Man Needed To Answer Stupid Woman's Question

Cmitchell | 19:01 Mon 18th Nov 2013 | How it Works

16 Answers

I am trying to work out the volume in dB of the new chainsaw hubby has been bought by MIL for xmas. I have bought all the other "peripheries" goggles, stihl 2 stroke oil, mixing bottle, chain oil, petrol can, etc etc etc!!! But have since thought should I get him some ear defenders??? Now to be fair, he will be using it in the garden just for chopping, sorry guys, SAWING logs for the fire, so prob a 15 minute blast at the most, and that won't be a very regular occurance, maybe once a week during winter (???). What do you suggest, should I buy him those too, if so I've seen in the screwfix catalogue a cheepo pair (sufficient for 25dB). I'm so THICK I can't understand the following table (http://www.hsfb.co.uk/Downloads/Mark_Sutton/HAVS_Levels_Database.xls ) to be able to READ in DB the volume of the STIHL MS170 Chainsaw. Please help. Many thanks in advance Mitchell the wife!

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The Builder

It lists the model, but not the level Mrs Mitchell.
The other Stihl models are all around 100db. I would go with that.

The Builder

Having said that............. even the best defenders listed in Screwfix are only around 30-40 db.
Maybe that's all you need. I would have thought the manual should tell you.

Cmitchell

Question Author

Thanks for that builder, yep, was equally puzzled, will have to ask mum to get out the manual to have a look. or may just send quickie email to the supplier/shop. cheers again

RATTER15

You will need a chainsaw hood, they come with eye protection and ear defenders attached, I have been using chainsaws for 20+ years and done all the chainsaw courses and would never use a chainsaw without them, of course the other essentials are ballistic trousers (or chaps) and ballistic boots.

People think that cutting logs with a chainsaw is simple, I can assure you it is one of the more dangerous things to do with a chainsaw, logs are loose and will move around. Just remember that a chainsaw with go through a human leg in approximately 2 seconds! and incorrect use will see the tip of the saw embedded in the forehead, especially on the small chainsaws.

I have seen some dreadful accidents with chainsaws many years ago when I was a tree surgeon. Get all the right gear and do a course on how to use a chainsaw.

Stephen_G

On the tabs at the bottom of the Excel page is An Introduction to Noise Levels. It states

A-weighted noise level (db) then Select a protector with an SNR (Single Number Rating) of...

85 - 90 (db) -> 20 or less
90 - 95 -> 20 - 30
95 - 100 -> 25 - 35
100 - 105 -> 30 or more

Maybe this is a bitr more help.

RATTER15

Get one of these

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

boxtops

I agree with ratter - buy your hubby a course for Christmas, before you let him loose with the kit.

EDDIE51

The decibel rating you see on the ear defenders are the amount by which they reduce the noise not the noise level for which they are intended.
The dB level is logarithmic not linear . 25dB is the noise level in a quiet room and 100 dB is the point at which the noise will cause pain and permanent hearing loss. For a chain saw you need the best ear defenders you can get. A chain saw produces around 100dB so the 25dB defenders will reduce that to 75dB (still dangerous!) you need some that will reduce the noise level by at least 50dB.

EDDIE51

Decibel comparison chart here , 100dB ( chainsaw) will give permanent hearing loss without protection.
http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html

RATTER15

The ear defenders on the Husqurvana Helmet are specifically designed for the purpose and you need ear defenders for ALL petrol chainsaws.

Clanad

Having worked "in the woods" for anumber of years, you might want to consider a pair of chaps (no not a couple of male helpers, rather leg protectors) such as these: http://www.activeforever.com/elvex-safety-prochaps-chainsaw-chaps?adtype=pla&gclid=CJDF6PeV77oCFcVQ7Aod63sAew

I've seen a lot of injuries to the legs of fellers that would have been avoided by the use of these devices...

heathfield

I agree about a course. Anyone can buy and use a chainsaw, however inexperienced they may be. but responsible tool and plant hire companies will refuse to rent them out to anyone who hasn't completed a course.

beso

I have used chainsaws for about thirty five years. Hearing protection is absolutely essential even for short use.

Chainsaws are probably the most dangerous tool ever invented. The chain travels at over 60 mph. Used incorrectly they will leap up and hit the user in the head literally in less time than it takes to blink.

As ratter said cutting loose materials is one of the most dangerous activities. I would highly recommend a course.