Description

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The Chainsaw Felling and Processing of Trees over 380mm course provides experienced chainsaw operators with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely fell and process large trees exceeding 380 mm in diameter in accordance with current industry best practice and relevant health and safety legislation.

Combining classroom-based learning with extensive practical training, delegates will develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to assess larger trees, plan complex felling operations, apply advanced felling techniques and safely process timber whilst maintaining safe working practices and minimising risks to themselves and others.

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.

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Who Should Attend?

• Experienced chainsaw operators progressing to large tree felling operations.
• Forestry and arboricultural professionals.
• Estate and woodland management personnel.
• Existing operators wishing to formalise or further develop their advanced felling skills.
• Employers seeking to improve operator competence and workplace safety.

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What You Will Learn

• Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
• Hazard identification and dynamic risk assessment.
• Assessing large trees for lean, defects, decay, weight distribution and external influences.
• Planning complex felling operations and escape routes.
• Selection and inspection of appropriate PPE and chainsaw equipment.
• Advanced felling techniques for trees over 380 mm in diameter.
• Dog-tooth cuts, split-level cuts and holding wood management.
• Use of wedges, breaking bars and mechanical felling aids.
• Safe de-limbing, snedding and timber processing.
• Environmental considerations and site protection.
• Emergency procedures and effective communication.

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Practical Training

• Carrying out pre-use inspections of chainsaw equipment and PPE.
• Assessing large trees before felling.
• Establishing safe working zones and escape routes.
• Applying advanced felling techniques for trees over 380 mm in diameter.
• Using appropriate felling aids safely and effectively.
• Safely felling, de-limbing and processing large timber.
• Safe completion of work and post-operation equipment checks.

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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.

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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.

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Entry Requirements

Delegates should have successfully completed training in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting and Chainsaw Felling and Processing of Trees up to 380 mm before attending this course. They should be physically capable of undertaking demanding forestry operations 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 the prerequisite requirements specified by NPTC for the relevant unit(s).

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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.

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