Overview
EN ISO 11393-1:2018 (ISO 11393-1:2018) specifies a laboratory test rig and calibration procedure for assessing the resistance to cutting of protective clothing, footwear and gloves by hand‑held chainsaws. Adopted by CEN and superseding EN 381-1:1993, this standard uses a controlled flywheel-driven saw unit to reproduce chainsaw cutting action and standardize test conditions for chainsaw cut resistance of PPE.
Key search terms: EN ISO 11393-1:2018, ISO 11393-1:2018, protective clothing testing, chainsaw cut resistance, test rig calibration, chainsaw PPE.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines the test rig design and calibration required to evaluate chainsaw resistance of clothing and accessories used with hand‑held chainsaws.
- Test rig components: Describes main elements including the power unit and connecting device, saw unit (components, release system, instrumentation, fixture), calibration pad mount and calibration pad fixture device.
- Principle of operation: Uses a flywheel (inertia) method to control energy delivered to the chain, ensuring reproducible chain speed and torque independent of engine variability.
- Calibration materials and pads: Specifies calibration materials and conditioning procedures for clogging pads; Annex A provides supplementary pad information.
- Calibration procedures: Details rig start‑up, chain stopping time, chain speed measurement, and calibration using clogging materials. Annex B covers pad testing at reference speeds (notably 19 m/s and 21 m/s).
- Measurement and tolerances: Includes instrumentation and measurement tolerances, methods for measuring chain tension and chain speed, and Annex C method for checking moment of inertia around pivot.
- Test outcomes: Establishes standardized test conditions used to classify protective performance according to follow-on parts in the ISO 11393 series.
Applications and users
This standard is essential for:
- PPE manufacturers designing chainsaw‑resistant garments, gloves and boots to validate material and system performance.
- Independent test laboratories performing certified chainsaw cut resistance testing and calibration.
- Safety engineers and product developers assessing protective concepts (chain slipping, clogging, chain braking) under repeatable conditions.
- Certification bodies and procurement teams requiring objective test data for compliance and purchase specifications.
- Standards committees and regulators aligning national requirements with EN ISO 11393-1:2018.
Related standards
EN ISO 11393-1:2018 provides the foundational test method and calibration framework for reliable, repeatable evaluation of chainsaw protective clothing and associated PPE.
