Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm

PREREQUISITES

Learners are asked to comply with the following requirements:

Chainsaw as per HSE guidance and pre-course handout, PPE as per pre-course handout, Operator’s maintenance kit and equipment as per pre-course handout, 2-stroke fuel and saw chain oil, Hand tools, for example, felling lever/timber tongs/turning strap.

INTRODUCTION

Cut danger down to size with our tree felling and processing course. This course is not an alternative to achieving the relevant qualification in this area. Professional Users must achieve the Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm.

OVERVIEW

The danger involved in felling trees is common knowledge; how to carry out the work safely and effectively not so well known. Our course will give you the confidence and expertise to tackle this hazardous job from start to finish, as well as demonstrating that you and your employer have completed sufficient training to meet the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

Safety is at the heart of the course, so you’ll be taught how to keep both yourself and the surrounding area protected. You’ll also learn cross-cutting and branch removal techniques, how to work with different tools and site clearance methods.

THE FINER DETAILS

Our course is ideal for dedicated professionals looking to obtain a Licence to Practice. However, it also accommodates occasional operators aiming for a regulated qualification. The course is the perfect stepping stone to the Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm.

COURSE SESSIONS

• HSE legislation and safety guidelines
• Felling
• Branch removal – snedding and de-limbing
• Cross-cutting felled timber
• Take down hung-up trees using hand tools
• Clear site and chainsaw checks.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course is suitable for people who work in agriculture, horticulture, woodland industries, local authorities, conservation, construction and land-based industries.

Certain elements of this course are physically demanding, so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness.

WHAT WILL BE COVERED

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify the risk assessment and emergency procedures on a worksite
• Organise site safety and state the procedures required
• Assess the trees to be felled for hazards and risks
• Fell trees which have a diameter less than the effective cutting length of a guide bar (guide bar length not greater than 380mm/15ins)

• Assess a leaning tree and the safest method of felling
• Make accurate felling cuts in the correct positions
• De-limb felled trees in a safe and methodical manner
• Cross-cut timber accurately to required lengths
• Assess and explain the terms tension and compression in timber
• Adopt safe procedures to remove a trapped guide bar
• Handle and stack timber in a safe manner
• Assess a hung-up tree and the safest method of takedown
• Select and prepare equipment required for safe and effective takedown
• Check on the safety of takedown tools
• Make accurate severing cuts in the correct positions
• Select and use hand tools safely
• Take down hung-up trees to a safe and stable position
• State techniques which must not be used for the takedown of hung-up trees