ASTM F3325-20

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F3325 −20
Standard Specification for
Leg-Protective Devices for Chainsaw Users
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3325; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.2.1 Discussion—The term authority having jurisdiction
is used in this document in a broad manner, since jurisdictions
1.1 This specification specifies minimum requirements for
and the responsibilities of approval agencies vary.
the design, performance, testing, and certification of protective
clothing and protective devices designed to provide cut resis- 2.1.3 certification, n—a system whereby an organization
tance protection to the legs of operators of power chainsaws. determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to
make a product that complies with the requirements of the
1.2 The objective of this specification is to prescribe fit,
specification, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on
function, and performance criteria for protective clothing and
products that comply with the requirements of the
protective devices that, when worn by chainsaw operators, are
specification, and conducts a follow-up to verify the methods
intended to reduce the severity of leg injuries caused by contact
the manufacturer uses to determine compliance with the
with a running power saw chain.
requirements of this specification.
1.3 This standard is not intended to serve as a detailed
2.1.4 certification organization, n—an independent, third-
manufacturing or purchasing specification, but can be refer-
party organization that determines product compliance with the
enced in purchase contracts to ensure that minimum perfor-
requirements of the specification with a labeling and listing
mance requirements are met.
follow-up program.
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compli-
2.1.5 chainsaw, n—a portable, power-operated tool used for
ance with the performance requirements of this standard shall
cutting wood that has cutters linked in a chain.
not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all
2.1.6 chain speed, n—the speed of synchronized movement
situations to which chainsaw operators may be exposed.
of linked cutters around a guide bar and sprocket.
1.5 Mandatory requirements are indicated by the use of
2.1.7 chain stop, n—for chainsaw cut resistance, the result-
“shall”; recommendations and advisory information are indi-
ing action when a material clogs (jams) the drive sprocket or
cated by the use of “should.”
slows the speed sufficiently to prevent advancement of the saw
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
chain.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 2.1.8 cut resistance, n—in chainsaw testing, the ability of a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- material, while in contact with the linked cutters, to resist
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical cut-through by the cutters of a moving saw chain, independent
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. of either jamming or chain stop.
2.1.9 cut-through, n—for chainsaw cut resistance,theaction
2. Terminology
of a running chainsaw after complete breakthrough of either
2.1 Definitions:
protective garment or protective device.
2.1.1 approve, v—to be acceptable to the authority having
2.1.10 cut-through time, n—for chainsaw cut resistance, the
jurisdiction.
time required for a running saw chain to effect complete
2.1.2 authority having jurisdiction, n—the organization,
breakthrough of a protective garment or protective device.
office, or individual responsible for approving any equipment,
2.1.11 follow-up program, n—the sampling, inspection,
installation, or procedure.
tests, or other measures conducted by the certification organi-
zation on a periodic basis to determine the continued compli-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on
anceofproductsthatarebeingmadebythemanufacturertothe
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of
requirements of the standard specification.
Subcommittee F23.20 on Physical.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally
2.1.12 jamming, n—for chainsaw cut resistance, the clog-
approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F3325 – 19. DOI:
ging action manifested by a protective garment that can
10.1520/F3325-20.
This was developed as a replacement for the archived CAN/BNQ 1923-450. produce a chain stop.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3325−20
2.1.13 label, v—for protective clothing, to attach a symbol 3.2 Protective clothing and protective devices shall be
or other identifying mark, the use of which has been authorized constructed to be lightweight and flexible enough so as not to
by a certification organization. severely restrict movement of the leg.
2.1.14 list, v—for protective clothing,topublisharegisterof
3.3 Protective garments or protective devices shall be con-
equipment or materials that have been verified by a certifica- structed of materials that offer protection as stipulated in
tion organization as being acceptable and meeting the require-
Section 4 and that do not impede normal maneuverability or
ments of standard specifications.
capability to perform the intended task. Protective garments or
2.1.14.1 Discussion—The means for identifying listed
protective devices should retain their shape and function when
equipment may vary for each organization concerned with wet.
product evaluation, some of which do not recognize equipment
3.4 The workmanship in the production and assembly of the
as listed unless it is also labeled. The authority having
protective clothing or protective device, and any associated
jurisdiction should utilize the system employed by the certifi-
clothing or restraining material, shall be such that the protec-
cation organization to identify a listed product.
tive pad is permanently attached to the protective clothing.
2.1.15 protective chaps, n—for chainsaw cut protection,a
3.5 Protective clothing or protective devices shall be free of
protective device normally worn outside the trousers that is
defects or imperfections that could detract from their function
secured around the legs and waist.
or performance.All hardware on protective clothing or protec-
2.1.16 protective clothing, n—an item of clothing that is
tive devices should be free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp
specifically designed and constructed for the intended purpose
edges.
of isolating all or part of the body from a potential hazard, or
isolating the external environment from contamination by the
4. Areas of Protection
wearer of the clothing.
4.1 The means of maintaining the protective clothing or
2.1.16.1 Discussion—For chainsaw cut-resistant protective
protective device in the intended position is considered part of
clothing, the potential hazard is exposure to a running power
the protective clothing. Protective garments or protective
saw chain.
devices shall have an adequate means to keep them securely
2.1.17 protective device, n—for chainsaw cut resistance,an
fastened around the waist and legs.
article of personal protective equipment that augments other
4.2 Protective garments and protective devices shall protect
equipment and is worn for the purpose of providing limited
a minimum area as described below:
protection from injury due to contact with a moving power saw
4.2.1 Pants/Trousers Classes:
chain.
4.2.1.1 Class A—The protective pad shall have a minimum
2.1.17.1 Discussion—Examples of protective devices for
length of 686 mm (27 in.) and extend from the crotch to a point
leg protection include protective chaps, protective leggings,
no more than 75 mm (3 in.) above the bottom of the pant leg,
and protective pants.
as well as rear coverage of the leg as shown in Fig. 1.The front
2.1.18 protective legging, n—for chainsaw cut resistance,a
pad covers from side seam to inner seam on the front, and the
protective garment with independent legs normally worn
calf coverage shall be a minimum of 305 mm (12 in.) on the
outside the trousers.
rear.
2.1.19 protective pant, n—for chainsaw cut resistance,a
NOTE 1—Should the inseam length be less than 686 mm (27 in.), then
trouser-style protective garment in which the protective mate-
the pad may extend above the crotch.
rial is permanently attached to the garment.
2.1.20 saw chain, n—closed loop of cutters linked together
for use in a portable, power-operated tool.
2.1.21 threshold stopping speed, n—chain speed that results
in a 5-mm ( ⁄4-in.) cut in the bottom layer of the protective pad
liner in a chainsaw leg-protective device.
2.1.21.1 Discussion—This value establishes the relationship
between the probability of cutting through the chainsaw
leg-protective clothing (or foot-protective device) and the
speed of the saw chain. For lower chain speeds, the probability
of cut-through approaches zero, while for higher chain speeds,
the probability of cut-through approaches one.
3. Materials and Manufacture
3.1 Protective clothing and protective devices shall be
constructed of materials that are sufficiently flexible to adapt to
the shape of the leg. Protective garments or protective devices
should remain functional and effective throughout seasonal
climatic variations. FIG. 1Class A Protective Pad
F3325−20
4.2.1.2 Class B—The front protective pad shall have a
minimum length of 686 mm (27 in.) and extend from the
crotch to a point no more than 75 mm (3 in.) above the bottom
of the pant leg, as shown in Fig. 2.
NOTE 2—Should the inseam length be less than 686 mm (27 in.), then
the pad may extend above the crotch.
4.2.1.3 Class C—The protective pad shall cover at least
3.142 rad (180°) across the frontal arc of each leg, plus an
additional 0.524 rad (30°) or 100 mm (4 in.) on the left side of
both legs. The top of the extended coverage area, adjacent to
the crotch, may be trimmed to an angle not to exceed 0.785 rad
(45°) downward in the back of the left leg, and at an angle not
to exceed 1.134 rad (65°) in the back of the right leg. The
protective pad shall overlap the boot top by at least 50 mm
(2 in.) as worn on the user. See Fig. 3.
NOTE 3—Should the inseam length be less than 686 mm (27 in.), then
the pad may extend above the crotch.
4.2.1.4 Class D—The protective pad shall cover, at a FIG. 3Class C Protective Pad
minimum,theareasspecifiedinFig.4.Theprotectivepadshall
cover at least 3.142 rad (180°) across the frontal arc of each
leg, plus an additional 0.524 rad (30°) or 100 mm (4 in.) on the
left side of both legs. The top of the extended coverage area,
adjacent to the crotch, may be trimmed to an angle not to
exceed 0.785 rad (45°) downward in the back of the left leg,
and at an angle not to exceed 1.134 rad (65°) in the back of the
right leg. The protective pad shall overlap the boot top by at
least 50 mm (2 in.) as worn on the user.The pad coverage shall
also extend to cover the calf area of the pant beyond the extra
100 mm (4 in.) to the left of each leg and shall also cover a
minimum 306 mm (12 in.) vertically in the calf area of the rear
pant as per Fig. 4.
NOTE 4—Should the inseam length be less than 686 mm (27 in.), then
the pad may extend above the crotch.
4.3 Chaps and Leggings:
4.3.1 Chapsandleggingsshallbeatleast686 mm(27 in.)in
length and be of a ClassA, B, C, or D pad type. The minimum
protective pad dimensions and locations shall comply with Fig.
FIG. 4Class D Protective Pad
5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7,or Fig. 8.
4.3.2 Chaps and leggings shall be provided with perma-
nently attached means to fasten them around the waist and legs
as shown in Figs. 9 and 10.
5. Inspection and Performance Testing
5.1 Inspection:
5.1.1 Sampling levels for testing and inspection shall be
established by the certification organization and the manufac-
turer to ensure to a reasonable and acceptable confidence level
that products certified to standard are compliant.
5.1.2 Inspection for determining compliance with any de-
sign requirements specified in this standard shall be performed
on a completed garment.
5.1.3 Testing for determining material and component com-
pliance with the requirements specified in this standard shall be
performed on samples that are no better than components used
FIG. 2Class B Protective Pad in the actual construction of the protective clothing. The
F3325−20
FIG. 5Class A Template Minimum for Chaps and Leggings
certification organization shall also be permitted to use sample specific business contract would not be a determining factor in
materials cut from representative protective clothing as defined the financial well-being of the organization.
by this standard.
6.2.2 The certification organization shall refuse to certify
products to this specification that do not comply with all
5.2 Performance Testing:
5.2.1 Performance Requirement—The threshold stopping
applicable requirements of this specification.
speed of the test specimens shall not be less than 15 m⁄s
6.2.3 The contractual provisions between the certification
(3000 fpm), or the cut-through time shall not be less than 1.5 s
organization and the manufacturer shall specify that certifica-
at 90°.
tion is contingent upon compliance with all applicable require-
ments of this specification. There shall be no conditional,
6. Certification
temporary, or partial certifications. Manufacturers shall not be
6.1 General:
authorized to use any label or reference to the certification
6.1.1 Protective clothing or protective devices that are
organization on products that are not manufactured in compli-
labeled as complying with this standard shall meet or exceed
ance with all applicable requirements of this specification.
all applicable requirements specified in this standard and shall
6.2.3.1 The contractual provisions covering certification
be certified.
programs should contain clauses advising the manufacturer
6.1.2 All certifications shall be performed by an approved
that if requirements change, the product should be brought into
certification organization.
compliance with the new requirements by a stated effective
6.1.3 Compliance protective clothing or protective devices
date through a compliance review pr
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