Who is it for?

Our Assisted Felling course is for chainsaw users who wish to develop their felling skills further by including the use of hand and/or tractor mounted winches when felling trees. Candidates will need to have relevant chainsaw qualifications in chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting, and felling up to 380mm, as a minimum. It is also expected that candidates will have on-the-job experience of felling and processing trees, as well as qualifications in medium tree felling.

Those needing to use assisted felling techniques on trees 380mm to 760mm in diameter will need to have the relevant felling qualification (City and Guilds Unit 304/CS34). Likewise, if a tractor winch is to be used, the operator must be competent in the use of a tractor.

Course content

• Identify the hazards, risks and controls associated with the site, task and machine
• State the emergency procedures relevant to the site
• Explain the records required for management and legislative purposes and the importance of maintaining them
• Select appropriate equipment for the felling operation
• Select and inspect all winching/ rope based pulling equipment winch and ancillary equipment and comment on condition and compatibility
• State factors to consider when estimating the load
• State four factors when selecting pulling/winching equipment
• Select a felling direction appropriate to tree form and site conditions
• Describe the consequences of not carrying out an assisted fell operation in an organised and appropriate manner
• Explain the necessity for offset pulling
• Install adequate attachment points within the tree to be felled to give sufficient security and adequate leverage for the pulling system
• Position and set up pulling equipment
• Pre-tension the pull system to ensure all components are correctly configured and functional
• Carry out pre-start checks and setting of the machine for use
• Demonstrate safe starting of the chainsaw
• Explain the benefits for using a holding cut for assisted fell operations
• Explain the use of felling aids as a back-up for assisted felling
• Explain the importance of clear communication during assisted felling operations
• Make felling cuts
• Clean and tidy working area
• Dispose of waste safely in line with legislation
• Used appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Carried out work to minimise environmental damage
• Worked in a way which maintains health and safety and is consistent with relevant legislation and industry good practice