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Get a clear idea of which SIP Protection range fits your usage, budget and comfort requirements. We’ll help you navigate our ranges.
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Chain speeds in EN ISO 11393 and EN 381
Both the most recent European standard for protection against hand-held chainsaws EN 11393 and the older EN 381 describe four classes that correspond to the chain speed with which the tests have been done.
The four chainsaw protection classes are:
Class 0 : 16 m/s (not allowed for chainsaw trousers)
Class 1 : 20 m/s
Class 2 : 24 m/s
Class 3 : 28 m/s
Your chainsaw protection should be adapted to the maximum chain speed of the chainsaw you’re using. Sounds easy, but often determining the chain speed class isn’t that straightforward.
How do I calculate the PPE class I need?
To find out the chainsaw’s actual chain speed, have a look at the machine’s manual (not for battery chainsaws). There, you'll find 2 chain speeds. One that corresponds to the EN ISO 11681 standard, which describes the requirements for portable chainsaws and which is the nominal speed plus 33%.
The other one is the actual rated speed. That's the one you need. If you are unsure, please contact the chainsaw manufacturer or dealer.
For example:
The indicated chain speed for the MS 211C chainsaw by Stihl is 24.8 m/s, which is its nominal speed plus 33%. The other speed you can find in the manual, 18.6 m/s is the real chain speed. That's the speed we use to identify the PPE class we need. Here, we can see that we need class 1 PPE (20 m/s).
Once you figure out the class you need, you can use our product filters to find your chainsaw protection.
Did you know you can filter on chain speed class?
A risk analysis is key to determine your actual chain speed
An employer is not required to provide the highest level of protection solely based on the chainsaw speed. He is, however, obliged to do a risk analysis and to use that analysis to select adapted and adequate protection.
The chainsaw’s speed is just one of the test method’s elements. We should also keep in mind the angle, the type of chain, sharpening of the chain, whether the sprocket has been adjusted, the weather circumstances, etc.
For example, when it’s more than 40°C outside, it might be safer to wear chainsaw trousers in a lower class to prevent accidents caused by loss of concentration due to heat stress.
In addition, it’s also very important to know which chain speed you should look at in your chainsaw manual.
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