Why to Wear Chainsaw Safety Chaps | General Homesteading Discussion | Forums

Yes.  I have personally scrubbed pieces of sawdust and denim out of patient's legs after just a little accident. 

If you want to know what that's like, mix a handful of sawdust and a wad of dryer lint  with a pound of hamburger and then try to pick out all the pieces.  For authenticity, have someone sit next to you crying and sobbing into a pillow.

Besides, $70 dollars is just a little more than my ER copay. 

since 2 falls ago, yes. that is when my boss almost died cutting wood... nicked his femoral.

I ordered some Kevlar chaps that day, lol. Now it feels strange to run the saw with out em on actually.

ABSOFRIGGINLUTELY!!!

Forget the immediate medical bills, I'm out there alone and could bleed out alone and unconscious. Nevermind that a chainsaw injury is likely to cause permanent life long debilitating injury. Thats long term medical bills and being crippled for life... if you're lucky.

I bought the 3-in-1 helmet/ear&eye protection and the chaps in the same purchase as my chainsaw. I already had and wear leather gloves, eyeglasses, and boots with protected toe. I also wear snake bite shin/calf protectors (rattlesnakes at my property), knee pads, and orange safety vest. I keep my cellphone on me and make sure I have good signal and well charged battery.

I only ever start the chainsaw on level ground using the foot stable starting technique, and NEVER the drop-start method. I never use any "standing" method. I always triple check my chain brake is engaged.

I keep spare chains so I'm never using a dull (dangerous) chain, I check my chain and tension often, keep the saw clean, fueled, and well lubed, and stop working if I'm too sore or fatigued.

I plan every cut before even starting or holding the chainsaw, and I look at angles, hazards, and potential for unpredictible cascading tree and limb events. When cutting, I make the same wedged under cuts and upper cuts as I did using an axe, and I never cut through my hinge; it's there to guide the fall angle and cuts itself by snapping when the tree falls down.

Be a "George", not  a "Charlie"...

I use wedges as needed, watch my fell angles and obstructions. I clear the area around my feet of debris to avoid tripping, and I make certain I always have a clear escape route. I keep 3 heavy duty tow straps and a heavy duty ratcheting Come-Along hoist to tie off and tension any leaning tree to make damn sure it falls exactly where I intend.

One safety product I'd add if I could justify the cost is protective chainsaw boots. Like the chaps, they have kevlar fibers to lock up the engine. It's not just your legs that are at highest risk.

 I no expert. I'm an amateur. But I'm cautious and studious. I've researched and studied on chainsaw safety. I'm not a "George", but I aspire to be.