Chainsaw Refresher Training

Chainsaw refresher training course for chainsaw operatives in need of the recommended certification update required by Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines.

Course Objectives

Satisfy all the objectives for Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting as follows:

State and identify the necessary personal protective equipment required, report on its condition and locate the various standard marks

State and identify required health and safety features on a chainsaw

Identify faults and defects on a chainsaw and cutting equipment and decide which the operator can remedy and which require a service engineer’s attention

Select and identify correct tools to enable maintenance to be carried out and report on their serviceability

Carry out correctly all routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction book and/or the Lantra Awards workbook

Prepare the chainsaw for use with the correct fuel/oil mix and chain lubrication

Start the chainsaw from both cold and hot in a safe manner

Carry out pre-cutting safety tests and state the procedures if the chainsaw fails these tests

State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or operational tasks

Cross-cut timber accurately to required lengths

Assess and explain the terms ‘tension’ and ‘compression’ in timber

Adopt safe procedures to remove a trapped guide bar

Handle and stack timber in a safe manner

Organise site safety and state the precautions required

Including the following objectives:

Identify types of timber, potential hazards and stresses, correctly assess if timber is in compression or tension, and select the appropriate technique to deal with the particular situation correctly

Assess the situation prior to free felling a straight open grown tree up to a maximum of either 200mm or 380mm diameter (as dictated by the original certification) and with the aid of wedges and/or a felling lever, fell it in a chosen direction

Remove limbs from felled trees and cross cut, handle and stack timber in a safe and efficient manner

Take down hung up trees using hand tools

Recognise situations where specialist help is required

NB: In undertaking the above objectives, the operator should wear the correct protective clothing, and be standing on firm ground. The chainsaw should never be operated above shoulder height.

Who is the refresher course for?

This course is for chainsaw operators who already hold an existing qualification with City & Guilds NPTC Licence to Practice (old Units 30+ 31) or (new Units 2003 + 2004), or Lantra Awards Licence to practice, or Lantra Awards ITA chainsaw qualifications.

Duration / Format

One day practical course for chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting only.

Two days practical course for maintenance, cross cutting and felling trees up to 200mm or 380mm diameter as dictated by the original certification.

Course Content

Introduction
Maintenance of engine, bar and chain
Protective clothing and safety features of chainsaws
Fuelling and starting a chainsaw
Testing a chainsaw
De-limbing of felled trees
Cross cutting trunks of felled trees
Felling demonstration
Felling trees up to 200m or up to 380mm diameter as dictated by the original certification.
Takedown of Hung-up trees
Facilities / Equipment Required
Chainsaw complying with pre-course handout
Operator’s maintenance kit and equipment
Safety Equipment Required
Safety helmet incorporating ear defenders and eye protection
‘Non’ snag top
Chainsaw mitts/gloves (back of left hand safety padded)
Chainsaw trousers or leggings with safety padding
Chainsaw boots (see pre-course handout)

NB: Instructors have been instructed not to undertake training where trainees do not have the appropriate protective equipment and appropriate saw.