CALF PROTECTION: do chainsaw operators still need it?

What about double femoral artery protection?

Some years ago FESA (Forestry Engineering South Africa) surveyed the forestry industry, including ALL partners, regarding the specifications SA needs for chainsaw trousers.  The conclusion was:  Class 1 – 20m/sec; Design B – left and right femoral artery protection.  In addition it was noted that 12% of chainsaw injuries occur on the back of the calf so, as manufacturers, we added calf protection.  The EU have recently re-assigned the name “design B” to chaps, leaving only two trousers designs; “design A” (one femoral artery) or “design C” (full tube, front and back -hot, hot, hot and expensive).  And now our SA market is flooded with “design A” trousers using the change in the EU classification as justification for dropping the left femoral artery coverage, along with the crucial calf coverage.

My questions are: Do the SA forestry conditions and training standards line up with those in the EU? Do we have no further use for calf coverage in SA? Do we no longer need double femoral artery coverage?

I have not heard of, nor been involved in a more recent study than the one FESA conducted those years back.  I have not come across dramatically improved chainsaw trainee programs nor vastly upgraded working conditions.  Yet, as an industry, some seem to be supporting the removal of calf protection as well as 50% femoral artery protection from our chainsaw operators, and I wonder why.

It can be argued that the more chain clogging fabric there is, the hotter and heavier the trousers will be, causing operator fatigue.  This is indeed a problem.  There are very expensive imported trousers sporting light weight chain clogging fabric…. a few 100 grams lighter than the substantially more affordable locally manufactured trousers.  Our trousers (as do most) have air vents built in at the back of the knees to try mitigate the heat problem, but sadly I think it will always be there until completely new technology is developed.  Frequent breaks and frequent re-hydration is recommend when operating a chainsaw.

Our slogans “Tried & Tested: No Frills, More Protection” along with “Made in SA, for SA” go a long way to describing our products.  That said, I would love to engage with ideas for product improvements that enhance our operator safety, and invite any and all to contact me on karen@pangolincc.com in this regard. 

Contact: Pangolin Manufacturing

Source: Forestry & Timber Value chain Newsletter – February 2024

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