By: Florence Escapoulade, Product Development Manager
Changes to the standards governing personal protective equipment in the forest operations industry are now in effect, and important new information has been added following our latest communications.
The deadline for using forestry pants, chaps and overalls under CAN/BNQ standard 1923-450-M91 (category A) is February 18, 2023. This date has been confirmed by CNESST.
CNESST (D. 56-2021) ARTICLE 8. Notwithstanding section 48, until February 18, 2023, a worker may wear pants that comply with the standard Appareil de protection des jambes pour les utilisateurs de sciie à chaîne CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91, catégorie A, when using a chainsaw.
Regarding 18-784W chaps: please note that with the application of the new standard, only chaps where the straps are fastened with buckles are considered compliant.
The CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91 standard, as we know it, is now archived and renewed under the international ASTM umbrella, effective January 1, 2021. The new ASTM F3324 and F3325-20 standards provide equivalent protection to the original CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91 standard, and meet the minimum protection thresholds required for chainsaw users.
Performance levels for these new standards are measured by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in Raleigh, North Carolina. UL provides annual certification for each manufacturer, and conducts occasional factory inspections for each of the member manufacturers of the Association of Canadian Chainsaw Safety Apparel Manufacturers (ACCSAM), of which Natpro is an active member.
The standard affecting Natpro products is ASTM F3325-20 (Measurement of Cut Resistance to Chain Saw In lower body - legs- Protective Clothing). This new standard applies specifically to chainsaw protective pants and leggings. Our products have been tested and approved to this new standard by UL since May 2021.
All our pants have been approved as compliant without modification. With regard to chaps, the new standard only recognizes products with straps as fasteners. All other fasteners (Velcro, snaps) are no longer recognized as compliant. You can still buy these products, but they will no longer be approved by a standard. If you would like a list of standard-approved products and prices, please contact us(cservice@natpro.ca).
The deadline for complying with the new standard and offering protective clothing that officially complies with it is February 18, 2023.
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