Overview
EN ISO 11393-6:2019 - "Protective clothing for users of hand‑held chainsaws - Part 6: Performance requirements and test methods for upper body protectors" (ISO 11393-6:2018, corrected 2019) is a CEN-adopted international standard that defines performance criteria, test methods, design, identification and marking for upper‑body chainsaw protective garments. It specifies sampling and pre‑treatment, how to measure protective coverage, the apparatus and procedures to assess resistance to chainsaw cutting, and a practical performance (ergonomics) test. Annex A provides guidance on chainsaw use and selection of appropriate upper body protectors.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Performance requirements for jackets, vests and other upper body protectors intended to reduce injury from hand‑held chainsaws.
- Performance requirements: Innocuousness, sizing, ergonomic constraints, minimum protective area (front and rear designs, optional collar), and limits on user impediment.
- Design requirements: Defined protective coverage patterns (front design A/B, rear design A/B), fastenings, joins, attachment of protective padding, and closure strength requirements.
- Cutting resistance testing: Procedures and apparatus to evaluate resistance to chainsaw cutting, including marked test positions (shoulder, sleeve, seams) and classification according to chainsaw chain speed.
- Pre‑treatment & sampling: Cleaning, temperature/spin pre‑treatments, sampling rules and specification of test specimen sizes to ensure repeatable results.
- Dimensional and material change: Tests for dimensional change after care/cleaning and assessment of other changes impacting protection.
- Ergonomic/Practical performance: Practical test methods to evaluate fit, freedom of movement and real‑world usability.
- Identification & information: Required marking and manufacturer instructions for correct selection and use.
Keywords naturally covered: EN ISO 11393-6:2019, upper body protectors, chainsaw protective clothing, chainsaw cutting resistance, PPE test methods, performance requirements.
Applications and who uses it
- Manufacturers of chainsaw protective jackets, vests and garments - to design and certify products that meet European and international performance expectations.
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies - to carry out standardized cutting resistance, coverage and ergonomic tests.
- Procurement professionals and safety managers in forestry, arboriculture, utility maintenance and landscaping - to select compliant upper body protective equipment (PPE).
- Regulators and notified bodies - to reference for conformity with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and national PPE requirements.
- Standards writers and specifiers - to harmonize product specifications and procurement standards.
Related standards
- Supersedes: EN 381‑10 and EN 381‑11 (2002 series).
- Linked regulation: Relationship to Regulation (EU) 2016/425 for PPE conformity (see Annex ZA).
This standard is essential when specifying, testing or certifying upper‑body chainsaw protective clothing to ensure measurable protection, consistent test methods and clear user information.
