I always wear glasses and ear plugs. There is plenty of other equipment available but for me this is a bare minimum. Never start without these.

I have been using a chain saw for over 45 years with no accidents but I am always aware of who and what is around me and very very careful while cutting. I always turn off the chain saw when not cutting and never sit it down until the blade tops running. Also, I am always cautious about what I am standing on. Solid ground only with no pieces nearby to trip over.

Eye protection, ear protection, gloves and protective chaps are the absolute minimum.

Hardhat/face screen if felling or working in thick underbrush is also a good idea. Protective gloves, shirt are not a bad idea either.

There is a saying that goes something like "the best ppe is an engaged brain", this is both the best ppe and the bare minimum. Chaps, eye protection, and hearing protection as well as shoes which give sure footing should be among your initial acquisitions. Leather boots without a layer of kevlar aren`t much better than canvas tennies when it comes to stopping a chain so keep this in mind.

Mike- Look at this: http://www.stihl.us/apparel/PPE_stats.html

When I bought my MS440 I also bought a helmet:
http://www.stihl.us/apparel/protect_helmet.html
and protective chaps,shirt,and gloves:
http://www.stihl.us/apparel/protect_chaps.html I have never had an accident but I bought piece of mind. When I picked everything up at my dealer a professional landscaper who was there laughed at me but I don't care. All you need is one incident to happen and then you will wished you had. - Kris

If he laughed at you he is not a professional at all. When I sell a saw or any other equipment, I stress the proper operating procedures and appropriate safety equipment. If the customer balks at the extra cost saying he is only cutting a few trees and not making a living at it, I remind him that is all the more reason to be properly equipped.

In addition to above listings, as when using any power tool,a dull chain is more dangerous than a sharp one. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the tip guard on the end of the blade that prevents kickback. Yes it's a pain sometimes but learn to work with it. My foremost thought while spending 27 years in machine shop was always, where am I (hands, face,etc) in relation to cutters and moving parts. The same holds true when I'm using my chainsaw. Always have firm footing and an escape route if you are cutting down a tree. They don't always go where you want them to. Using a chainsaw is actually an enjoyable experience and a valuable skill to have. Think respect, not fear and you'll be fine!

I believe all the responses are worth hearing, additionaly I must be respectful of your eguipment know that it will hurt you and others around you, Just like being careless around guns, Just use common sense know the capabilities of the chainsaw and yourself. personally I rather not have friends family, children around me using the saw, Just one thing less to worry about. Have fun, good luck Wamble

I strongly recommend you buy a helmet just for the convenience. You have a screen visor that flips out of the way with a flick of a finger and hearing protector muffs that pop out away from your ears with just a slight tug. I find the helmet far easier to use and more comfortable than ear plugs, and the eye protection is great. You might find yourself using it for other tasks as well, like operating a chipper, string trimmer, concrete saw, etc. I wouldn't even think of operating my saw without mine.

My brother bought a set of chaps after he carelessly lowered his idling saw just enough to require stitches in his knee. No incidents since then, which is typical. The chaps would have been a lot cheaper than the emergency room.

Thank you for all the kind responses. Will check out some protective clothes.

Best, Mike.