Clients
This course is for people who are already working in, or are looking to work in one of the following industries:
Arboriculture
Forestry
Agriculture
Horticulture
Woodland
Local Authorities
Conservation
Construction
Land-based
NOTE: Due to the nature of the training, a minimum level of fitness is required for specific operations. Whilst we would not want to disadvantage any learner, it is an essential requirement.
Overview
The chainsaw is the go-to tool across any number of industries, from agriculture to woodland conservation. It's a powerful and portable machine, but also a dangerous one that requires regular maintenance. There are a number of individual courses available to teach you the basics of chainsaw care and use, as well as specific skills such as tree felling and processing. We've combined three of these to produce a comprehensive and intensive course that will save you precious time.
Running over five days, you'll gain all the knowledge and confidence needed to work with a chainsaw safely and efficiently. This course is run by experienced instructors working with small groups, so you'll enjoy plenty of one-on-one training.
You'll be walked through health and safety rules and regulations and learn maintenance tips and tricks. Hands-on, practical sessions will then allow you to develop and hone your skills at cross-cutting, tree felling and branch removal.
Course Content
HSE legislation and safety guidelines
Overview of the chainsaw and maintenance equipment
Maintaining the saw chain
Maintaining the guide bar
Power unit maintenance
Starting the chainsaw and pre-cutting tests
Cross-cutting timber and felled timber
Felling
Branch removal – snedding and de-limbing
Take down hung-up trees using hand tools
Clear site and chainsaw checks.
Prerequisites
Learners are asked to comply with the following requirements: It is strongly recommended that operators hold as a minimum a current Emergency First Aid Certificate.
All chainsaws must comply with Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) safety guide 301 in terms of safety features, and be a model and size suitable for the task of maintenance and operation of hand-held chainsaw operations.
Appropriate PPE must be worn at all times. All PPE used must comply with the AFAG 301, other HSE publications and current legal requirements in terms of specification and use.
