EN ISO 11681-1:2022 (Machinery for forestry - Portable chain-saw safety requirements and testing - Part 1: Chain-saws for forest service) is a CEN-endorsed adoption of ISO 11681-1:2022. It specifies safety requirements, protective measures and verification/testing for portable, combustion‑engine, hand‑held chain‑saws used in forest service by a single operator (right hand on rear handle, left hand on front handle). The standard covers design, construction, transport and commissioning. It does not cover dismantling/scrapping and excludes certain kickback and balance requirements for machines with engine displacement > 80 cm3. It applies to chain‑saws manufactured after the publication date.
Key topics and technical requirements
The document addresses all significant hazards, hazardous situations and events (when used as intended or under reasonably foreseeable misuse). Major technical topics include:
- Handles and ergonomics - requirements and verification for front/rear handle design to support safe single‑operator use.
- Hand protection - guards and protective features at both handles.
- Balance - design and verification measures (with noted exceptions for some high‑displacement models).
- Kickback protection - chain brake systems (manual and non‑manual), kickback/chain stop angles and related testing.
- Chain catcher, spiked bumper and guide bar cover - protective hardware and verification tests.
- Engine controls - starting and stopping devices, throttle control systems (dimensions, operation, throttle latch) and verification.
- Drive sprocket guard, clutch and other mechanical guards - requirements and test methods.
- Noise, vibrations and emissions - identification and mitigation measures, with information/instructions to users.
- Information, marking and instructions - safety information, warnings, and manufacturer guidance required for safe working practices.
- Verification and testing - procedures to confirm compliance with protective measures and performance requirements.
Practical applications
EN ISO 11681-1:2022 is used to:
- Guide design and development of safer portable chain‑saws (manufacturers and R&D).
- Support type testing and conformity assessment for CE marking and market access in Europe (test labs, conformity bodies).
- Inform safety specifications in procurement for forestry services and equipment buyers.
- Provide content for user manuals, training and safe‑work procedures (safety officers, trainers).
- Serve as a reference in risk assessments and product inspections.
Who should use this standard
- Chain‑saw manufacturers and designers
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
- Importers, distributors and procurement specialists for forestry equipment
- Forestry operators, safety managers and trainers
- Regulators and standards committees
Related standards and compliance
EN ISO 11681-1:2022 is intended to provide a presumption of conformity with relevant aspects of the EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) where cited. Users should also consult related standards on noise, vibration, emissions and other parts of the ISO/CEN forestry machinery series and national implementation documents for full regulatory compliance.