What is the standard that chainsaw protective clothing should be made to? 

All protective clothing for chainsaw operators should be certified to AS/NZS 4453.3 Protective clothing for users of hand-held chainsaws - Protective legwear.

Is Big Jim Chainsaw Clothing Certified to a Standard?

Yes, Big Jim Chainsaw protective clothing is certified by BSI to AS/NZS 4453.3 Protective clothing for users of hand-held chainsaws - Protective legwear.

Has Elliotts Chainsaw Protective Clothing always been certified to AS/NZS 4453.3:1997?

Since 1988, Chainsaw Protective Clothing in Australia and New Zealand has been made to NZS 5840. In 1997 a joint Australian and New Zealand standard was issued, AS/NZS 4453, the performance requirements of the standard were superior to the requirements of NZS 5840. The standard could not be enforced due to the technical difficulties encountered during the testing process.

Even though it was based on the European standard EN381, because of some subtle differences, there was no way of testing the product to it. Consequently, NZS 5840 remained the benchmark for performance.

Up until April 2010, Elliotts Chainsaw Protective Clothing has been made to meet the performance requirements of NZS 5840 and the design requirements of AS/NZS 4453. Elliotts Chainsaw Protective Clothing was certified in October 2010 by SAI Global to AS/NZS 4453.3:1997 Protective clothing for users of hand-held chainsaws - Protective legwear.

What is the performance difference between AS/NZS 4453.3:1997 and NZS 5840?

We increased the performance of our ArborTex protective pads by 25% to change from meeting the requirements of NZS5840 to meeting the performance requirements of AS/NZS 4453.3:1997.

How do I tell if my Elliott Chainsaw Protective Clothing is certified to AS/NZS 4453.3:1997?

If your chainsaw chaps have the Big Jim label on the inside of clothing which has the BSI-certified product logo then your chaps have been certified to AS/NZS 4453.3:1997. If they don't they have been manufactured to meet the performance requirements of NZS5840.

What is ArborTex? 

ArborTex is the high-performance specialised fabric that is used in the protective pads on Big Jim clothing. The ArborTex pads provide the wearer protection from chainsaw hazards.

Who should wear chainsaw protective clothing?

Anyone who operates a chainsaw should wear protective clothing, either chainsaw chaps or chainsaw trousers. Additional PPE including a hard hat, face shield, safety glasses/ eyewear, boots, and gloves should also be worn.

Can I repair my trousers or chaps if they are damaged?

Repairs may only be carried out on the outer layer, do not repair or sew through the protective pad! You must repair a damaged outer layer/shell immediately to prevent damage to the protective pad. If the internal protective pad has been damaged, DO NOT USE it and discard it immediately.

Do I need to inspect my chainsaw protective clothing?

YES. Visually inspect at regular intervals when in storage, before and after use. If damaged, discard and replace.

REFERENCE PAGES:

Chainsaw Protection Introduction | Chainsaw Protection Range | Chainsaw Protection Materials | Chainsaw Protection Certifications