EN 381-certified chainsaw protection fabrics
Chainsaw protection is a critical component of professional workwear. A chainsaw presents a severe injury risk that cannot be managed by cut-resistant materials alone.
Orneule manufactures chainsaw-stop knit fabrics in compliance with the EN 381 standard. These fabrics are engineered to halt a running chainsaw before the chain reaches the operator. Our solutions are designed for workwear and PPE manufacturers who need a tested, production-ready chainsaw protection material.
What does chainsaw protection mean in practice?
Chainsaw protection does not rely on material hardness – it works through an active stopping mechanism. The chainsaw protection fabric is constructed so that in an accident, its internal yarns release and jam the chain drive, stopping the saw.
Typical applications include:
– Chainsaw-protective trousers
– Professional protective workwear
How does chainsaw protection fabric stop a chainsaw?
The stopping mechanism is based on high-strength yarns knitted into the fabric structure.
When the rotating chain contacts the fabric:
1. The yarns release in a controlled manner
2. They feed between the chain and the drive sprocket
3. The chain jams
4. The saw stops before the chain reaches skin
This makes chainsaw protection fabric an entirely different category from conventional cut-resistant materials.
Standards and protection classes
The EN 381 standard defines testing requirements for chainsaw-protective textiles. It measures a material’s ability to stop a chainsaw at a specified chain speed.
EN 381-5 – testing requirements
EN 381-5 specifically covers chainsaw protection integrated into garments and defines the test methods and acceptance criteria.
Class 1 and Class 2 Protection Classes
– Class 1: chain speed 20 m/s
– Class 2: higher chain speed of 24 m/s
The protection class is achieved through the fabric construction and the number of layers used.
Chainsaw protection vs. cut resistance – what is the difference?
Chainsaw protection and cut resistance are two distinct protective technologies.
Cut-resistant materials such as Cutlon cut-protection fabric are designed to prevent cuts from edged tools or skate blades.
Chainsaw protection fabrics, by contrast, are engineered to stop a rotating chain. Cut-resistant fabric cannot provide equivalent protection against a running chainsaw.
Selecting the correct material is critical to safety.
Orneule chainsaw protection fabrics – product solutions
Orneule manufactures EN 381-compliant chainsaw protection knit fabrics for industrial use. Learn more about the product or contact us for further information.