City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (Unit 0039-23, formerly CS39)

Description

Course Overview:

The City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (Unit 0039-23, formerly CS39) is designed for arborists, tree surgeons, or individuals working in roles requiring tree climbing or tree care. This qualification provides participants with the skills necessary for the aerial cutting of trees using free fall techniques, including the removal of limbs and sections from the tree crown without the use of rigging equipment.

Throughout this physically demanding course, participants will gain the competence to assess tree hazards, conduct “working at height” assessments, and safely perform aerial cutting tasks using a chainsaw. The course is ideal for those looking to advance their tree climbing skills or enter the arboricultural industry.

Course Objectives:

• To understand the relevant HSE legislation and safety guidelines for aerial cutting operations.
• To ensure safe worksite organisation, including ground staff briefings.
• To check, prepare, and maintain a chainsaw for intended operations.
• To use correct positioning techniques for safe work in trees, including changing work positions for various cuts.
• To demonstrate safe cutting techniques on target limbs using a chainsaw.
• To safely remove light and medium-weight branches using free fall and hand-thrown techniques.
• To ensure proper equipment inspection, storage, and waste disposal after operations.
• To understand the correct use of tools while working in trees.

Course Content:

• HSE Legislation & Safety Guidelines: Understand the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation and safety guidelines to follow during aerial cutting operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Worksite Organization & Ground Staff Briefings: Learn how to properly organise a worksite, including ensuring safety for ground staff and conducting appropriate briefings before beginning operations.
• Chainsaw Preparation: Check and prepare the chainsaw for intended operations, ensuring it is in safe working order before use.
• Work Positioning Techniques: Learn how to position yourself appropriately for cutting tasks in the tree and how to safely change work positions while operating a chainsaw in the tree.
• Cutting Techniques for Limb Removal: Demonstrate the appropriate use of various cuts on target limbs to safely remove them from the tree canopy.
• Chainsaw Operation: Use chainsaws safely and efficiently to remove light and medium-weight branches, adhering to safety protocols and cutting techniques.
• Equipment Inspection & Waste Disposal: Perform regular equipment inspections to ensure that chainsaws and other tools are functioning correctly and dispose of any waste or debris responsibly.
• Tools for Aerial Work: Understand the proper use and safety of tools while working in trees, including specialised tools for limb removal and cutting.
• Free-Fall Techniques: Learn how to safely remove limbs using free-fall techniques, along with hand-thrown methods, while ensuring safety throughout the operation.

Assessment:

Participants will undergo both practical and theoretical assessments to demonstrate their competence in aerial cutting using free fall techniques, in preparation for the NPTC Unit 0039-23 certification.

By the end of this course, delegates will have the skills and confidence to safely perform aerial cutting tasks, assess tree hazards, and execute free fall and hand-thrown cutting techniques, all while adhering to industry safety standards. This qualification is essential for
anyone looking to advance their tree climbing and cutting skills, particularly for those working in tree surgery and arboriculture.