TRAINEES
An initial course for inexperienced operators of chainsaws to fell, sned, crosscut and take-down trees not greater than 38 cm (15 inches) effective diameter at felling height.

Successful completion of this course will prepare trainees for assessment for NPTC Units CS30 and CS31.

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 efficient techniques.

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

5. Fells, safely and accurately, trees up to a guide bar length in diameter.

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

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.

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

2. Machine components and functions, 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.

5. 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 up to guide bar diameter.

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

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

8. Review of AFAG 505.

DURATION
Five 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.