Chaps are good...although I admit to not using them except when mandated by OSHA compliance and/or work policy. I'd say they're probably a mandatory safety item for a newer person...I see it at work with people newer to saws. Although it's exceedingly rare that we get a full on leg strike or something, I do occasionally see minor damage to chaps that wasn't enough to clog up the saw or for the operator to even notice. If it weren't for the chaps, at least a minor injury would've been likely, if not worse.
This usually occurs when they're cutting brush, even though I fall trees and climb them, brush cutting is the most dangerous activity I do with a chainsaw IMO. Potential for hazards in the brush, often less-than-ideal body mechanics, often tired, etc. Which leads me to say, check your own fatigue level when cutting...I don't know the statistics, but I'm betting most accidents happen when the sawyer is tired.
Lastly about the leg strike thing, I don't see it at work only because we hammer proper saw handling into the guys that are learning. If I see unsafe saw handling/technique, I'll yell at the guy to stop and we'll correct what he's doing wrong. If you don't have an experienced sawyer to learn from, I'd strongly suggest trying to get some professional training in. I wouldn't even begin to convey the stuff online that I can in person.
Other PPE: Helmets...it's a mandatory safety item if there are any possible aerial hazards, I wear mine when falling trees, climbing, or when mandated to do so at my career job. For cutting firewood at home...I'm wearing a hat.
Ear and eye pro is a must. I do bend the rules at times with eye pro...I have my reason, but I'd say don't follow my lead on that.
Gloves...I've never used cut resistant gloves. I think most of the cut-resistant gloves are meant to ward off a handsaw, but I could be wrong on that. I think I have a higher likelihood of cutting my fingers/hands with my handsaw than I do with my chainsaw.
Get/have good footwear. I don't own any steel-toe boots, all mine are leather logger/wildland fire boots(Nicks.) They are minimal, as far as cut protection goes, but they are comfortable and offer good footing. I'm of the opinion that being comfortable in your work environment is going to save energy and help prevent the events that lead up to an accident.
Wedges are good to have, but I'd learn the purpose behind them/what they can be used for. There are even different sizes and tapers. For now, just get yourself a couple of small 5.5" bucking wedges and understand the concepts of tension and compression. Also different binds.
