ISO 11393-5:2018

Overview

ISO 11393-5:2018 specifies performance requirements and test methods for protective gaiters intended to reduce the risk of cutting from hand‑held chainsaws. The standard covers gaiters worn over safety footwear (with a steel toecap conforming to ISO 20345 design “C” or “D”) and requires gaiters to be tested together with a defined model of footwear. It is focused on assessing cut resistance, attachment strength, twisting resistance, ergonomics and innocuousness of materials. Note: ISO 11393-5 does not apply to gaiters for activities with a significant tripping risk (e.g., tree climbing or certain forest work).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Cut resistance and test methods: Gaiter-plus-footwear systems are tested for resistance to cutting by a chainsaw; the system must show no cut‑through under the specified test conditions.
• Classification by chain speed: Protection classes are defined for three chain speeds - 20 m/s (class 1), 24 m/s (class 2), and 28 m/s (class 3).
• Attachment system strength: The underfoot strap and fastening (attachment system) shall not fail below 250 N when tested.
• Twisting resistance: After loading and release, maximum twisting displacement must be ≤ 10 mm in the direction of force.
• Specified protective area: The protective material must cover a defined area of the boot including at least 15 mm overlap over the back of the toecap.
• Ergonomics and adjustability: Gaiters must minimise movement restriction and score ≤ 2 on the standard’s ergonomic assessment; adjustment systems must not become incorrectly set without the wearer’s knowledge.
• Innocuousness and cleaning: Materials must not release harmful substances (per ISO 13688:2013) and, where applicable, pre‑treatment (cleaning) shall follow manufacturer instructions.

Practical applications and users

ISO 11393-5 is used by:

• PPE manufacturers designing and certifying gaiters for chainsaw users.
• Test laboratories performing chainsaw cut‑resistance, attachment and ergonomic testing.
• Safety managers and procurement specialists specifying compliant gaiters for forestry, arboriculture and utility work where foot/ankle protection against chainsaw contact is required.
• Orthopaedic footwear producers who supply defined boots to be tested in combination with gaiters. The standard helps ensure products provide a validated level of foot and lower‑leg protection against chainsaw contact while meeting usability and safety criteria.

Related standards

• ISO 11393-1 - test rig for chainsaw cut testing
• ISO 11393-2 - leg protectors requirements and tests
• ISO 11393-3 - footwear test methods
• ISO 13688:2013 - general requirements for protective clothing
• ISO 20345 - safety footwear (relevant to defined boots)

Keywords: ISO 11393-5, protective gaiters, chainsaw safety, cut resistance, gaiter test methods, attachment strength, ergonomics, ISO 20345.