TRAINEES

A course for operators of chainsaws who hold NPTC Units CS30 and CS31. The course will mainly involve the felling and processing of tree sizes, at felling height, greater than 38 cm. (15 inches) effective diameter.

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 CS32.

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 of over 38cm.

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. Uses appropriate aid tools and techniques for take down of lodged trees and for directional felling.

8. States the procedures for using tractor mounted winches in felling and take down (if not covered in objective 7.) *

9. 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, 802 and 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 ect.). Felling techniques and safety standards as specified in AFAG 302, for trees up to 2 times guide bar length in diameter.

4. Snedding techniques and safety standards as specified in AFAG 303.

5. Conversion of timber to a 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 conversation and stacking. Handling aids

7. Use of turning strap, lever, hand winches, breaking bar, AFAG 305 and 310.

8. Review of AFAG 310.

DURATION
Four days

LOCATION
To be advised