, and bib and brace options from trusted manufacturers like Portwest and ALM.

All chainsaw trousers available through MyToolShed.co.uk meet European safety standards EN 381 or the updated EN 17353, ensuring reliable protection that complies with UK Health and Safety Executive requirements. Modern designs combine robust safety features with practical considerations such as reinforced knees, multiple pockets, adjustable waistbands, and breathable fabrics for all-day comfort in various working conditions.

Applications

Chainsaw protective trousers are essential for a diverse range of users and applications:

• Professional arborists and tree surgeons requiring daily chainsaw operation protection
• Forestry workers engaged in commercial timber harvesting and woodland management
• Groundsmen and estate managers maintaining parks, large gardens, and rural properties
• Landscapers undertaking tree work and vegetation clearance contracts
• Agricultural workers and farmers performing hedge laying, coppicing, and farm maintenance
• Local authority workers maintaining public spaces and roadside vegetation
• Construction site operatives involved in site clearance and demolition work
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners managing woodland or undertaking tree maintenance

Choosing The Right Chainsaw Trousers

Safety Classification: Verify the class rating matches your chainsaw specifications. Class 1 protection (20 m/s chain speed) suits most domestic and light professional use, whilst Class 2 or 3 may be required for more powerful professional equipment. Check the protection type—Type A covers the front of legs, Type B includes front and sides, and Type C provides all-round protection.

Fit and Style: Choose between full trousers, leggings worn over regular clothing, or bib and brace styles. Proper fit is crucial for effective protection, so look for adjustable waistbands and various leg lengths. Leggings offer affordability and portability, whilst full trousers provide superior comfort for extended wear.

Practical Features: Consider reinforced knee areas for durability, ventilation panels for breathability, multiple pockets for tools, and high-visibility elements for working near roads. Water-resistant fabrics are valuable in the UK's variable climate.

Standards Compliance: Ensure products display CE marking and meet current EN 381 or EN 17353 standards for legal compliance and guaranteed safety testing.

Safety Information

Chainsaw trousers are legally required under UK HSE regulations for professional chainsaw operation. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) mandate employers provide suitable PPE, which employees must use correctly. Even domestic users should wear appropriate protection as strongly recommended best practice.

Inspect chainsaw trousers regularly for wear, damage, or contamination with oil and sawdust. Replace immediately following any chainsaw contact incident, even without visible damage, as protective layers may be compromised. Wash according to manufacturer instructions—improper cleaning can damage protective fibres. Remember that complete chainsaw PPE should include safety boots, protective gloves, helmet with face shield, ear defenders, and high-visibility clothing when appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between chainsaw trousers and chainsaw leggings?

Chainsaw trousers are complete garments worn like regular work trousers with built-in protection, offering better comfort and additional features like reinforced knees and pockets. Chainsaw leggings are protective panels worn over existing trousers, covering the front and sides of legs. Leggings are lighter and more affordable but less comfortable for all-day professional use.

Do chainsaw trousers need replacing after contact with a chainsaw?

Yes, absolutely. Chainsaw trousers must be replaced immediately following any chainsaw contact incident, even if no visible damage is apparent. The protective layers work by pulling apart to jam the chainsaw mechanism, and once activated, their integrity is compromised. Continued use after contact puts you at serious risk of injury.

Can I wash chainsaw protective clothing in a washing machine?

Most chainsaw trousers can be machine washed following manufacturer instructions. Typically, use a gentle cycle at 30-40°C with mild detergent, avoiding fabric softeners or bleach which damage protective fibres. Never dry clean chainsaw clothing as chemicals compromise safety layers. Air drying is usually recommended over tumble drying.