If you are booking a chainsaw course, one of the first questions is usually: what PPE do I need to bring?
And the second question is normally: do I need to buy everything brand new?
This guide is here to make it simple. You will see what is normally required for chainsaw training in the UK, what is worth spending money on, what you can often borrow, and the common mistakes people make that lead to being turned away on the day.
Quick answer: you need the right PPE for your course type
For most ground-based chainsaw training, you should expect to need:
- chainsaw boots
- chainsaw trousers
- helmet with visor and ear protection
- gloves (often with chainsaw protection)
- suitable base layers for weather and comfort
If you are doing climbing or aerial courses, you will also need specialist equipment, and you should always check the joining instructions for the exact list.
If you are not sure what applies to your course, ask before you buy anything expensive.
Why PPE matters on a chainsaw course
PPE is not just for ticking a box. It is there because training involves:
- real saws, real cutting, and real risk
- repetitive movements where fatigue can lead to mistakes
- working outdoors in wet, cold or windy conditions
- moving timber and handling sharp equipment
Correct PPE reduces the impact if something goes wrong, and it also helps you work properly. For example, badly fitting boots and trousers can make your stance and footwork worse, which affects cutting control.
PPE checklist for most ground-based chainsaw courses (CS30 / CS31)
These are the items most training centres expect as a minimum for ground-based training.
1) Chainsaw boots
You need proper chainsaw boots, not standard safety boots. They are designed to protect against chainsaw contact and give better grip and ankle support on rough ground.
What to look for:
- correct chainsaw protection rating
- good ankle support
- soles that grip well in wet conditions
Avoid:
- cheap boots that rub or collapse quickly
- boots that are too stiff to move properly in
2) Chainsaw trousers
Chainsaw trousers are a must for practical training. They are designed to slow the chain if contact happens, reducing injury.
What matters most:
- correct protection rating
- a fit that lets you move freely
- comfort for a full day outdoors
Tip: comfort matters more than people think. If your trousers are too tight, you will move poorly. If they are too loose, they snag and catch.
3) Helmet with visor and ear protection
For chainsaw work, you need a helmet that includes:
- eye protection (usually a mesh visor)
- ear defenders
This is not the same as a standard hard hat. A chainsaw helmet setup is designed for forestry and arboriculture work, and it protects you from chips, dust, falling debris, and noise.
Avoid:
- using safety glasses instead of a visor if your course requires a helmet system
- turning up with missing ear defenders
4) Gloves
Gloves help with grip, warmth and protection. Some courses require chainsaw protective gloves, especially for ground-based cutting.
Even when they are not strictly required, gloves are worth having because chainsaw work involves:
- rough timber
- sharp edges
- repetitive handling and vibration
5) Suitable clothing for the weather
A chainsaw course is usually outdoors and practical. You need clothing that helps you work safely, not just stay warm.
Good options:
- base layers you can add or remove
- waterproof jacket that does not restrict movement
- warm socks and spare socks if it is wet
Avoid:
- loose scarves or dangling cords
- very baggy outer layers that catch on kit
PPE for climbing and aerial chainsaw courses
If you are booking climbing and aerial rescue, or CS39 (chainsaw from rope and harness), you will need extra equipment. This usually includes climbing kit, harness and related safety equipment.
Because requirements vary depending on the unit and your experience, the best approach is:
- check the joining instructions
- speak to the training centre before you buy anything
- do not turn up assuming a basic PPE list is enough
Do you need to buy everything for a course?
Not always.
If you are doing chainsaw work long-term, buying your own kit is usually the right move. But if you are:
- new to the industry
- unsure if you will stay in the role
- training for a specific job requirement only
…it is worth asking if kit can be provided or hired, so you do not spend money on the wrong items.
Some people also buy cheap kit quickly, then replace it later. That often costs more in the long run, because you end up buying twice.
What is worth spending money on?
If you only invest in a couple of things, these are usually the best value because you will wear them constantly and they affect comfort and safety:
- boots that fit properly and support your ankles
- trousers that are comfortable enough to move and work in all day
A comfortable kit makes you safer, because you are not distracted by rubbing, poor fit, or discomfort when you are trying to focus on technique.
Common PPE mistakes that waste time and money
Buying kit without checking the course requirements
Different courses have different requirements. Buying blindly is how people end up with the wrong helmet, the wrong gloves, or no protection rating.
Turning up with standard PPE
Standard site PPE is not the same as chainsaw PPE. A hard hat and hi-vis do not replace chainsaw boots and trousers.
Wearing PPE that does not fit properly
If you cannot move properly, your technique suffers. It can also make your assessment harder than it needs to be.
Leaving it too late
If you order boots and trousers a few days before the course, you might not have time to exchange sizes, and you will be stuck with uncomfortable kit on the day.
FAQ: Chainsaw course PPE
Can I do a chainsaw course without chainsaw boots and trousers?
For practical chainsaw training, usually no. Most centres require the correct PPE to take part safely.
Do I need steel toe boots?
Chainsaw boots may include toe protection, but the key point is that they must be proper chainsaw boots with the right rating, not standard safety boots.
Do I need hi-vis?
Some sites require it, but it is not usually the core requirement for chainsaw training. If your course is on an active work site, you may be asked to bring it.
Not sure what PPE you need for your course?
If you tell us which course you are booking, we will confirm what you need to bring so you do not waste money on the wrong kit.
Call 01772 369694 or email info@chainsawcourses.co.uk and we’ll help you get it right before your course day.