ISO 11393-1:2018

Overview

ISO 11393-1:2018 - "Protective clothing for users of hand-held chainsaws - Part 1: Test rig for testing resistance to cutting by a chainsaw" specifies the design and calibration of a laboratory test rig used to assess the resistance to cutting of protective clothing, footwear and gloves against hand‑held chainsaws. The standard defines the test principle (a flywheel method), major rig components, instrumentation, and the calibration procedure so that chain speed and kinetic energy are controlled and reproducible.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Test principle (flywheel method): The chain is driven to speed by a power unit, then the power is separated so the chain and flywheel supply the kinetic energy when the chain impacts the specimen. This controls available energy and avoids variability from engine-driven saws.
• Chain speeds: The power unit must drive the chain to at least 21 m/s (higher minimums apply for higher protection classes - e.g., 24 m/s for class 2 and 28 m/s for class 3).
• Saw unit and inertia: The saw unit pivots and must have a defined moment of inertia (specified in the standard as 0.30 ± 0.05 kg·m² for the rotating assembly) to ensure consistent energy delivery.
• Calibration and measurements: Procedures cover starting the rig, measuring chain speed, chain stopping time, conditioning of the saw chain, attachment and use of calibration pads (clogging material), and performing cut tests.
• Protection and safety: Requirements include guards to protect operators from flying debris and broken chains.
• Mechanisms of protection described: The standard explains functional protection principles such as chain slipping, clogging, and chain braking as ways material can prevent or slow cutting.

Applications and Who Uses It

• PPE manufacturers developing chainsaw-resistant garments, footwear or gloves use this standard to validate material and garment designs.
• Certification and test laboratories implement the specified test rig and calibration process to produce comparable, accredited test results.
• Standards bodies and compliance engineers reference this part when setting performance classifications and conformity assessment schemes.
• Forestry and arborist equipment safety specialists use the results to select appropriate protective gear and to understand failure modes (clogging, braking, slipping).

Related Standards

• ISO 11393 series: ISO 11393-2 (leg protectors), -3 (footwear), -4 (gloves), -5 (gaiters), -6 (upper body protectors)
• ISO 17249 (safety footwear with chainsaw resistance)
• Normative references for test materials and textile measurements (e.g., ISO 2060, ISO 3801)

This part establishes the controlled mechanical and calibration foundation essential for consistent chainsaw cutting resistance testing across PPE types.