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