Developing upper body protection for arborists
This project aimed to design and evaluate upper body chainsaw protection for urban arborists, focusing on comfort, range of motion, thermal load, arc/flash protection, and high visibility for groundwork. Using a user-centered iterative design process, five prototypes were developed, with feedback from arborists and apparel manufacturers integrated at each stage. Prototype 5 incorporated polyaramide chainsaw protective padding, arc-rated and flame-resistant (AR/FR) textiles, and high-visibility colors with retroflective stripes. Tested for compliance with ISO 11363-6:2018, Prototype 5 met Class 2 protection standards, stopping a chainsaw with a chain speed of 24 m/s, which is superior to existing products. However, the non-protective side panels did not fully comply with dimensional requirements. Existing commercial products lack AR/FR protection and do not meet Class 2 standards, making Prototype 5 a significant improvement. Further design development is needed to address testing deficiencies and thermal ventilation challenges before pursuing commercialization.
Principal Applicant: | Daniel Robinson (Kwantlen Polytechnic University) |
Co-Applicants: | Shawn Michaels (Kwantlen Polytechnic University); Evelyn May (Kwantlen Polytechnic University) |
Funding Awarded: | $44,200 (Innovation at Work) |