Echo Gloves: not that Safe?

[Paul Bunions]

I have never seen a professional wearing chaps, chainsaw pants, or a hard hat.

 

[oldfortyfive]

I have never seen a professional wearing chaps, chainsaw pants, or a hard hat.

It's not common that's for sure.

 

[Philbert]

I have never seen a professional wearing chaps, chainsaw pants, or a hard hat.

All the time.

Helmets are seen in all the classic logging photos and videos.

Chaps and pants worn by most of the arborists and utility crews that I see: exceptions are those that appear ‘non professional’.

Philbert

 

[HumBurner]

I have never seen a professional wearing chaps, chainsaw pants, or a hard hat.

I used to wear chaps, and did so up until 2-3 years ago.

There are still times when I do.

Working on steep ground, chaps become cumbersome.and restrictive of movement. FOR ME it's less safe to wear chaps with restricted motion, especially when every step matters on your escape routes, then the gain of safety from the chaps.


Is it taking a chance? ABSOLUTELY!
Is that my choice to make? ABSOLUTELY.

 

[holeycow]

My first step into the homeowner helpers forum is....horrifying.

 

[Paul Bunions]

All the time.

Helmets are seen in all the classic logging videos.

Chaps and pants worn by most of the arborists and utility crews that I see: exceptions are those that appear ‘non professional’.

Philbert

Come visit Florida some time. Sounds like Minnesota is very different. I gear up better than the pros around here.

 

[Paul Bunions]

I used to wear chaps, and did so up until 2-3 years ago.

There are still times when I do.

Working on steep ground, chaps become cumbersome.and restrictive of movement. FOR ME it's less safe to wear chaps with restricted motion, especially when every step matters on your escape routes, then the gain of safety from the chaps.


Is it taking a chance? ABSOLUTELY!
Is that my choice to make? ABSOLUTELY.

I did not wear my new ones yesterday. I was up to my neck in hassles, and I just plain put it off.

Today I finally wore chaps. First time ever. They were a little warm, as I figured, but they did a great job of keeping sawdust off my boots and socks, and for once, I didn't go home with my legs carved up by weeds. On the whole, they might be worth the aggravation even if they didn't block chain cuts.

 

[HumBurner]

My first step into the homeowner helpers forum is....horrifying.

It's okay. I'm pretty horrified at some of the things I see here too.

My crewboss has been running saw for 40+ years. He wore chaps when required, but hasn't worn them for decades. Never cut himself. Luck? Sure, why not?

The most important thing is for the saw to be an extension of your body, and to be AWARE AND MINDFUL of what you're doing and WITH INTENT.


Accidents do happen. Freak accidents do happen.

I've only been running saw for ~12 years. Haven't cut myself with a moving chain or a still-chain in the field so far.


**KNOCKS HARD ON HARDWOOD**

hard hats are a must, though.

 

[Philbert]

Working on steep ground, chaps become cumbersome.and restrictive of movement. FOR ME it's less safe to wear chaps with restricted motion, especially when every step matters on your escape routes, then the gain of safety from the chaps.

A lot of the guys who wear (and sell) chainsaw protective pants agree with you. Especially, climbers.

Good quality, well fitting protective pants can be expensive ($200 -$300). They are not something easy shared among a crew. And they have to be laundered more frequently than chaps.

But you understand the tradeoffs.

Philbert

 

[moxiemaul]

We had 4 guys on saws last weekend, I was the only one with a helmet, another guy was the only one with chaps but at least everyone had eye and ear protection. I have a pair of labonville chaps on order- his sure looked handy for wading into a job. Thorns go thru the carhartts even if they don't tear.. kind of tired of getting speared and poked. And 40 yrs ago I almost took a chunk out of my right thigh cutting left-handed with a heavy saw, been thinking of that recently, so chaps it is for me I think.