TRAINEES
A course for persons who are experienced in using a chainsaw from a rope and harness, who wish to develop their skills to remove part crowns, whole crowns or entire trees situated above limited dropping zones.

Trainees must hold NPTC Units CS 30, 31, 38 and 39, and should preferably have attended basic courses in tree felling and climbing .

Successful completion of this training would prepare trainees for assessment for NPTC Unit CS41.

The course requires both mental and physical agility in the trees and on the ground. Trainees must have a good level of general fitness and stamina. Medical conditions must be reported to the course organiser prior to commencement. Certain medical conditions may disqualify prospective trainees.

OBJECTIVES
The expected learning outcomes are that the trainee: -

1. Understands the regulations and safety requirements related to tree climbing, chainsaw use in trees and lowering and rigging equipment.

2. Prepares for use and maintains the chainsaw, the climbing equipment, and the lowering/ rigging equipment to the prescribed standard. Understands the construction of lowering ropes, the effects of friction and shock-loading.

3. Carries out risk assessment for site and operations. Works in conjunction with ground crew to plan operations.

4. Evaluates tree hazards in relation to operations.

5. Adopts suitable work positions within the crown of the trees, keeping a taut line and using supplementary anchor-points where necessary.

6. Sets up working ropes to lower and or guide severed timber to the ground, using recognised knots hitches and eye slings, in conjunction with the ground crew.

7. Severs branch and stem system to specified standards of accuracy using safe techniques.

8. Understands the benefits of specialised rigging equipment. Understands the construction requirements, bend ratios and 'cycles to failure' and the safe working loads of rigging and lowering equipment.

9. Lowers branches and stem sections using false crotches, pulleys, slings friction lowering devices and speedlines. Branch lifting techniques are demonstrated.

10. States the reasons for using a crane or MEWP for dismantling tree crowns.

SYLLABUS
1. Protective clothing, safety regulations, departmental regulations, AFAG Guide 401, 402, 301, 308, 802, 804 and manual handling.

2. Planning of operations. Equipment is discussed and checked. Site preparation and risk assessment. Establish ground-crew role and communication. Tree hazard evaluation.

3. Use of climbing equipment and tree access aids, to achieve suitable work positioning as specified in AFAG 401.

4. Setting lowering and pulling lines in the crown in conjunction with the groundcrew.

5. Review of chainsaw handling and starting techniques in the tree. As specified in AFAG guides 301, 308 and 401.

6. Branch and stem timber removal from the crown in conjunction with the ground crew.
Timber/branch weight consideration. Loading of the tree structure and the lowering system is discussed. Bend ratios and 'cycles to failure' are discussed.

7. Safe removal of lowered timber/branches that have got caught up in the crown.

8. Introduction and identification of alternative lowering/rigging equipment. Demonstration and use of the lowering/rigging equipment.

9. Use of various false crotches, pulleys and friction lowering devices. Demonstration and use of timber lifting techniques.

10. Speedline is set up using a single and/or crossline anchor. Speedline tensioning is set up using a manual method. Return line is set-up. Branches and stem sections are removed from the tree.

DURATION
Up to 5 days.

LOCATION
To be advised.

NB Full discussion with the instructor prior to the course will help determine course content and training specification required to suit individual needs.