ASTM F1897-20

Standard Specification for Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users

ABSTRACT
This specification prescribes the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of protective garments and protective devices that, when worn by operators of power chain saws, shall provide cut resistance protection to their legs, and thereby reducing leg injuries caused by close contact with the running chain saw. The protective garments and devices shall be constructed with suitable fit and flexibility so as to provide sufficient leg comfort and normal maneuverability to perform intended tasks, while maintaining satisfactory functionality and efficacy for the duration of its regular use throughout seasonal climatic variations. Completed garments shall be inspected and certified as specified, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification specifies minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of protective clothing and protective devices designed to provide cut resistance protection to the legs of operators of power chain saws.  
1.2 The objective of this specification is to prescribe fit, function, and performance criteria for protective clothing and protective devices that, when worn by chain saw operators, are intended to reduce the severity of leg injuries caused by contact with a running power saw chain.  
1.3 This standard is not intended to serve as a detailed manufacturing or purchasing specification, but can be referenced in purchase contracts to ensure that minimum performance requirements are met.  
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compliance with the performance requirements of this standard shall not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all situations to which chain saw operators may be exposed.  
1.5 Mandatory requirements are indicated by the use of “shall”; recommendations and advisory information is indicated by use of “should.”  
1.6 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2019
• ICS: 13.340.10 - Protective clothing
• Technical Committee: F23 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F23.20 - Physical

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1897-14 - Standard Specification for Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1414-19(2023) - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chainsaw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM F1414-19 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chainsaw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1414-15 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chainsaw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1414-13 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chain Saw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1414-04 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chain Saw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM F1414-99 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chain Saw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F1494-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F1818-15(2022) - Standard Specification for Foot Protection for Chainsaw Users
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020

Overview

ASTM F1897-20: Standard Specification for Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users is a critical standard developed by ASTM International. It specifies the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of protective clothing and devices that provide leg protection to operators of power chain saws. The primary goal is to reduce the severity and frequency of leg injuries caused by accidental contact with a running chain saw, ensuring user safety while maintaining garment functionality and comfort.

This specification is intended for use by manufacturers, safety managers, procurement specialists, and certification bodies to verify that protective legwear for chain saw users meets clearly defined performance criteria. Compliance significantly enhances workplace safety in forestry, landscaping, construction, and related industries where chainsaws are in regular use.

Key Topics

• Cut Resistance and Protection
  Garments and devices must offer effective cut resistance to reduce leg injuries from running chain saws. Protection is evaluated through controlled laboratory tests that measure resistance to chain saw contact.

• Design and Performance Requirements
  Protective clothing must be constructed with sufficient flexibility, fit, and durability. The standard describes minimum coverage areas, material performance, proper attachment of protective pads, and restrictions against design modifications.

• Certification and Inspection
  Only products certified by independent, approved organizations may be labeled as compliant with ASTM F1897-20. Ongoing inspection, random sampling, and testing are required to maintain certification.

• Instructions for Use and Maintenance
  Ensures users receive clear, durable labeling and documentation on proper use, care, retirement, and replacement of leg protection to maintain compliance and safety.

Applications

ASTM F1897-20 is widely applied in workplaces where operators are exposed to hazards from power chain saws. Practical applications include:

• Forestry and Logging Operations
  Ensuring that chainsaw operators are equipped with leg protection garments or devices meeting this specification significantly reduces injury risk.

• Arboriculture and Landscaping
  Professional tree workers use leg protection certified to F1897-20 for all chainsaw work, especially during ground and aerial operations.

• Construction and Demolition
  Workers who use chainsaws for cutting wood or demolition tasks benefit from compliant leg protection to prevent serious leg injuries.

• Procurement and Policy
  Organizations reference ASTM F1897-20 in safety policies and purchase contracts to standardize protective equipment requirements and verify compliance.

Related Standards

Several standards support and relate to ASTM F1897-20, including:

• ASTM F1414 - Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chainsaw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
  Provides standardized methods for evaluating the cut resistance of materials intended for leg protection.

• ASTM Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment Standards
  Cover a wide range of other protective equipment used in hazardous environments.

• ISO and EN Standards for Chainsaw Protective Clothing
  International standards for similar protective equipment, supporting global harmonization of safety requirements.

Practical Value

Adopting ASTM F1897-20 in safety programs not only protects workers but also fulfills legal and insurance obligations. By referencing this standard, organizations can confidently select and maintain leg protection that meets recognized international criteria for safety, performance, and durability.

Keywords: ASTM F1897-20, chainsaw leg protection, protective clothing standard, cut resistance, safety certification, forestry PPE, leg injury prevention, chainsaw safety gear.

Standards Content (Sample)

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: F1897 −20
Standard Specification for
Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1897; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification specifies minimum requirements for 3.1 Definitions:
the design, performance, testing, and certification of protective
3.1.1 approve, v—to be acceptable to the authority having
clothing and protective devices designed to provide cut resis-
jurisdiction.
tance protection to the legs of operators of power chain saws.
3.1.2 authority having jurisdiction, n—the organization,
1.2 The objective of this specification is to prescribe fit,
office, or individual responsible for approving any equipment,
function, and performance criteria for protective clothing and
installation, or procedure.
protective devices that, when worn by chain saw operators, are
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The term authority having jurisdiction
intendedtoreducetheseverityofleginjuriescausedbycontact
is used in this document in a broad manner since jurisdictions
with a running power saw chain.
and the responsibilities of approval agencies vary.
1.3 This standard is not intended to serve as a detailed
3.1.3 certification, n—a system whereby an organization
manufacturing or purchasing specification, but can be refer-
determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to
enced in purchase contracts to ensure that minimum perfor-
make a product that complies with the requirements of the
mance requirements are met.
specification, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compli-
products that comply with the requirements of the
ance with the performance requirements of this standard shall
specification, and conducts a follow-up to verify the methods
not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all
the manufacturer uses to determine compliance with the
situations to which chain saw operators may be exposed.
requirements of this specification.
1.5 Mandatory requirements are indicated by the use of
3.1.4 certification organization, n—an independent, third-
“shall”; recommendations and advisory information is indi-
party organization that determines product compliance with the
cated by use of “should.”
requirements of the specification with a labeling and listing
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- follow-up program.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.5 chain saw, n—a portable, power-operated tool used for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
cutting wood that has cutters linked in a chain.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.6 chain speed, n—the speed of synchronized movement
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of linked cutters around a guide bar and sprocket. F1414
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.7 chainspeed 50 (CS50), n—for chain saw protection,
2. Referenced Documents
the mean chain speed at which cut-through occurs. F1414
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.7.1 Discussion—This value establishes the relationship
F1414 Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to
between the probability of cutting through the chain saw
Chainsaw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
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,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on
the probability of cut-through approaches one.
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is under the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F23.20 on Physical.
3.1.8 chain stop, n—for chain saw cut resistance, the
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally
resultingactionwhenamaterialclogs(jams)thedrivesprocket
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F1897 – 14. DOI:
or slows the speed sufficiently to prevent advancement of the
10.1520/F1897-20.
saw chain.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.1.9 cut resistance, n—in chain saw testing, the ability of a
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. material, while in contact with the linked cutters, to resist
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1897 − 20
cut-through by the cutters of a moving saw chain, independent 3.1.21 saw chain, n—closed loop of cutters linked together
of either jamming or chain stop. for use in a portable, power-operated tool.
3.1.10 cut-through, n—for chain saw cut resistance, the
4. Materials and Manufacture
action of a running chain saw after complete breakthrough of
either protective garment or protective device. 4.1 Protective clothing and protective devices shall be
constructed of materials that are sufficiently flexible to adapt to
3.1.11 cut-through time, n—for chain saw cut resistance,the
the shape of the leg. Protective garments or protective devices
time required for a running saw chain to effect complete
should remain functional and effective throughout seasonal
breakthrough of a protective garment or protective device.
climatic variations.
3.1.12 follow-up program, n—the sampling, inspection,
4.2 Protective clothing and protective devices shall be
tests, or other measures conducted by the certification organi-
constructed to be lightweight and flexible enough so as not to
zation on a periodic basis to determine the continued compli-
severely restrict movement of the leg.
anceofproductsthatarebeingmadebythemanufacturertothe
requirements of the standard specification.
4.3 Protective garments or protective devices shall be con-
structed of materials that offer protection as stipulated in
3.1.13 jamming, n—for chain saw cut resistance, the clog-
Section 5 and that do not impede normal maneuverability or
ging action manifested by a protective garment that can
capability to perform the intended task. Protective garments or
produce a chain stop.
protective devices should retain their shape and function when
3.1.14 label, v—for protective clothing, to attach a symbol
wet.
or other identifying mark, the use of which has been authorized
4.4 The workmanship in the production and assembly of the
by a certification organization.
protective clothing or protective device, and any associated
3.1.15 list, v—for protective clothing,topublisharegisterof
clothing or restraining material, shall be such that the protec-
equipment or materials that have been verified by a certifica-
tive pad is permanently attached to the protective clothing.
tion organization as being acceptable and meeting the require-
4.5 Protective clothing or protective devices shall be free of
ments of standard specifications.
defects or imperfections that could detract from their function
3.1.15.1 Discussion—The means for identifying listed
or performance.All hardware on protective clothing or protec-
equipment may vary for each organization concerned with
tive devices should be free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp
product evaluation, some of which do not recognize equipment
edges.
as listed unless it is also labeled. The authority having
jurisdiction should utilize the system employed by the certifi-
5. Areas of Protection
cation organization to identify a listed product.
5.1 The means of maintaining the protective clothing or
3.1.16 protective chaps, n—for chain saw cut protection,a
protective device in the intended position is considered part of
protective device normally worn outside the trousers that is
the protective clothing. Protective garments or protective
secured around the legs and waist.
devices shall have an adequate means to keep them securely
3.1.17 protective clothing, n—an item of clothing that is
fastened around the waist and legs.
specifically designed and constructed for the intended purpose
5.2 Protective garments and protective devices shall protect
of isolating all or part of the body from a potential hazard, or
a minimum area as described below:
isolating the external environment from contamination by the
5.2.1 Pants/Trousers:
wearer of the clothing.
5.2.1.1 The protective pad shall have a minimum length of
3.1.17.1 Discussion—For chain saw cut-resistant protective
700 mm (28 in.) and extend from the crotch to a point no more
clothing, the potential hazard is exposure to a running power
than 75 mm (3 in.) above the bottom of the pant leg.
saw chain.
NOTE 1—Should the inseam length be less than 700 mm (28 in.), then
3.1.18 protective device, n—for chain saw cut resistance,an
the pad may extend above the crotch.
article of personal protective equipment that augments other
5.2.1.2 The protective pad shall cover at least 3.142 rad
equipment and is worn for the purpose of providing limited
(180°) across the frontal arc of each leg plus an additional
protection from injury due to contact with a moving power saw
0.524 rad (30°) or 100 mm (4 in.) on the left side of both legs.
chain.
The top of the extended coverage area, adjacent to the crotch,
3.1.18.1 Discussion—Examples of protective devices for
may be trimmed to an angle not to exceed 0.785 rad (45°)
leg protection include protective chaps, protective leggings,
downwards in the back of the left leg, and at an angle not to
and protective pants.
exceed 1.134 rad (65°) in the back of the right leg. The
3.1.19 protective legging, n—for chain saw cut resistance,a
protective pad should overlap the boot top by at least 50 mm
protective garment with independent legs normally worn
(2 in.) as worn on the user (see Fig. 1a, 1b, and 1c).
outside the trousers.
5.2.2 Chaps or Leggings:
3.1.20 protective pant, n—for chain saw cut resistance,a 5.2.2.1 The protective pad shall have a minimum length of
trouser-style protective garment in which the protective mate- 700 mm (28 in.) and extend from the crotch to a point 25 mm
rial is permanently attached to the garment. (1 in.) above the bottom of the carrier garment.
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1897 − 14 F1897 − 20
Standard Specification for
Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1897; 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
1.1 This specification specifies minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of protective
clothing and protective devices designed to provide cut resistance protection to the legs of operators of power chain saws.
1.2 The objective of this specification is to prescribe fit, function, and performance criteria for protective clothing and protective
devices that, when worn by chain saw operators, are intended to reduce the severity of leg injuries caused by contact with a running
power saw chain.
1.3 This standard is not intended to serve as a detailed manufacturing or purchasing specification, but can be referenced in
purchase contracts to ensure that minimum performance requirements are met.
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compliance with the performance requirements of this standard shall not be
deemed as establishing performance levels for all situations to which chain saw operators may be exposed.
1.5 Mandatory requirements are indicated by the use of shall;“shall”; recommendations and advisory information is indicated
by use of should.“should.”
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1414 Test Method for Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chainsaw in Lower Body (Legs) Protective Clothing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 approve, v—to be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
3.1.2 authority having jurisdiction, n—the organization, office, or individual responsible for approving any equipment,
installation, or procedure.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
The term authority having jurisdiction is used in this document in a broad manner since jurisdictions and the responsibilities of
approval agencies vary.
3.1.3 certification, n—a system whereby an organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to make
a product that complies with the requirements of the specification, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on products that
comply with the requirements of the specification, and conducts a follow-up to verify the methods the manufacturer uses to
determine compliance with the requirements of this specification.
3.1.4 certification organization, n—an independent, third-party organization that determines product compliance with the
requirements of the specification with a labeling and listing follow-up program.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is under the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F23.20 on Physical.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2014Jan. 1, 2020. Published March 2014February 2020. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20082014 as
F1897 - 08.F1897 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/F1897-14.10.1520/F1897-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1897 − 20
3.1.5 chain saw, n—a portable, power-operated tool used for cutting wood that has cutters linked in a chain.
3.1.6 chain speed, n—the speed of synchronized movement of linked cutters around a guide bar and sprocket. F1414
3.1.7 chainspeed 50 (CS50), n—for chain saw protection, the mean chain speed at which cut through cut-through occurs. F1414
3.1.7.1 Discussion—
This value establishes the relationship between the probability of cutting through the chain saw leg protective leg-protective
clothing (or foot protective foot-protective device) and the speed of the saw chain. For lower chain speeds, the probability of cut
through cut-through approaches zero, while for higher chain speeds, the probability of cut through cut-through approaches one.
3.1.8 chain stop, n—for chain saw cut resistance, the resulting action when a material clogs (jams) the drive sprocket or slows
the speed sufficiently to prevent advancement of the saw chain.
3.1.9 cut resistance, n—in chain saw testing, the ability of a material, while in contact with the linked cutters, to resist cut
through cut-through by the cutters of a moving saw chain, independent of either jamming or chain stop.
3.1.10 cut through, cut-through, n—for chain saw cut resistance, the action of a running chain saw after complete breakthrough
of either protective garment or protective device.
3.1.11 cut-through time, n—for chain saw cut resistance, the time required for a running saw chain to affecteffect complete
breakthrough of a protective garment or protective device.
3.1.12 follow-up program, n—the sampling, inspection, tests, or other measures conducted by the certification organization on
a periodic basis to determine the continued compliance of products that are being made by the manufacturer to the requirements
of the standard specification.
3.1.13 jamming, n—for chain saw cut resistance, the clogging action manifested by a protective garment that can produce a
chain stop.
3.1.14 label, v—for protective clothing, to attach a symbol or other identifying mark, the use of which has been authorized by
a certification organization.
3.1.15 list, v—for protective clothing, to publish a register of equipment or materials that hashave been verified by a certification
organization as being acceptable and meeting the requirements of standard specifications.
3.1.15.1 Discussion—
The means for identifying listed equipment may vary for each organization concerned with product evaluation, some of which do
not recognize equipment as listed unless it is also labeled. The authority having jurisdiction should utilize the system employed
by the certification organization to identify a listed product.
3.1.16 protective chaps, n—for chain saw cut protection, a protective device normally worn outside the trousers that is secured
around the legs and waist.
3.1.17 protective clothing, n—an item of clothing that is specifically designed and constructed for the intended purpose of
isolating all or part of the body from a potential hazard, or isolating the external environment from contamination by the wearer
of the clothing.
3.1.17.1 Discussion—
For chain saw cut-resistant protective clothing, the potential hazard is exposure to a running power saw chain.
3.1.18 protective device, n—for chain saw cut resistance, an article of personal protective equipment that augments other
equipment and is worn for the purpose of providing limited protection from injury due to contact with a moving power saw chain.
3.1.18.1 Discussion—
Examples of protective devices for leg protection include protective chaps, protective leggings, and protective pants.
3.1.19 protective legging, n—for chain saw cut resistance, a protective garment with independent legs normally worn outside
the trousers.
3.1.20 protective pant, n—for chain saw cut resistance, a trouser-style protective garment in which the protective material is
permanently attached to the garment.
3.1.21 saw chain, n—closed loop of cutters linked together for use in a portable, power-operated tool.
F1897 − 20
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 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.
4.2 Protective clothing and protective devices shall be constructed to be lightweight and flexible enough so as not to severely
restrict movement of the leg.
4.3 Protective garments or protective devices shall be constructed of materials that offer protection as stipulated in Section 5
and that do not impede normal maneuverability or capability to perform the intended task. Protective garments or protective
devices should retain their shape and function when wet.
4.4 The workmanship in the production and assembly of the protective clothing or protective device, and any associated
clothing or restraining material, shall be such that the protective pad is permanently attached to the protective clothing.
4.5 Protective clothing or protective devices shall be free of defects or imperfections that could detract from their function or
performance. All hardware on protective clothing or protective devices should be free of rough spots, burrs, or sharp edges.
5. Areas of Protection
5.1 The means of maintaining the protective clothing or protective device in the intended position is considered part of the
protective clothing. Protective garments or protective devices shall have an adequate means to keep them securely fastened around
the waist and legs.
5.2 Protective garments and protective devices shall protect a minimum area as described below:
5.2.1 Pants/Trousers:
5.2.1.1 The protective pad shall have a minimum length of 700 mm (28 in.) and extend from the crotch to a point no more than
75 mm (3 in.) above the bottom of the pant leg.
NOTE 1—Should the inseam length be less than 700 mm (28 in.), then the pad may extend above the crotch.
5.2.1.2 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,angle not to exceed 0.785 rad (45°) downwards 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 should overlap the boot top by at least 50 mm (2 in.) (2 in.) as worn on the user
(see Fig. 1a, 1b, and 1c).
5.2.2 Chaps or Leggings:
5.2.2.1 The protective pad
...