Health and Safety, Landscaping, Maintenance and Building
Aerial Cutting of Trees with a Chainsaw
Assessment type
Training and assessment
Minimum duration
3 Days
Course delivery
Training
Theory
Practical
Description
The Aerial Cutting of Trees with a Chainsaw course provides experienced chainsaw operators with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely climb trees, undertake aerial rescue operations and carry out aerial cutting with a chainsaw in accordance with current industry best practice and relevant health and safety legislation.
Designed for delegates who have already completed training in chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting, felling and processing of trees, the course combines classroom-based learning with extensive practical training. Delegates will develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to inspect equipment, prepare for aerial operations, work safely at height, undertake controlled cutting techniques and maintain effective work positioning whilst operating a chainsaw in the tree canopy.
Training is delivered in line with the UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Course Standard, ensuring a structured, competence-based approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application in realistic working conditions. As all training is delivered on-site at the customer's premises, delegates develop their skills using equipment, trees and working environments that reflect their day-to-day operations wherever possible.
Who Should Attend?
- Experienced arborists progressing from ground-based chainsaw operations into aerial tree work.
- Tree surgeons requiring training in aerial cutting techniques.
- Existing operators wishing to refresh or formalise their skills.
- Employers seeking to improve operator competence and workplace safety.
What You Will Learn
- Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
- Planning aerial cutting operations and site-specific risk assessment.
- Inspection of climbing, rigging and chainsaw equipment.
- Selection and inspection of appropriate PPE.
- Safe work positioning and maintaining stability within the tree canopy.
- Safe starting, handling and operation of a top-handled chainsaw whilst aloft.
- Aerial branch removal and controlled cutting techniques.
- Management of hazards, exclusion zones and communication with ground staff.
- Emergency procedures and aerial rescue techniques.
- Environmental considerations and safe working practices.
Practical Training
- Pre-use inspection of climbing and chainsaw equipment.
- Safe preparation for aerial operations.
- Work positioning using rope and harness systems.
- Safe operation of a top-handled chainsaw whilst in the tree.
- Controlled branch removal using recognised cutting techniques.
- Maintaining safe work positioning throughout cutting operations.
- Safe completion of aerial work and equipment checks following use.
Assessment
Delegates are assessed throughout the course by practical observation and instructor questioning to confirm their knowledge, understanding and practical competence. Assessment is conducted against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria specified within the relevant UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Course Standard.
Where a nationally recognised NPTC Certificate of Competence is required, delegates may undertake an independent NPTC assessment following completion of the training course. Additional registration and assessment fees apply.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the training course, delegates will receive a UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Accredited Certificate, demonstrating that they have successfully achieved the learning outcomes and assessment criteria specified within the relevant UKRS Course Standard.
Where requested, delegates may also undertake an independent NPTC assessment to achieve the relevant NPTC Certificate of Competence. Assessment registration and certification are arranged separately. (Please note that additional charges apply.)
Entry Requirements
Delegates should have successfully completed training in chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting, together with felling and processing of trees, before attending this course. They should be physically capable of undertaking tree climbing and aerial tree work and possess a sufficient understanding of spoken and written English to fully participate in training and assessment.
Where delegates intend to complete the optional NPTC assessment, they must also satisfy any prerequisite certification requirements specified by NPTC.
Course Duration
Course duration will vary depending on delegates' previous experience, the number of delegates attending and the level of competence to be achieved. Training is tailored to individual requirements and may be delivered for experienced operators or as refresher training.
Share this course:
TweetCourse calendar
Related courses
Health and Safety
Confined Space Safety Essentials |
Health and Safety
Health and Safety at Work (Great Britain) |
Health and Safety
The Control Of Grain Store Pests |
Health and Safety
Dementia Awareness |
Health and Safety
Health and Safety in Agriculture and Horticulture Level 4 Certificate |