Safety chaps testing - Saw Damage?

[John_Mc]

Not sure how the "50%' injuries above the waist are happening.

Most injuries above the waist are to the left hand. I don't have the exact data, but I suspect there are two main sources: injuries to the thumb/hand/wrist from kickback (usually a sprain or dislocation, rather than a cut) and injuries from improper reaching for the chain brake, allowing the hand to come in contact with the chain. (for the later, the recommendation is to activate the brake by bumping it with the wrist while still holing the handle, and release by keeping the left thumb hooked around the handle and reach forward with the fingers to pull the brake handle back.) If you just figure out the left hand, that accounts for over 75% of the upper body injuries.

View attachment 722346

On my "one day I'm going to" list is to buy a pair of safety-toe boots. Not only have I managed to smash toes, but recently I scratched the top of one of my boots with my saw (it was like it was saying to me: "hey! did you forget that you were going to buy safety-toe boots?").

Remember there is more to protecting your foot than just getting a steel toed boot. A steel to alone can often just cause the chain to "skate" along the top of the steel until it drops down behind the steel toe, dicing up your metatarsal bones (the ones behind your toes). If you are going for foot protection, go for true chainsaw cut protection, and one comfortable enough that you will actually wear it.

I've had good luck with my Haix XR200 chainsaw boots. They are very comfortable - as good as the best pair of hiking boots I've ever owned. When these do finally wear out, I'll probably switch to the Haix Protector Ultra boots - a higher class of cut protection, a tread pattern that gives a bit better traction, and about 1" taller.

 

[Jstpssng]

Most injuries above the waist are to the left hand. I don't have the exact data, but I suspect there are two main sources: injuries to the thumb/hand/wrist from kickback (usually a sprain or dislocation, rather than a cut) and injuries from improper reaching for the chain brake, allowing the hand to come in contact with the chain. (for the later, the recommendation is to activate the brake by bumping it with the wrist while still holing the handle, and release by keeping the left thumb hooked around the handle and reach forward with the fingers to pull the brake handle back.) If you just figure out the left hand, that accounts for over 75% of the upper body injuries.

View attachment 722346



Remember there is more to protecting your foot than just getting a steel toed boot. A steel to alone can often just cause the chain to "skate" along the top of the steel until it drops down behind the steel toe, dicing up your metatarsal bones (the ones behind your toes). If you are going for foot protection, go for true chainsaw cut protection, and one comfortable enough that you will actually wear it.

I've had good luck with my Haix XR200 chainsaw boots. They are very comfortable - as good as the best pair of hiking boots I've ever owned. When these do finally wear out, I'll probably switch to the Haix Protector Ultra boots - a higher class of cut protection, a tread pattern that gives a bit better traction, and about 1" taller.

Everything there is 15% off right now. I just ordered a pair of their Protector Ultras... a couple of people I work with have them and speak highly.
I ordered mine last week when only certain items were marked down. Had I known they were going to have a storewide sale I would have waited a few days.

I can't wear the tall "logger" type heels; I will have shin splints in no time.

 

[DieselBound]

Thanks for the info on the boots! And with the discount there's little reason to not buy a pair! Seems like a big win if one is "going green!" ($85 cheaper than the red-colored ones- when I go out to cut wood I'm not thinking about whether the color of my clothing matches and if one wears red how will one be able to see blood?)

 

[Jstpssng]

Thanks for the info on the boots! And with the discount there's little reason to not buy a pair! Seems like a big win if one is "going green!" ($85 cheaper than the red-colored ones- when I go out to cut wood I'm not thinking about whether the color of my clothing matches and if one wears red how will one be able to see blood?)

Last week the red ones were on sale, so that's what I have coming. At least they will match my snowsled...

 

[John_Mc]

Thanks for the info on the boots! And with the discount there's little reason to not buy a pair! Seems like a big win if one is "going green!" ($85 cheaper than the red-colored ones- when I go out to cut wood I'm not thinking about whether the color of my clothing matches and if one wears red how will one be able to see blood?)

The green Haix Protector Ultra boots are on a temporary "door buster" sale. Regularly $365, sale price is $279. The sale only lasts a few hours. I'd prefer the red ones, but if my XR200 boots were ready for replacement, I'd be jumping on that deal.

 

[Jstpssng]

I believe that everything is 15% off right now. That still makes the green boots a better deal... also the same price I just paid for my red ones last week.

 

[DieselBound]

Last week the red ones were on sale, so that's what I have coming. At least they will match my snowsled...

Just ordered the greens (I get stuff all mucked up, in which case it won't be long before one couldn't tell what color my boots were!). Maybe we can get together and do some Xmas caroling- Red and Green (or maybe the Red Green Show?) Green will go better with my scenery Anyway...

Many thanks to all for the nudge.

Now I need to get a new pair of chaps... (which was the subject of this thread! hey, look! squirrel!)

 

[Root Cause]

Since we're chasin' squirrels..................

Safety glasses were always a last-second thought and figured better equipment was probably too expensive for a part-timer. When I started clearing a home site, I chased this down. The price wasn't bad at all and it beats the heck out of glasses when you are sweating. The ear muffs hold the hat in place and face shield works very well. I won't go back to just glasses ever.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^
I wear one of those. Plus, if running saw all day I wear ear inserts... otherwise I will still hear the saw running all night. My hearing is bad enough, I am trying to preserve it.

 

[yomax4]

I bought the hard hat/shield/muff combo after cutting a big dead red elm and as it fell, Spears were raining down from the tree top and were sticking in the ground all around me. It was a RUN situation like many before.

 

[DieselBound]

Root Cause, thanks for that reminder as well. I'd thought about going that route also. Sometimes I just want to peel off one piece, but if it can all be done in one quick ON and then another quick ON action then I suppose that would be fine.

 

[Zetorboy]

Very bad ides, DougRR2.
Hang 'EM ON A NAIL, ON THE WALL. .OR TROW THEM AWAY.
Zetorboy

 

[Root Cause]

Root Cause, thanks for that reminder as well. I'd thought about going that route also. Sometimes I just want to peel off one piece, but if it can all be done in one quick ON and then another quick ON action then I suppose that would be fine.

You are welcome and yes, they are by far more comfortable to me. I bought it for the screen but the all in one is easier than putting in ear plugs etc. The helmet has saved my noggin a couple of times. I also wore when clearing brush, stacking it on the forks etc. t saved my face and eyes countless times.

 

[oosik]

I have two Stihl chain saws. A big one with a 24" blade and a small one with a 14" blade. The small one because I kept cutting with the big one when tired. I tested my steel toed boots.

 

[John_Mc]

When selecting a helmet, the ones with a 6 point suspension (three straps running across the top of your head, anchored on each end) tend to be more comfortable and provide better protection than the cheaper 4 point suspension (2 straps). However, any properly rated helmet is better than none. Pick one that is comfortable enough that you will actually wear it.

I've been around a few people who have had significant head injuries. Trust me, you don't want to do that to yourself, or worse, burden your family with dealing with someone with such an injury. A good helmet doesn't guarantee no injury, but it certainly helps.

I have two helmets: one which the ear muffs kept coming off, so I removed them permanently. It's now my hot weather helmet - I use ear plugs when wearing it, since they are much cooler than the ear muffs. The other helmet with the ear muffs is much more convenient when you need to remove and replace the hearing protection, so gets used any time it's not really warm out.

 

[kpsp50]

S219 thanks for the video I often wondered what would happen was never in a situation where I had it happen so thank you appreciate it