Landscaping, Maintenance and Building, Arboriculture
Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross Cutting, Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm
Assessment type
Training only (attendance)
Integrated training and assessment (ITA)
Training and assessment
Minimum duration
5 Days
Course delivery
Practical
On site
Verbal questioning
Observation
Practical demonstrations
Description
The Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross Cutting, Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely maintain and operate a chainsaw, cross-cut timber, and fell and process trees up to 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 carry out routine chainsaw maintenance, safely cross-cut timber, assess trees, apply recognised felling techniques and 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.
Who Should Attend?
- Individuals with little or no previous chainsaw experience.
- Forestry and arboricultural workers.
- Estate and woodland management personnel.
- Landowners and countryside workers required to undertake chainsaw operations.
- Employers seeking to improve operator competence and workplace safety.
What You Will Learn
- Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
- Hazard identification and dynamic risk assessment.
- Chainsaw components, controls and operating principles.
- Selection and inspection of appropriate PPE and chainsaw equipment.
- Routine chainsaw maintenance, sharpening and chain adjustment.
- Safe fuelling, starting and operational checks.
- Safe cross-cutting and timber processing techniques.
- Assessing trees for lean, defects, weight distribution and surrounding hazards.
- Planning safe felling operations and escape routes.
- Recognised felling techniques for trees up to 380 mm in diameter.
- Hinge formation, directional felling and the use of felling aids.
- Safe de-limbing, snedding and timber processing.
- Environmental considerations and site protection.
- Emergency procedures and effective communication.
Practical Training
- Carrying out pre-use inspections of chainsaw equipment and PPE.
- Routine maintenance, sharpening and chain adjustment.
- Safe starting, handling and operation of the chainsaw.
- Cross-cutting timber safely and efficiently.
- Assessing trees before felling.
- Establishing safe working zones and escape routes.
- Applying recognised felling techniques for trees up to 380 mm in diameter.
- Safely felling, de-limbing and processing timber.
- Using appropriate felling aids where required.
- Safe completion of work and post-operation equipment checks.
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
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Delegates should be physically capable of undertaking chainsaw and 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).
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 novice operators, experienced operators or as refresher training.
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