Arboriculture
Operate a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness
Assessment type
Training only (attendance)
Integrated training and assessment (ITA)
Practical demonstration
Minimum duration
1 Day
Course delivery
Training
Training and assessment
Integrated training and assessment (ITA)
Practical
On site
Description
The Operate a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness course provides experienced chainsaw operators with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate a chainsaw from a rope and harness whilst undertaking aerial tree work 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 prepare equipment, carry out pre-climb checks, position themselves safely within the tree canopy, operate a top-handled chainsaw from a rope and harness, and maintain safe working practices whilst carrying out aerial cutting 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, trees and working environments that reflect their day-to-day operations wherever possible.
Who Should Attend?
- Experienced arborists progressing to aerial chainsaw operations.
- Tree climbers undertaking aerial pruning and dismantling work.
- Arboricultural contractors and tree surgeons.
- 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.
- Hazard identification and dynamic risk assessment.
- Selection, inspection and correct use of climbing and chainsaw PPE.
- Inspection and preparation of climbing equipment and chainsaws.
- Safe work positioning techniques for aerial chainsaw operations.
- Safe starting and operation of a top-handled chainsaw whilst positioned in the tree.
- Safe cutting techniques from a rope and harness.
- Managing equipment, work positioning and cutting operations simultaneously.
- Emergency procedures and effective communication.
- Equipment inspection, maintenance and post-operation checks.
Practical Training
- Carrying out pre-use inspections of climbing equipment, PPE and chainsaws.
- Preparing equipment for safe aerial operations.
- Achieving safe work positioning within the tree canopy.
- Operating a top-handled chainsaw from a rope and harness.
- Carrying out controlled aerial cutting operations.
- Maintaining effective work positioning throughout cutting activities.
- Safely lowering and securing equipment following completion of work.
- Post-operation equipment inspection and maintenance.
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 Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue, together with 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 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 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 experienced operators or as refresher training.
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