Individual Windblown Trees (Unit 308)

Level 3 Individual Windblown Trees (Previously CS34)

Our course in dealing with individual windblown trees, will provide candidates with the opportunity to practise and update their skills, appropriate techniques, and safety guidelines required in order to ensure they are confident when using a chainsaw and aware of the relevant health and safety guidelines in relation to dealing with windblown trees.

Who is it for?

This course is specifically aimed at people who are required to deal with individual trees that have been windblown and are either partly or fully blown over. Prior chainsaw operating experience and qualifications in chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting, and felling up to 380mm are required, as a minimum. 

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 windblown trees
  • State safety considerations before dealing with Individual windblown trees
  • State safety considerations that may be needed when severing root-plates
  • State other types of uprooted or damaged trees that will require a higher level of competency
  • Describe considerations in relation to extreme tension and compression in timber
  • State when winches maybe used when severing root plates
  • Describe when offset winching should be used
  • State additional considerations when offset winching
  • Select and inspect winch and ancillary equipment and comment on condition and compatibility
  • Inspect site, uprooted tree, and anchor points and comment on system to be set up
  • Prepare and set up site
  • Select winch and anchor points and set up winching system
  • Pre-tension winch to restrain a root plate
  • Explain the sequence of cuts
  • Sever tree from root-plate
  • De-tension and dismantle the winch system and make tree and root-plate safe
  • Remove branches from felled trees using a recognised method
  • Cross-cut pole length timber in accordance with the site 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

Course summary

Title: Individual Windblown Trees

Course code: City and Guilds Unit 308 (previously CS34/CS35)

Assessment: Level 3, independently assessed on separate day

Cost: £460+VAT per person to include registration, 2-days training, City & Guilds/NPTC assessment, certificate, and ID card

Duration: 3-days including assessment

Pre-requisites: Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross Cutting & Felling up to 380mm

There is an option to combine Individual Windblown Trees with Assisted Felling.

Cost: £715+VAT per person to include registration, 3-days training, City & Guilds/NPTC assessment, certificate, and ID card

Duration: 4-days including assessment

Pre-requisites: Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross Cutting & Felling up to 380mm

Prices may vary depending on location and/or numbers.

Learners will require…

  • Chainsaw
  • PPE:
    • chainsaw boots
    • chainsaw trousers
    • forestry helmet (with ear defenders and visor)
    • work gloves
    • forestry first aid kit
  • Operator maintenance tools
  • 2-stroke fuel and saw chain oil
  • Felling wedges
  • Long felling lever
  • Hand winch (3,000kg minimum)
  • Strops and shackles
  • Packed lunch

Availability