City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm (Unit 0039-21, formerly CS31)

Description

Course Overview:

The City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm (Unit 0039-21, formerly CS31) is a comprehensive 3-day training program designed to teach candidates the essential skills required to safely fell and process trees with a diameter of up to 15 inches (380mm). This course is intended for novice operators with little or no experience in chainsaw use and is a prerequisite for the NPTC CS31 assessment.

Through this course, candidates will gain a solid foundation in chainsaw safety, tree felling techniques, and the necessary skills to work efficiently in a variety of environments. The training focuses on felling both hardwood and softwood trees up to the specified diameter, ensuring participants can carry out the task safely and effectively.

Upon completion, delegates will be proficient in risk assessment, site safety, equipment preparation, and the methods required to fell trees and process timber to industry standards. They will also be able to carry out emergency procedures, remove branches, crosscut stems, and safely handle timber for extraction or loading.

Prerequisite: Candidates must hold the City & Guilds NPTC Unit 0039-20 (formerly CS30) Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting of timber certification prior to attending this course.

Course Objectives:

• 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 regulations, safety standards, and industry good practice for chainsaw operation.
• Risk Assessment & Emergency Procedures: Risk assessment and emergency procedures on site.
• Felling Techniques: Detailed instruction on felling trees up to 380mm in diameter, with an emphasis on both straight and leaning trees.
• Snedding and Crosscutting: Techniques for snedding (branch removal) and crosscutting stems to precise lengths and diameters.
• Hung-Up Tree Removal: Methods for safely removing hung-up trees using appropriate hand tools.
• Timber Stacking & Manual Handling: Safe and effective manual handling techniques for stacking timber.

Assessment: Candidates will be required to complete a practical assessment to demonstrate their competence in the skills taught during the course, in preparation for the NPTC CS31 assessment.

By the end of the course, delegates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary 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.