Combined City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross Cutting and Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm

Description

Course Overview: 

The City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Awards in Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross Cutting, and Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm (Units 0039-20 & 0039-21, formerly CS30 & CS31) is a comprehensive 5-day training course plus a 1-day assessment is designed for individuals who are new to chainsaw use or looking to develop their skills in both chainsaw operation and tree felling. This combined course provides a solid foundation in safe and effective chainsaw maintenance, crosscutting techniques, and felling trees up to 15 inches (380mm) in diameter. 

Whether you’re starting your journey in the forestry or arboriculture industries, or need to meet industry standards for professional use, this integrated training prepares you for practical assessments in both NPTC CS30 and CS31, making it a crucial step toward becoming a certified chainsaw operator. 

Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting manuals will be provided free of charge to keep when booking this course. [Click here for details on the manuals.]

Course Objectives:  

• To master essential chainsaw safety protocols and practices to ensure safe operation.  

• To gain hands-on experience in routine and periodic maintenance of chainsaws for peak performance.  

• To learn how to perform pre-operation checks, ensuring the chainsaw is safe and ready for use.  

• To develop the skills to crosscut timber (up to the guide bar length in diameter) accurately and efficiently.  

• To understand how to measure, stack, and present crosscut timber according to operational or habitat specifications.  

• To learn how to safely remove branches (snedding) from felled trees, meeting industry safety standards.  

• To understand and adhere to relevant regulations, safety standards, and best practices for chainsaw operation.  

• To fell trees safely and accurately up to a diameter of 380mm, using appropriate techniques for both straight and leaning trees.  

• To safely remove branches (snedding) from felled trees, meeting required safety and quality standards.  

• To use the correct hand tools and techniques for safely taking down lodged (hung-up) trees.  

• To crosscut timber accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with specified standards.  

• To stack timber using proper manual handling techniques, in preparation for extraction or loading.  

• To maintain a strong focus on safety throughout all aspects of tree felling and processing. 

Course Content:  

• Chainsaw Regulations & Safety Standards: Introduction to relevant legislation, safety standards, and industry best practices for chainsaw operation. Includes correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safe working procedures, and legal responsibilities. 

• Risk Assessment & Emergency Procedures: Learn how to carry out site-specific risk assessments, identify hazards, and implement control measures. Training includes creating emergency action plans and applying effective first-response procedures in the field. 

• Chainsaw Maintenance & Pre-Operational Checks: Gain hands-on experience in both routine chainsaw maintenance and operational readiness checks. Topics include chain sharpening and tensioning, cleaning air filters, inspecting safety features, and ensuring the chainsaw is safe for use before each session. 

• Timber Cross-Cutting Techniques: Develop safe and efficient techniques for cross-cutting hardwood and softwood timber up to the guide bar length in diameter. Emphasis is placed on preventing kickback, avoiding saw pinching, and achieving accurate cuts to specified lengths. 

• Snedding & Stem Crosscutting: Learn to remove branches (snedding) from felled trees using efficient techniques that meet industry safety and quality standards. Instruction also includes crosscutting stems to precise lengths directly at the felling site. 

• Felling Techniques for Trees up to 380mm: Detailed guidance on assessing trees, preparing felling cuts, and safely bringing down both straight and leaning trees up to 380mm in diameter. Includes felling aids, escape routes, and maintaining felling direction control. 

• Hung-Up Tree Removal Methods: Understand the risks and correct procedures for dealing with lodged (hung-up) trees. Learn how to use appropriate hand tools and techniques to release trees safely without relying on mechanical assistance. 

• Timber Stacking & Manual Handling: Training in the safe and effective stacking of crosscut timber in preparation for extraction or processing. This module also covers proper manual handling techniques to prevent strain and injury while working with heavy materials. 

Assessment:

Participants will be required to complete practical assessments to demonstrate their competence in the full range of skills taught during the course, including chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting, and felling and processing trees up to 380mm in preparation for the City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Awards (Units 0039-20 & 0039-21 / CS30 & CS31). 

Upon completion, delegates will have the foundational skills required to operate and maintain chainsaws safely and effectively, and to safely fell and process trees up to 380mm in diameter ensuring a high level of competence in chainsaw operation for both personal and professional use.