Protective chain saw leggings help stop serious injury

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 286, 16 May 1989, Page 14

Protective chain saw leggings help stop serious injury

As the use of chain saws for industrial and domestic activities increases, so does the risk of accidents to users.

Chain saws are a useful and powerful tool - but the results of improper use can be severe - serious injuries or loss of a leg. Recent statistics from the Logging Industry Accident Reporting Scheme have indicated that the number and severity of leg injuries caused by the chain saw have decreased since the introduction of protective legwear. SANZ has published a new specification for protective legwear for chain saw users (NZS 5840) which specifies requircments for protective legwear designcd to preverit or minimize injuries to legs caused

by a chain saw. The cut resistance of the material of the protective legwear to the chain saw and the dimensions of the protective legwear are specified. There is concern from garment manufacturers and industry alike about the protective capability of some of the safety legwear available. It was apparent that a standard specifically designed for local conditions was necessary for both the comfort of the wearer and the practicability of manufacturing such a garment. The Protective Legwear for Chain saw Users Committee was formed to decide on the

test methods and the performance criteria for a New Zealand Standard. Represented on this committee were: the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research - Auckland Industrial Development Division; the Logging and Forest Industry Training Board; the New Zealand Loggers Association; the New Zealand Logging Industry Research Association; the New Zealand Timber Industry Employees' Union; the New Zealand Timber Industry Industrial Union of Employers; and Tasman Forestry Ltd. After considering test methods from other countries, the committee agrees that a bulletin* from the National Swedish Testing Institute for Agricultural Machinery be used as a base with modifications to suit New Zealand conditions and requirements. The cutting implement used in the test method should possess characteristics which t mina

correspond to those of an average petrol powered chain saw in regard to kinetic energy of the drive and chain. Manufacturers who adopt the relevant specifications of the Standard will be able to apply for a licence to endorse their product with the 'S' Mark of quality - an assurance to purchasers that what they buy is fit for its purpose. Such product quality assurance will be reassuring to employers and employees alike. For more information contact the SANZ Certification Division. NZS 5840: 1988 Specification for protective legwear for chain saw users is available from the SANZ Saies Section for $33.00 (SANZ members: $19.80) including GST. Reprinted from SANZ magazine ♦Bulletin No. 2893 (Group No. 50) 1984 .