TRAINEES
A course for operators of chainsaws who hold NPTC Units CS30, CS31 and CS32. The course will mainly involve the felling and processing of tree sizes at felling height greater than 76 cm (30 inches).

Trainees have the option of being trained in either a broadleaved or conifer crop, or both. Therefore, prior to the course it is essential that the trainees' needs are ascertained to ensure that training sites are located to meet their requirements.

Successful completion of this course will prepare trainees for assessment for NPTC Unit CS33.

The course is physical in nature and requires the carrying and movement of items in a forest and/or woodland environment.

OBJECTIVES
The expected learning outcomes are that the trainee: -

1. Understands the regulations and safety requirements related to the use of chainsaws.

2. Prepares for use, and maintains, the chainsaw to prescribed standards.

3. Fells, safely and accurately, trees with an effective diameter at felling height over 76cm. (30 inches). i.e. trees over 2 times guide bar length in diameter.

4. Sneds trees to specified standards of safety and quality.

5. Crosscuts timber to specified standards of accuracy using safe efficient techniques.

6. Presents produce as specified to facilitate subsequent extraction or loading.

7. Breaks down hardwood crowns to specified standards of safety and quality.*

*OPTIONAL

SYLLABUS
1. Update and revise on: protective clothing, safety regulations, AFAG Guides 301, 302, 303, 304, 307, 310, 802, 804 and manual handling.

2. Update and revise on: machine components, functions and controls; daily, weekly and periodic maintenance of the saw, guide bar and chain; chainbrake testing.

3. Factors affecting choice of felling direction - safety, electric power lines, tree form, climatic conditions, ease of subsequent timber movement, facilitation of extraction. Identification of potential hazards (entwined trees, butt rot etc.). Felling techniques and safety standards as specified in AFAG 302, for trees over 2 times guide bar length in diameter.

4. Snedding techniques and safety standards as specified in AFAG 303. (See Objective 7 for hardwood crowns)

5. Conversion of timber to given end product specification. Manual handling in moving produce. Aid tools. Presentation in the wood - shortwood and whole pole. Disposal of lop and top.

6. Crosscutting techniques and safety standards as specified in AFAG 304. Roadside conversion and stacking. Handling aids.

7. Review AFAG 307. Breakdown of hardwood crowns, use of winches, tension and compression in limbs, maintaining balance and stability.*

*OPTIONAL

DURATION
Three 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.