For anyone working with a chainsaw, it is really important to use the correct safety equipment (PPE) when you work. All chainsaws come with a considerable amount of power and a sharp chain too – even the most experienced handlers can have accidents, which is why it is important that you are always well protected. Research suggests that accidents with chainsaws most commonly occur through people taking shortcuts in preparation and not following guidance. Plus, professionals that use chainsaws are required by law to undergo training and wear appropriate chainsaw protection (including a helmet). If this doesn’t tell you that wearing a chainsaw helmet is a must (even for trimming that small hedge!) then we really don’t know what will!
Best Pick Chainsaw Helmet – Stihl Function Basic Helmet Set
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
There are a huge number of chainsaw helmets out there to choose from and only certain models will be right for you, which is why we created this article. We have cut out the helmets that aren’t up to standard and just included the best chainsaw helmets that we could find. At the time of writing, all meet UK regulations too so you can be sure that they are going to be safe enough to work with! So keep reading for all that you need to know.
In A Hurry?
Got a hedge that is looking a little out of control? Bought a new chainsaw and wanted to start playing with your new “toy” – we appreciate that you are still taking the time to purchase the current PPE! So, here are all the essential factors you need to consider.
Safety Standards
Of course, the first thing that you need to look at is whether the chainsaw helmet that you are looking at is compliant with safety regulations – this is essential to ensure that it is offering you the best protection (and to make sure that you are getting reasonable value for money!). There are different regulations that each part of your helmet should meet so we have broken this down for you.
There are two main regulations that you need to look for with your helmet is either a BS EN 397 or BS EN 14052. If you are planning on getting a little more adventurous with your tree work and are actually going to be leaving the ground then you need to look for a BS EN 12492, which just offers that bit of extra protection!
For the ear muffs you will need to look out for the BS EN 352 regulation. This is broken down into three categories with 1, 2 or 3 after the main regulation number but all are going to be suitable for working with a chainsaw.
Finally, you need to look at the regulations for the visor. If you opt for a chainsaws that comes with a mesh visor then you need it to be compliant to the BS EN 1731 regulation, whereas some will fit under the BS EN 166 regulation because they are more of a goggle/visor rather than a mess shield.
NOTE: Just meeting one of these regulations is not good enough and will leave you vulnerable to a potential accident so make sure to do your research before you buy!
Design
The design of your chainsaw helmet is going to be one of the biggest things that make it stand out from the rest. There are lots of different features that you will need to consider in the design and see whether they are going to be important to you or not.
Firstly, you will need to think about the shape of the actual helmet, look for one that is going to fit nicely on your head. We particularly like the models that have a slight lip on the front and hang lower on the back. These are going to help to shield you from the sun a little bit when you are working (and the rain if you happen to be caught out mid-job). If you are conscious of really wanting to protect your neck and back from the elements while you work then look out for models that come with a “cape” for extra protection!
All good quality chainsaw helmets are going to come with a face guard. This is designed to avoid any debris, branches and leaves (plus the chainsaw itself) from flicking up and hitting you in the face or getting in your eye. Make sure to look at the quality and the size of the mesh to see whether you will still have good visibility but also a good level of protection. Ideally, you want a chainsaw helmet with a face guard that can be lifted up for when the chainsaw isn’t switched on. Make sure to choose a model where the face guard stays up on its own until you need it again – trust us, it makes a difference!
As with the faceguard – all chainsaw helmets should also come with ear protection. This is not only the best way to avoid debris from falling into your ear and causing damage, but to protect against the noise level that comes from the chainsaw too. Most chainsaws operate at between 106 and 120dBs. To help put this into perspective – working at the volume for as little as 30 seconds will have a permanent impact on your hearing! Check the level of protection that different ear muffs are going to be able to offer!
No matter what design of chainsaw helmet you choose, we would definitely recommend checking whether it comes with ventilation or not! Working with your chainsaw can be heavy and hot work, so extra ventilation is going to help to avoid you getting too hot whilst you work!
TOP TIP: Although your ear muffs are going to be essential, we do still like models that come with the option to remove the ear muffs. This means that if you’re wanting to use your helmet on a different job where the work isn’t as loud you will be able to do this!
Best Budget Chainsaw Helmet – Safety Helmet with Chin Strap
- A ratchet system to allow the user to alter the size of the helmet with a simple twist of a knob, one size fits all.
- A steel mesh visor allowing maximum visability and protection which can be positioned at a 90 degree angle when not in use.
- High quality ear muffs which can also be positioned over the helmet when not needed.
- The helmet is manufactured from high density polyethylene material.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Materials
You definitely want to look at the materials that your chainsaw helmet is made from! This is going to be one of the most important factors involved with keeping you safe. Quite often you will find that the helmet itself is made from plastic – which is okay as long as it is heavy-duty plastic that isn’t going to be damaged if you drop it by accident.
The most important aspect really is the face guard – some of these are also made from plastic, which is definitely going to be your cheapest option, but personally we would recommend looking for the steel mesh. Steel mesh face guards are going to be able to offer a much stronger and more stable guard that is able to protect from a wide range of potential incidents, whereas the plastic mesh is going to be much weaker and will offer little protection against a chainsaw kick back, for example! The only real downside to the mesh options is that, depending on the size of the mesh, there is still the possibility that tiny splinters of debris could get through!
Don’t forget to also look at the components that make up the ear muffs – these will include plastic and metal like we mentioned above but the parts that we look for are the fabrics and their quality. You need them to be padded enough to provide comfort and reasonable protection but also to include relatively breathable materials too!
NOTE: Some models come with a full plastic guard, which is going to be one of the cheaper options. These are ok, but we found that they steam up really quickly when you are working so you can quickly lose visibility and need to wipe them back down which can be frustrating!
The Best Chainsaw Helmet Has…
If you are looking for a chainsaw helmet that is the best of the rest and is going to come with all the additional features that you need to make it long lasting and keep you extra safe….then here is what you need to look for…
- UV Protected – Let’s be honest – you aren’t going to be using your chainsaw in the rain! That means that your chainsaw helmet is going to come up against a lot of UV rays in the time that you have it! You therefore need to look out for a model that comes with UV protection so that your helmet can maintain its colour and to avoid the materials from weakening.
- Adjustable – We would definitely recommend looking out for a chainsaw helmet that is going to be adjustable. Whether you are planning on wearing it for 15 minutes or for 15 hours, a chainsaw helmet that is adjustable will make wearing the helmet much more comfy and will also keep you much safer as it will be better fitted to your head. It is also worth looking at HOW you adjust your chainsaw helmet – look for quick turning cogs or straps that can be pulled tight and then released as these will be quick and easy to use!
- Adjustable earmuffs and face guard – As well as the helmet itself being adjustable, it is well worth looking out for a model that comes with other parts that are adjustable too. This will allow you to make sure that the ear protection is fully covering your ears and that the face guard is in just the right place to protect the most of your face. Some will even allow you to move the face guard closer and further away from the helmet, so that if it is steaming up you can give yourself a little extra breathing space!
- Easy to Clean – Let’s be honest, if you are working with a chainsaw then chances are it isn’t going to be the cleanest of jobs. Look out for models that are easy to clean, for example with ear muffs and other parts that can be removed, as this will make them much easier to wipe down between uses and keep them looking new for longer.
- One Size Fits All – Look to see whether the helmet that you are purchasing comes in different sizes or is a “one size fits all”. The plus side to a one size fits all option is that it is going to be fully adjustable so can be used by more than one person, but a custom fit model is going to be better suited to your head!
- Colour – You may think that the colour of your chainsaw helmet doesn’t matter but actually it does. A hat that is brighter in colour (such as bright yellow or orange) is going to allow you to stand out more and help to avoid any accidents.
- Weight – No one wants a chainsaw helmet that is going to be heavy on their head, so look out for a model that is designed to be as lightweight as possible.
- Chin strap – The best way to keep your chainsaw hat in position and offer you the best protection whilst you are working is to choose a model that comes with a chin strap. This is going to make it a bit more of a pain to put on and off but personally we think it is worth it to keep you safe!
Best of the Rest
- Safety combination: Waipoua professional chainsaw helmet has built-in ear protectors and steel mesh visor with removable throat protector; Professional FPA approved
- Impact resistant: Strong, durable, lightweight hard hat suitable for chainsaw work and other outdoor tasks - giving essential protection for face, eyes, ears and head
- Features: Wide and durable stainless steel mesh visor which flips up and down; Ear muffs protect from noise of up to 26 decibels; Optional chin and neck protection included
- Adjustable: Safety helmet has a 4 point easy-to-adjust harness to ensure a perfect fit
- Comfy: Designed to be extremely comfortable to wear; Includes 20 ventilation holes for high breathability
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- ♧【Reflective Safety】5 Reflective Strips of The Chainsaw Forestry helmet, keeping you visible in dark working sites.Unique hi viz design and the usage of ABS material provides double protection of your head.
- ♧【Closer Fit & Protect for Your Head】This tough orange chainsaw helmet comes with durable chin strap and back ratchet knob, suitable for heads(52-66cm), ensuring the hard hat in your head in any time and any working sites,lightweight and comfortable.By with confidence as the protection pass the standard certification.
- ♧【IMPACT RESISTANT】The EN397 chainsaw safety helmet, made from high density original ABS material, impact absorption up to 500kg, super-tough, lightweight and comfortable,protecting your face, eyes, ears and head. Great for forestry work,chainsaw work construction, electrician.
- ♧【Adjustable Ear Muffs& Mesh Visor】Our Chainsaw helmet(EN397) comes with fold up Ear defenders(27db) &durable Mesh Visor for ear and face protection. They can adjust up and down for extra convenience.Design of Neck guard also protects you from sunburn.
- ♧【Recommend Application】This professional reflective forestry helmet can protect you from any possible injuries when you use chainsaws, hedge trimmers, shrub trimmers, cut bushes. This chainsaw helmet protects your head from falling branches, objects and debris while trimming trees and brush, industry work,construction work, landscaping,gardening,working as a builder.Suitable for both men and women ladies.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Safety combination: Yukon chainsaw helmet has built-in ear protectors and steel mesh visor
- Impact resistant: Strong, durable, lightweight hard hat suitable for chainsaw work and other outdoor tasks - giving essential protection for face, eyes, ears and head
- Features: Wide and durable stainless steel mesh visor which flips up and down. Ear muffs protect from noise of up to 25.9 decibels
- Adjustable: Safety helmet has a six-point adjustable harness to ensure a perfect fit
- Comfortable: Designed for maximum comfort. Includes ventilation holes for high breathability
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a chainsaw helmet protect from kickback?
Yes! A chainsaw helmet is definitely going to be able to help to prevent any nasty accidents from kickback. Obviously, the quality of the helmet is going to impact on the level of protection that it is able to offer – for example a metal face guard is going to be safer than a plastic one – but anything is better than nothing!
How often should you replace a chainsaw helmet?
Most guidance suggests that chainsaw helmets should be replaced every 2 to 5 years. Most helmets have a 5 year “expiration date” but obviously if you are using your helmet more regularly then we would definitely recommend looking to replace it more often!
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