Glossary term
What is Personal protective equipment?
Short answer
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the gear a worker wears to prevent injury, such as a helmet, eye and ear protection and chainsaw chaps.
Personal protective equipment, explained for tree service owners
On a tree job, PPE usually includes a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, boots and chainsaw-resistant leg protection. The company should supply it, replace worn items and check it before each job. Gear only works when it is worn and in good shape, so a quick daily check is smart. After an accident, missing gear can raise hard questions with an insurer. Replace a cracked helmet or a torn chap before the next job, not after an injury. This is a short explanation, not legal advice. Check current rules for your crew.
Related terms
- Chainsaw chaps
Chainsaw chaps are cut-resistant leg guards that clog a saw chain if it touches the leg, giving time to stop.
- ANSI Z133
ANSI Z133 is the American national safety standard for tree care operations, such as climbing, rigging, chipping and working near power…
- Back cut
A back cut is the final cut made on the opposite side of the notch that frees the tree to fall, leaving the hinge intact.
- Chipper feed rollers
Chipper feed rollers are the powered rollers at the chute that pull branches into the blades at a steady pace.
- Climbing spikes
Climbing spikes are sharp metal points strapped to a climber's boots that bite into the trunk, used mainly on trees being removed.
- Conventional notch
A conventional notch is a wedge cut with a flat bottom and a sloped top that guides a tree to fall in a set direction.
- Drop zone
A drop zone is the marked area on the ground where cut branches and wood are expected to fall, kept clear of people.
- Experience modification rate
An experience modification rate (EMR) is a number that raises or lowers your workers' comp cost based on your past claims compared with…
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