Introduction to Safe Use of a Chainsaw Course
A one day course covering the safe use of a chainsaw, includes maintenance and cutting of timber
Safe Use of a Chainsaw
Introductory one day course
This one-day session is for those of you who are wanting to use chainsaws as part of your day-to-day activities in your own woodland and tree management. This course is not for those wanting to earn monies from work carried out, you would need an Awarding Body accredited certificate for that, such as Chainsaw maintenance and Felling small trees upto 380mm
The dangers of working with trees and timber are becoming more and more paramount every day, you should be working safely and within industry best practices. Therefore, learning how to use chainsaws safely, effectively and productively is of vital importance.
The course session covers maintenance and how to safely cross-cut timber, ideal for farmers, smallholders and those who have purchased their own woodland.
Carrying out basic chainsaw activities within the industry as a professional is something to take seriously, and as such it is important to keep up to date and know how to use them properly.
Think of it this way, if you have an incident one of the first questions your insurance company or HSE may ask, is,
‘Have you had any training in using chainsaws?’
It’s not going to sound so good if you say you haven’t, but you did have a good look on YouTube!
Do you know what your insurance company requires?
With all this in mind and you are now faced with having to gain some training in the safe use of a chainsaw, have you been:
- struggling to find the right fit in terms of a training provider?
- confused by all the names, numbers and acronyms for the land based courses that are available to you?
- worried you will get it wrong or waste your hard-earned money?
- concerned that it will feel like going back to school?
Then we can help you!
No matter which sector you are coming from, and your level of
experience. We can work with you to understand your training needs. To
tailor a programme and provide courses that will be suitable for you.
Providing award-winning training through tailored, flexible, friendly, approachable trainers and assessors.
All courses are run in small groups. To ensure you have as much time
as needed to learn and experience the requirements for the assessments.
If you chose to take them. Trainers and assessors are experienced,
friendly, and approachable.
Finally, as with all Lowe Maintenance courses, you get support and
advice via email or on the phone. If you need it in the future. Just
because you’ve completed the course doesn’t mean you can’t get in touch
if you need more information or guidance.
Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion
This is the certificate you will gain on successful completion of your Introduction to Safe Use of a Chainsaw course, it is valid for 3 years.
We would advise that you check with your insurance company before booking to ensure they are happy with a certificate of completion, many are, but is it certainly worth checking first!
People we already provide this course for are:
- Farmers
- Smallholders
- Private woodland owners
Our one-day introduction to the safe use of a chainsaw course provides you with any industry updates, legislation you need to adhere to, how to maintain and sharpen your chainsaw, along with correct techniques for cross-cutting timber.
Group sizes are no more than four candidates, so nice small group sizes. To allow for plenty of discussion, hands on time and questions.
You will have access to the Lowe Maintenance portal on booking where you will find leaflets and updates to look through before attending the practical session.
On this chainsaw course, you will be learning about:
- risk assessment and emergency procedures
- relevant health and safety regulations
- selection of relevant equipment for the site and task
- ten safety features of a chainsaw and pre-use checks
- basic chainsaw maintenance
- basic chain sharpening
- tension and compression when cross-cutting timber
- safe cutting techniques
Also, a huge bonus for you is that you can hire one of our chainsaws at no extra cost for this basic chainsaw course – how amazing is that!
Bear in mind that this course is physically demanding and requires the carrying of equipment in woodland and forest environment. You will have to carry your kit and equipment during this basic chainsaw course.
Candidate portal
On booking your course you will be given access to the candidate portal, where you will find lots of leaflets and documentation to read through before you attend the course. This helps you with the terminology on the day and gives you a heads-up of what to expect in any discussions. There could even be some videos to watch to help embed your learning ready for the session.
Assessment
You will be assessed ongoing throughout the session by your trainer who will make recommendations as required. There is no formal assessment process for this course but must meet the requirements listed above to be fully certificated and demonstrate competence.
We may be stating the obvious and it is sad that we have to be saying this as it appears it is not common practice.
When attending a course with us, you must follow any instructions that are given when using any equipment and carrying out tasks, for the safety of all involved.
For further details please see our terms and conditions for courses.
Testimonials
- Cost - £240
Training £200 +£40 VAT - Certification - Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion
Valid for 3 years - Length
Training - 1 day
Other courses of interest to you
- Chainsaw, Felling and Forestry
- Tree Climbing and Rigging
- Landbased Machinery
- Pesticides
- Livestock
- Pest Control
- Refreshers
- Online Courses
-
You have probably noticed that there are even more courses than you thought possible.
It seems like there could be one for walking over lumpy ground soon!
With this in mind please feel free to give us a shout and ask for help in figuring out which ones will be right for you.
As a result you may discover you do not need to do as many courses as you first thought!
You will require:
- Reading glasses (if applicable)
- Chainsaw helmet with ear defenders and mesh visor (in date)
- Class 0 or 1 protective chainsaw gloves
- Protective chainsaw trousers
- Protective chainsaw boots
- A chainsaw if you have one
Please note that under no circumstances will you be able to use only safety boots. Footwear must be chainsaw boots.
FAQ
Why a do a basic chainsaw course?
Because under PUWER regulations, you should have some formal training for any piece of equipment you use as a professional.
Safety features are on a chainsaw?
- on/off switch
- rear handguard
- two-stage throttle trigger
- safety decals
- chain catcher
- directional exhaust
- anti-vibration mounts
- chain brake
- safety chain/limits kickback
- bar chain cover
These are the standard safety features but there are others, it depends on the make of chainsaw. In addition there may also be other adaptations of these features.
How long does the certificate last
The Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion is valid for 3 years
Some stickers are missing on my chainsaw, is this a problem?
All stickers on a chainsaw must be legible and fully in place. There are some that provide specific safety information. It could be classed as an insurance / HSE fail if they are not in a good readable condition if an accident occurs.
Do I need to bring my own chainsaw?
Clearly it is always best to bring your own chainsaw to the course if you have one so that you learn to maintain your own.
But no, we can provide the chainsaw, sharpening kit at no extra cost. However, this is under the provisio that any damages and/or losses are replaced.
Although, we do apprecaite the catch 22, how do you know what to buy, you’ve not done the course yet!
Can I leave fuel in the tank?
Alkylate fuel is very good and can be left for a long time. However, if you are using a self-mix two-stroke fuel, don’t leave it too long as it can separate. This is not good for the cylinder head.
