vent this from happening. An example is bug-eye-style eye protection, which uses a sturdy mesh screen rather than plastic. However, it should be noted that these types of glasses will not sufficiently protect against bloodborne pathogens and hydraulic fluids. Several individuals wear prescription safety glasses. To know if your glasses are actual safety glasses and rated for eye protection, the inside of the frame or lens will say Z-87. Many hard hats are also designed with a permanent face shield. However, many of these cannot be used as a replace- ment for eye protection because not all meet the safety standard requirements. The Pfanner Protos® also has optional eye protection you can purchase that slides up into the hard hat. It’s important to note, many of the face shields mentioned meet the Oc- cupational Safety and Health Admin- istration (OSHA) requirements for face protection, but not eye protection. Eye protection is always required during arboricultural operations, while face protection is not always required.
The Pfanner Protos® also has optional eye protection that slides up into the hard hat.
when using a chainsaw in the tree.
Whether you’re working remotely in the field, in a residential neighborhood, or in a more densely populated area, a proper safety vest is critical. It keeps you visible to drivers and equipment operators, identifies you when working with customers, and keeps you easy to spot when working in areas with heavy vegetation. While there are endless makes and models of PPE for climbers, the most important part is that it fits and is worn properly. RESOURCES U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, November 9). Employer-Reported Work- place Injuries and Illnesses – 2021- 2022. U.S. Department of Labor. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Matthew Knull is an ISA-certified arbor- ist, Certified Treecare Safety Profession- al, certified by (TCIA), and an Arborist Training Instructor with ACRT. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry and Natural Resources from the Univer- sity of Georgia.
Another important piece of equipment climbers need is reliable footwear. Ag- gressive traction on the sole, a taller heel, and a higher overall design will keep your feet and ankles protected while climbing, provide better overall grip, and more. A taller boot heel will hold gaffs in place better.
ADDITIONAL FORMS OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Prevent cuts and scratches with gloves, ideally without a large cuff because when you chip and brush you want to avoid anything getting caught and pulled into the chipper. Instead, look for gloves that cinch around the wrist. Chaps are useful far beyond the ranch. These protective garments secure your legs when working around chainsaws and should be constructed from cut-re- sistant material. Chainsaw pants are also growing in popularity throughout the arboricultural field and provide the same protection from a chainsaw incident as chaps but tend to be more breathable and comfortable. Although chaps and chainsaw pants aren’t re- quired to be worn while in a tree by the ANSI Z133 Safety Standard, many com- panies have policies that require climb- ers to wear chaps or chainsaw pants
When it comes to using a chainsaw, it’s important to have proper leg protection.
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