Who is it for?

Our three day course in Felling Trees over 380mm is suitable for existing chainsaw users who are required to operate chainsaws to fell trees larger than the guide bar length. Candidates will already have their Level 2 qualification in Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross-cutting, and Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm (previously City & Guilds CS30/CS31). The will, ideally, have had some on-the-job experience using the saw and felling small trees before attending this further training.

Course content

• Identify the hazards, risks and controls associated with the site, task and machine
• State the emergency procedures relevant to the site
• State industry guides and information relevant to felling and processing trees over 380mm
• State the appropriate safe working distances from other operators during felling operations
• Explain felling methods for dealing with double stems, hanging branches, long limbs, cavities, standing stems and backward weighted trees
• Carry out pre-start checks and setting of the chainsaw
• Demonstrate safe starting of the chainsaw
• Prepare site and establish escape routes as appropriate
• Prepare trees appropriately to the tree condition and the specification for the site
• Explain the factors to consider and additional safety precautions when using winches
• Select and inspect winch and ancillary equipment and comment on condition and compatibility
• Fell trees using recognised felling methods and felling aids
• Describe take down methods for trees using winches or other manual or mechanical means
• Select take down method which is relevant to the hung-up tree size, form and condition
• Explain where the danger areas are in relation to the trees being taken down
• Take down hung up tree using a winch
• Describe process for removing branches above shoulder height
• State how and when to use equipment to assist with the branch removal of trees
• State the implications on choice of branch severing method
• Explain the advantages of leaving a clean stem after branch removal
• Remove branches from felled trees using a recognised method
• Cross-cut timber in accordance with the specification
• Check timber is in an appropriate and safe position
• 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