This course is designed to teach candidates how to fell & process trees using a chainsaw. Candidates learn how to fell, cross cut, remove branches from felled trees, and to take down hung up trees.
Topics covered
- External components of a chainsaw and their functions.
- Component parts of saw chain, chain dimensions, parts of a cutter and chip removal are explained.
- Design and types of guide bars.
- The mechanical function, types of chain drive sprockets and sprocket wear.
- Health and safety hazards related to chainsaw use.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- General safety requirements.
- Transportation requirements of chainsaws.
- Reactive forces.
- Operational safety requirements.
- Pre-operational checks is explained in terms of prolonging chainsaw life, maximising productivity, minimising cost, enhancing safety and minimising down time.
- Guide bar and saw chain are mounted and tensioned on the chainsaw.
- Factors related to sharpening.
- Holding the chainsaw with the correct stance.
- Cutting actions.
- Timber under compression and tension is identified and cutting action and sequence is demonstrated accordingly.
- De-branching techniques.
- Safe work practices during use and maintenance of the chainsaw.
- The importance of maintenance is explained in terms of prolonging chainsaw life, maximising productivity, minimising cost, enhancing safety and minimising down time.
- Checklists are completed according to procedures and corrective action is taken.
- Consequences of operating a chainsaw with a poorly maintained saw chain are explained.
