TRAINEES
An initial course for inexperienced operators of chainsaws who wish to maintain and operate a chainsaw for crosscutting.

Successful completion of this course will prepare trainees for assessment for NPTC Units CS30.1 and CS30.2

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. Crosscuts timber to specified standards of accuracy using safe and efficient techniques.
4. Presents produce as specified to facilitate subsequent extraction or loading.

SYLLABUS

1. Protective clothing, safety regulations, departmental regulations, AFAG Guides 301, 304, 802, 804 and manual handling.

2. Machine components, functions and controls. Daily, weekly and periodic maintenance of the saw, guide bar and chain. Cold and hot starting techniques. Chainbrake testing. Recommended fuel mixtures. Running-in of chains. Carburettor tuning.

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

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

DURATION
Two days.

LOCATION
Nationwide

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