CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91: Chainsaw Leg Protection Standard

CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91 was a Canadian safety standard developed to ensure proper leg protection for chainsaw operators. Published in December 1991 by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), the standard outlined the design specifications and performance criteria for chainsaw protective garments. Its primary goal was to reduce the risk of severe injuries caused by chainsaw accidents, particularly in forestry and similar industries.

Protective Clothing Categories

The standard categorized protective garments into three classes based on the coverage area to suit various operational needs:

• Category A: Covered the front area of the legs from the crotch to 75 mm above the hem and extended coverage to the back of the legs from the knee to the ankle.
• Category B: Focused on the front of the legs only, providing coverage from the crotch to 75 mm above the hem.
• Category C: Offered additional protection by covering the front area from the crotch to 75 mm above the hem and extending 100 mm to the left of both legs.

These categories ensured that chainsaw operators could select garments tailored to their specific tasks and risk levels.

Performance and Testing

The CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91 standard specified rigorous testing procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of protective materials. It assessed the fabric’s ability to resist chainsaw cuts by simulating real-world scenarios. Layers of specially designed fibers within the garments were required to entangle the chainsaw’s chain upon contact, stopping it almost immediately and minimizing the severity of injuries.

Transition to New Standards

While CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91 was widely used for decades, it was eventually archived by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) in 2016. The standard has since been replaced by ASTM F3324 and F3325, which adopted similar performance criteria with updated methodologies. These ASTM standards have been mandatory since January 1, 2021, ensuring continued safety for chainsaw operators.

Importance of Compliance

Chainsaw protective clothing certified under CAN/BNQ 1923-450-M91 was instrumental in improving workplace safety. Today, compliance with the updated ASTM standards ensures ongoing protection, reflecting advancements in safety technologies and practices. Proper protective equipment remains a cornerstone of injury prevention in chainsaw operations.