Chainsaw maintenance and Cross-cutting

Introduction: The course is designed to prepare the chainsaw user for the NPTC unit CS30. It is aimed at anyone who would like to improve or develop their competence with using a chainsaw. No prior experience is necessary. For Industrial chainsaws users this is the first step, along with your NPTC assessment to gaining the competence required under legislation to use a chainsaw at work. This course is ideal for the following sectors:

Forestry

Farming

Construction

Woodcrafts

Tree Care

Landscaping

Local Authorities

Hedge laying

ESB Contractors

Domestic (NPTC not required)

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The cost includes all instruction and use of equipment, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), however candidates are required to have their own PPE for assessment. We have a special arrangement with our sister company, Treeclimber.ie to provide all trainees with an unbeatable discount on chainsaw PPE. More info about Chainsaw PPE

Tools: Chainsaw and maintenance tools are provided for the course and can be provided for assessment by prior arrangement. Trainees may also choose to bring their own chainsaw and maintenance tools as gaining confidence may be easier with familiar equipment.

Course Content:

• Identifying, inspecting and commenting on key parts of the chainsaw
• Preparing and operating the chainsaw to work safely without risk to the user, other people and the environment.
• Carrying out daily and routine maintenance on the chainsaw.
• Operating the chainsaw safely, effectively and comfortably in accordance with the practical risk assessment.
• Identifying risk assessments and emergency procedures on a work site.
• Selecting and preparing equipment required for safe and effective felling.
• Techniques for dealing with very small diameter suppressed trees.
• Felling small trees safely and accurately using appropriate methods.
• Felling trees weighted in, and against direction of intended fall using safe techniques.
• Removing branches safely in a manner appropriate to the branching habit.
• Identifying and dealing with timber under moderate strain and small diameter timber under greater strain.
• Crosscutting stems accurately and safely to a given length and diameter specification.
• Techniques for cross-cutting timber with a diameter greater than guide bar length
• Stacking timber using appropriate manual handling techniques.
• Taking down small hung up trees safely using appropriate hand tools.
• Setting up a hand winch and selecting winching equipment

Duration: 2 Days (plus additional 2-3 hours for NPTC assessment)

Location: Course location will be confirmed when booking a course. We have training centres in the South East and West of Ireland and Bavaria, Germany

Additional Items: Trainees are required to bring waterproof/warm clothing and a packed lunch.

IFA Farm Forestry and Countryside Members may be able to seek assistance with the course fees. We have also developed a short Farm Forestry Tree Felling course. More info is available at either of the highlighted links

 

Link to LANTRA Maintenance and Crosscutting info sheet