City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees up to 380mm & Ground Based Chainsaw Operator (Formerly CS30 & CS31)

About the course

Introduction:

This training course will cover modules required for the safe operation of a chainsaw on the ground, including working safely, maintenance of the chainsaw and cutting system, operational chainsaw checks, legislation and industry good practice and cross-cutting timber with a chainsaw. You will also cover felling and processing trees up to 380mm, removing branches from felled trees and taking down hung trees.

What are the entry requirements?

No entry requirements; students are expected to provide their own equipment and PPE - they cannot be borrowed for training or assessment. It is advised that students hold a current First Aid certificate before taking this training. Due to the nature of the course an average / above average level of fitness is required. Please note that we will not be able to provide training for anyone who we consider to be unfit for any reason.

How long is the course?

5 days with an assessment usually the following week, please allow a full day for this.

What will the course involve?

Brief Course syllabus

On site/campus

Monday Practical chainsaw maintenance

Off site at a suitable felling location.

Tuesday Fuelling, cross cutting techniques and introduction to small tree felling

Wednesday Felling techniques, snedding cross cutting and take down of hung up trees

Thursday As above, with additional techniques in small tree felling

Friday As above with revision of maintenance and all other techniques

Cutting sites may be up to 1 hours’ drive from the main college campus and therefore, to access these sites you MUST have your own transport (public transport is NOT suitable).

How long will I be learning?

5 days with an assessment usually the following week, please allow a full day for this.

What equipment will I need?

Equipment Required for "Use of Chainsaw" Courses - PPE

· Safety Helmet - Groundwork (HSE Recommended EN 397 with ear protection to EN 352 -3 & mesh visor to EN 1731) (Not exceeding 3 years old)

· Chainsaw protective Gloves (HSE Recommended to EN 381-7)

· Chainsaw Trousers (HSE Recommended to EN 381-5 (Chainsaw chaps are not suitable for College training). Type C are advised if planning to progress onto Aerial use of Chainsaw.

· Chainsaw Boots (HSE Recommended to EN 381-3) (Spats are not suitable for College training)

· For further information view the following link http://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainppe.htm

Other

Chainsaw - Max 15inch guide bar length with sufficient fuel and chain oil

Personal First Aid Kit (containing a large wound dressing)

Whistle

Suitable non snag outdoor clothing including waterproofs, you should be prepared for all weather conditions.

General chainsaw maintenance equipment, including a chain filing kit etc.

Hi visibility vest (short sleeved is acceptable)

Insect repellent and sun screen dependant on time of year

Equipment Required for "Use of Chainsaw" Courses - PPETrauma first aid kit- this should consist of 1 X Trauma dressing 1 X Pair of plastic gloves 1 X Resusiaide 1 X Haemostatic gauze1 belt and tool pouchThis equipment can be ordered from the following if needed:STEIN Standard Plus Personal Bleed Control Kit - Honey Brothers (honeybros.com)

MediArb Personal Trauma Kit - Honey Brothers (honeybros.com)

Harkie Bleed Control Kit, standard with SWAT/This Harkie Bleed Control Kit is designed particularly for the arboricultural industry to tackle major bleeds that are not managed by a personal first aid kit alone. This kit is an essential for every chai (treekit.com)

Additional Information

The above PPE, chainsaw, equipment etc. must be provided by the candidate attending

The instructors reserve the right to withdraw the training to candidates if the PPE or equipment is not in a safe condition

How will I know if I am making progress?

The tutor will give feedback and guidance on the techniques, and you will build on the skills you learnt the previous day.

What course work will I be expected to complete?

N/A

What can I expect to learn from this course?

How to safely operate the chainsaw on the ground, including working safely, maintenance of the chainsaw and cutting system, operational chainsaw checks, legislation and industry good practice and cross-cutting timber with a chainsaw. You will also cover felling and processing trees up to 380mm, removing branches from felled trees and taking down hung trees

What other training programmes and progression opportunities are there?

A whole range of further chainsaw courses including

Level 2 CG Award in Tree Climbing and Rescue (formerly CS38)

Level 3 CG Award in Aerial Cutting of Trees with a Chainsaw using Free Fall Techniques (CS39)

Level 3 CG Award in Felling and Processing Trees over 380mm (Formerly CS32)

Level 2 CG Award in the Safe Use of a Manually Fed Wood Chipper (ITA)

Fees

Some applicants for this course may be eligible to apply for a Forestry Training Grant to cover these course fees. Please refer to the supplementary information tagged to this factsheet for further information. Please ensure you use the Forestry Training Fee rate NOT the headline booking rate (if different) when applying for the course or we will bill you for the additional amount.

If your grant is approved please email adultskills@myerscough.ac.uk. Do not apply for the course using the online application system.