Description

---

The Chainsaw Operation, Maintenance and Crosscutting - Refresher course is designed for experienced chainsaw operators who wish to refresh their knowledge and practical skills in the safe operation, routine maintenance and cross-cutting of timber using a chainsaw.

Combining classroom-based learning with extensive practical training, delegates will revisit current industry best practice, safe working techniques and relevant health and safety legislation whilst reinforcing their ability to maintain chainsaws, carry out routine operational checks and safely cross-cut timber. The course provides an opportunity to refresh existing skills, identify and correct unsafe working practices, and maintain confidence when undertaking routine chainsaw operations.

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 and working environments that reflect their day-to-day operations wherever possible.

---

Who Should Attend?

• Experienced chainsaw operators requiring refresher training.
• Forestry and arboricultural professionals.
• Estate and woodland management personnel.
• Operators returning to chainsaw work following a period away from the role.
• Employers seeking to maintain operator competence and workplace safety.

---

What You Will Learn

• Current health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
• Hazard identification and dynamic risk assessment.
• Selection, inspection and correct use of PPE.
• Chainsaw components, controls and safe operating principles.
• Routine chainsaw maintenance, sharpening and chain adjustment.
• Safe fuelling, starting and operational checks.
• Safe handling and operation of the chainsaw.
• Cross-cutting techniques for timber under varying conditions.
• Recognition of compression and tension within timber.
• Environmental considerations and safe working practices.
• Emergency procedures and effective communication.

---

Practical Training

• Carrying out pre-use inspections of chainsaw equipment and PPE.
• Routine maintenance, sharpening and chain adjustment.
• Safe fuelling and operational checks.
• Safe starting, handling and operation of the chainsaw.
• Cross-cutting timber safely and efficiently.
• Identifying and managing compression and tension in timber.
• Reviewing operator technique and correcting unsafe working practices.
• 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

Delegates should already be competent in chainsaw operation, routine maintenance and cross-cutting techniques, and be seeking refresher training to update or maintain their knowledge and practical skills. They should be physically capable of undertaking 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 refresher training required. Training is tailored to individual requirements, ensuring sufficient time is provided to refresh knowledge, confirm practical competence and reinforce safe working practices.

---

Share this course:

     Tweet

---

Related courses

---

Arboriculture Pedestrian Counterbalance Lift Truck A3

Arboriculture Scything Course

Arboriculture Very Narrow Aisle Truck (Operator Up) F1

Arboriculture Chainsaw Felling and Processing of Trees up to 380mm

Arboriculture Telescopic Container Handler Trucks G4