⛑️Why a Chainsaw Safety Helmet is a Non-Negotiable Investment
Against my better judgment, I recently googled "chainsaw kickback accidents" and looked at some images which made my stomach churn.
A chainsaw kickback is when the chain raises up back towards the user at a rate so fast that it can cut deeply into your face before you even realize your nose is split in two. Or worse.
So, even though I use good practices to help prevent a kickback, as a keen woodcutter, I knew it was time to properly invest in safety equipment to protect my face from a lethal chain. I entered the chainsaw safety helmet market as a buyer with intent!
Frankly, anyone who uses a chainsaw should be wearing safety gear like gloves (like White Ox Gloves) and trouser chaps, but at a minimum, a helmet with a faceguard is simply common sense. It doesn't matter if you are a weekend warrior or a seasoned professional.
The Science of a Forestry Helmet: More Than Just a Hard Hat
A chainsaw safety helmet is an integrated system designed to protect you from multiple threats at once:
- The Hard Hat: This is your first line of defense against falling branches ("widow-makers") and impacts. It's made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and features a suspension system inside that creates a gap between the shell and your head. This design allows the helmet to absorb and distribute the force of an impact, protecting your skull.
- The Face Shield: A mesh visor is designed to stop large debris like wood chips from hitting your face, while still allowing for excellent airflow to prevent fogging. A polycarbonate shield offers protection from smaller particles and liquids.
- The Earmuffs: These are crucial. A gas-powered chainsaw can operate at over 110 decibels (dB), a level that can cause permanent hearing damage in a very short time. The earmuffs on a safety helmet typically have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) that significantly dampens this harmful noise.
๐My Journey to Find the Right Helmet
I was keen to get a helmet with a mesh visor because my neighbor uses one with his weed whacker, and it works great for stopping flying debris.
Given that most people wear earmuffs when using a chainsaw anyway, it just made sense to get an all-in-one unit.
So, I went to Amazon and searched for a helmet that had all the features I wanted. While there are plenty of big-name brands like Husqvarna, I didn't want to spend all my Christmas money, so I opted for a highly-rated mid-range model.
After it arrived, I had to assemble it myself, but it was surprisingly easy. I installed the mesh visor and saved the polycarbonate shield for another day, as I've heard they can fog up when you're working up a sweat.
The helmet itself was light and comfortable, with an adjustable headband that gave me a perfect fit. Here's yours truly, modeling the gear before a quick lawn-mowing session:
The earmuffs worked brilliantly. I walked around the house and couldn't hear the kids screaming over whose turn it was on Netflix, so that's a definite win!
Most importantly, the helmet is advertised as meeting the ANSI Z89.1 safety rating, which provides peace of mind that it's designed to offer real protection. Of course, this doesn't make it foolproof.
You should always follow safe chainsaw operating practices.