Forestry PPE: how professionals protect themselves appropriately

Personal protective equipment for forestry (Forestry PPE) is a must for professionals. Discover what counts when choosing and maintaining your protective equipment.

Forestry worker in full Forestry PPE using a STIHL MSA 300 battery chainsaw for delimbing

Overview: Forestry PPE

  • Forestry PPE gives the wearer protection from branches, noise, cut injuries, dust and weather
  • Companies are obliged to provide PPE, and it must be worn correctly
  • Components such as hard hats, trousers and shoes need to meet special DIN standards
  • Care such as washing, drying and waterproofing does not impair its protective effect
  • Replace worn PPE in good time, consider cut protection classes when selecting

⚠️ CAUTION: FAQs

Concerns question 1 and question 3!

Please note for rollout: This text is German-specific and would have to be adapted or deleted in each case. 

⚠️ CAUTION: FAQs

Please note for rollout: This text is German-specific and would have to be adapted or deleted in each case. 

concerns the text from H2 'Legal regulations on PPE for forestry' to H3 'What does Forestry PPE protect against?'

Regulatory requirements for Forestry PPE

In the EU and Germany, companies are obliged to equip their employees with personal protective equipment for forestry work. This applies in particular to work with chainsaws.

The requirements for occupational safety are based on EU Regulation 2016/425 and national regulations.

What does forestry PPE protect against?

PPE for forestry work offers protection against numerous hazards that can arise in forestry.

  • Falling branches and objects: Forestry hard hats protect the head, and face protection shields you from splinters and sawdust.
  • Cut injuries: Cut-resistant trousers and boots can stop a chainsaw in seconds and prevent serious injuries.
  • Noise impact: Hearing protection reduces noise levels and thereby prevents permanent damage to hearing.
  • Flying particles and dust: Safety glasses protect eyes from splinters, dust and UV radiation.
  • Falling: Safety shoes with non-slip soles ensure you keep a stable footing even when the forest floor is wet and slippery.
  • Weatherexposure: High-visibility clothing counters rain, cold and sun while also increasing visibility
  • Thorns and sharp branches: Sturdy gloves provide protection and secure grip, even in adverse conditions.
  • Overload and stress: Ergonomic and lightweight PPE means increased comfort and reduced fatigue during long days of work in the forest.

Legal responsibility

Employers must ensure that forestry protective equipment complies with the applicable standards (e.g. DIN EN ISO 11393 for cut protection) and is regularly checked. Employees are obliged to wear and use PPE appropriately.

Forestry PPE components in detail

A complete set of forestry PPE includes several elements. Different items of forestry worker clothing must be worn depending on the work and the tool. Each component has been specially developed for the requirements of forestry and provides optimum protection thanks to numerous features. The following video shows Forestry PPE in full:

Forestry PPE components at a glance

Component Protective function Requirement
Cut protection trousers Protects legs from chainsaw injuries DIN EN 381 Parts 2 and 5
Safety footwear Cut protection, steel toe caps and non-slip soles for a secure footing DIN EN 345, 344 Part 2; minimum shaft height 19.5 centimetres
Safety hard hat with face protection and hearing protection Protects the head from falling branches, the face from flying splinters, and the hearing from noise damage DIN EN 397, 352 and 1731 
Safety glasses Protects eyes from splinters and UV radiation Lightweight and ergonomic, additional UV filtering
Gloves Protect hands from thorns and injuries, provide secure grip DIN EN 420 and 388
High-visibility jacket Increases visibility, protects from rain and cold, comfortable to wear  Impactful high-visibility colours, ergonomic design for comfort

Depending on the work and the tools used, different pieces of forestry personal protective equipment may be required. For example, some battery power tools do not require hearing protection due to their low noise emissions.  

Please refer to the user manual for your tool to see which specific components of personal protective equipment should be worn.

Checklist: professional maintenance

Well-maintained forestry PPE remains safe and comfortable for longer. For best results, note the following tips for care of cut protection items:

Find out more details about protective clothing and cut protection classes.

When should Forestry PPE be replaced?

Just as trees deteriorate with age, so does protective equipment for forest workers. Replace damaged items promptly and renew worn pieces in good time to ensure full safety at all times. For exact information about the typical service life of your Forestry PPE, consult the user manual for the respective product. 

The following table summarises the average service life of various PPE components:

ComponentService lifeNotes
Forestry hard hat3-5 yearsUV radiation and cracks reduce durability 
Cut protection trousers

12-18 months with intensive use

5-10 years with occasional use 

Check regularly for damage
Safety footwear1-2 yearsCheck sole and cut protection regularly
GlovesReplace if material is worn outBe aware of any damage caused by thorns

Tips for choosing the right protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is the most important accessory for any forestry professional. It increases safety and facilitates more efficient work in the trees. Pay attention to quality, fit and regular care to ensure optimal protection.

Email icon

The STIHL newsletter by professionals for professionals

Our STIHL professional newsletter provides regular updates on everything there is to know about our high-performance products, services and events for professional users.

More for forestry professionals