ISO 11393-2:2018

Overview

ISO 11393-2:2018 - Protective clothing for users of hand-held chainsaws - Part 2 specifies the performance requirements and test methods for leg protectors (trousers, chaps and other designs) intended to reduce the risk of cutting by hand‑held chainsaws. The standard defines design requirements, test procedures, pre‑treatments, marking and information the manufacturer must supply. It is part of the ISO 11393 series addressing chainsaw PPE.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and designs: Requirements cover different leg protector types (defined as Design A, Design B - chaps, and Design C) and include protective coverage and sizing/ergonomics considerations.
• Resistance to cutting: Specifies test methods for assessing cut resistance using standardized test rigs (see normative reference ISO 11393-1:2018) and classification according to chain speed.
• Test methods and specimens: Detailed procedures for preparing test specimens, pre‑treatment (cleaning, temperature/spinning effects), mounting, and conducting cut tests.
• Dimensional and material changes: Methods to measure dimensional change after cleaning and other effects on protective inserts.
• Attachment strength: Tests for the strength of attachment of protective inserts to outer fabrics (trousers, leggings) and strength of strap/attachment systems for chaps.
• Ergonomics and surface condition tests: Procedures for ergonomic assessment and tests for surface conditions that may affect performance or comfort.
• Marking and information: Requirements for marking, pictograms and the information manufacturers must supply about the product’s protective performance, design and use.
• Normative references: Cross‑references to ISO 11393‑1 (test rig), ISO 13688 (general PPE requirements), ISO 5077 (dimensional change), ISO 13935‑2 (seam tensile), ISO 17249 and ISO 20345 (related footwear), and ISO 7000 (graphical symbols).

Practical applications - who uses ISO 11393-2

• PPE manufacturers and designers - to design leg protectors that meet recognized cut‑resistance and ergonomic criteria and to verify construction, attachments and coverage.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessors - to perform standardized cut tests, dimensional measurements and attachment‑strength tests for certification or quality control.
• Procurement and safety professionals - to evaluate and specify compliant leg protectors for forestry, arboriculture, utility and maintenance operations.
• Regulatory bodies and standards committees - for harmonizing safety requirements and labeling.

Related standards

• ISO 11393-1:2018 - Test rig for resistance to cutting by a chainsaw
• ISO 13688:2013 - Protective clothing - General requirements
• ISO 5077, ISO 13935-2, ISO 17249, ISO 20345, ISO 7000

Using ISO 11393-2:2018 helps ensure leg protectors are tested and documented consistently for chainsaw cut resistance, enabling safer product selection and more reliable protection in forestry and related industries.