Safety Regulations
REGULATIONS
The symbols which can be found in the interior of the protective clothing indicate the different levels of protection as described in the regulatory framework of the European Union. The higher the value of a parameter, the higher the level of protection.
EN381 Protection against hand-held chainsaws (Protective clothing for chainsaw users).
The European standard EN 381 conforms to the required level of protection for protective clothing for chainsaw users and is divided into different parts.
Each of them is aimed at a specific part of the body:
EN381-5: requirements for leg protectors. There are 3 types:
TYPE A: covers each leg partly (180°) & 5 cm to the interior part of the right leg and 5cm to the exterior part of the left leg. Protection starts at a max. 5 cm from the bottom of the leg and ends at a min. 20 cm above the crotch.
TYPE B: is identical to Type A but has an extra 5cm of protection in the interior part of the left leg.
TYPE C: covers each leg all around (360°). The protection starts at max. 5cm from the bottom of the leg and ends at min. 20cm above the front of the side of the crotch and at a min. 50cm under the back side of the crotch
EN381-7: requirements for chainsaw protective gloves.
EN381-9: requirements for chainsaw protective gaiters
EN 381-11: requirements for upper part of the body
All products sold by TOOLHIRE MARBELLA comply with the relevant guidelines of the European Union.
CLASSES OF CUT-RESISTANT PROTECTION
The standard also describes 4 classes of effective protection that correspond to the different chain speeds with which the tests have been carried out. Not all of the classes are authorized in each of the regulations.
They are the following:
Class 0: 16 m/s
Class 1: 20 m/s
Class 2: 24 m/s
Class 3: 28 m/s
Unless indicated otherwise, all minimum tests for these certifications have been carried out after 5 washes at 60°C & their subsequent drying. The clothes shown in this catalogue comply with regulation EN381.
The classes indicated above should not be confused with the categories of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The protective clothing for chainsaw users classified in Category II of the PPE, is not the same as the Class 2 previously described.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT BY CATEGORY (PPE) DIRECTIVE 89/686/EEC
Category I: Minimum risk: valid with only the EEC declaration of conformity. A simple design for the protection against superficial damage, such as small knocks, rain, dirt, etc.
Category II: Medium risk: valid with the EEC declaration of conformity and the test report (according to Regulation 89/686/EEC). Specifically designed for the protection against cuts, protective goggles, also garments and other elements of protection for chainsaw users.
Category III: High risk: valid with the EEC declaration of conformity, test report (according to Regulation 89/686/EEC)and an ISO or test certificate guaranteed by an awarding body. Clothing, goggles, protective helmets for conditions of +100° and of -50°, and electric shocks. Protection against falling from heights.
NOTE: The fact that an element of protection complies with these safety regulations does not eliminate the need for the user to possess adequate training and knowledge of the risks involved in the task they are performing.
The class & symbol from regulation EN381 will always be found inside the protective clothing (if applicable).
MAINTENANCE OF CLOTHING AND OF OTHER SAFETY ELEMENTS
Ensure adequate care is taken of all the safety elements and follow the instructions indicated on the label of the garment or on the care instructions provided separately.
The system of protection of the cut-restistant clothing is based on long, loose fibres which are drawn out from the inner protective layer of the garment. These fibres then wrap around the saw’s drive sprocket, locking it solid and halting the chain.
It is of vital importance that these fibres are well preserved and not damaged due to the following reasons:
Excessive heat: close proximity to fire, hot engines.
Dirt and/or grease: lack of washing
Shrinkage: Incorrect washing – no more than 60°C, no spin cycle and no tumble dry.
Poor repair: avoid sewing repairs – only repair the outer layer and not the layer of protection.
This type of clothing could save your life, but only if you follow the care instructions carefully. Keep this in mind!