Arborist Safety Gear

Buying guide

Head, eyes and ears

A helmet built for tree work protects against falling debris and impacts, and many climbers choose helmets that meet climbing and industrial standards. Pair it with a mesh or clear visor and safety glasses rated to ANSI Z87.1, and with helmet-mounted ear muffs. Chainsaws and chippers are loud enough to damage hearing over time, so hearing protection is not optional.

Communication headsets let climbers and ground crew talk without shouting over saws, which cuts down on mistakes during rigging.

Helmets have a service life set by the manufacturer. Replace a helmet after a significant impact, when the shell is cracked or faded, or when the suspension is damaged. Keep the visor, ear muffs and chin strap in good repair, because a helmet that is uncomfortable or broken tends to come off on the job.

Hands, legs and feet

Gloves protect against cuts, splinters and rope burns; choose snug, dexterous gloves for climbing and tougher ones for brush. Chaps or chainsaw pants protect legs during ground saw work, and sturdy boots with good support finish the kit.

Gloves and boots are personal fit items, so let crew members try sizes before buying in bulk. For saw work on the ground, ANSI Z133 expects chain-saw-resistant leg protection. Many crews standardize on chaps for shared use and offer chainsaw pants to full-time saw operators.

First aid and emergency readiness

Every truck needs a stocked first-aid kit that includes bleeding control supplies, and crews need people trained to use it. Aerial rescue plans and practice are part of being ready, too. Rescue training mannequins let crews practice aerial rescue without risk.

Write down your emergency plan for each job: the address, the nearest hospital, who calls 911, who handles aerial rescue and where the first-aid kit is. Go over it in the tailgate briefing before work starts. It takes a few minutes and pays off when something goes wrong.

Rescue preparedness is part of the safety kit. Every crew with a climber aloft should have someone on the ground trained and equipped to perform an aerial rescue, with a plan agreed before the climb. Practice the plan on a regular schedule so it works under stress.

Work zone safety

Cones, signs and high-visibility vests define the work zone and protect crews working near roads and sidewalks. Follow the MUTCD and local rules for work zones along roadways. ANSI Z133 sets out PPE and work-zone expectations for arboricultural operations, so read the current edition and match your company's policy to it.

Arborist safety gear works best as a system. A helmet with a visor and ear muffs, a communication headset, gloves, chaps, boots and a vest can all be fitted together so nothing interferes with anything else. Review your crew's PPE every season and replace worn items before they fail.