Safe use of Chainsaw

Upcoming Dates

Duration: 2 Day

Who Should Attend?

Candidates working or are looking to work in any of the following industries; Woodland, Local Authorities, Conservation, Construction, Land-based.

Aim 

To provide the candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to prove competence in forestry and/or arboriculture operations

Objective

By the end of the course candidates will be aware of the following:
• Identify the necessary personal protective equipment required, report on its condition and locate the various standard marks.
• Identify required health and safety features on a chainsaw.
• 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.
• Organise site safety and state the procedures required.
• Identify faults and defects on a chainsaw and decide which you can sort yourself and which will need the help of a service engineer.
• Select and identify the correct tools to enable maintenance and report on their serviceability.
• Carry out all routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction book.
• 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.

Training Methods

A proportion of hands-on demonstration and practical exercises, supplemented with classroom-based tutorials.

References

• Health & Safety at Work Act/ Order.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work
• First Aid At Work (INDG 214)
• Chain saws at Work (INDG 317)
• Personal Protective Equipment Regulations.
• Safety Executive (HSE)
• PUWER ACOP

Additional Information

The candidates must possess the required level of physical fitness to complete the practical training.
PPE For Maintenance
Safety goggles, heavy gloves, safety boots, and suitable overalls (boiler suit)
PPE For Cutting
Chainsaw trousers (Type B or C), Chainsaw boots or wellies (with Class 1 – 3 logo), Chainsaw gloves (Class 0) and Safety helmet – including visor and ear muffs (within appropriate date-table