Chaps should be considered what type of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Chaps should be considered critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for anyone working with chainsaws in wildland or forestry operations. They are designed to protect the legs from accidental cuts, which can be particularly severe when using a chainsaw. The material used in the construction of chaps is often made to stop the chain of a saw quickly if it makes contact, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury.

Given the high-risk nature of operating a chainsaw, utilizing chaps is essential for the safety of the individual, making it a critical component of the overall safety gear. They serve as a frontline barrier against one of the most common types of injuries in the field. Proper training and awareness of the necessity of wearing chaps reinforces their importance, thus categorizing them as critical rather than optional or supplementary.