City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Ground Based Chainsaw Operation (CS30/31)

About the course

This course costs �880 and lasts 5 days plus a full day assessment, generally the following week. Available dates are: 8th September 2025 13th October 2025 10th November 2025 13th January 2026 23rd February 2026 27th April 2026 1st June 2026 13th July 2026 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. 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 Felling 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).

Key Information

Location: Preston Campus

Course length: One Year (one week)

Available course dates: Please select the appropriate campus and start date to apply online.

Preston Campus
September 2025
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Preston Campus
November 2025
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Preston Campus
October 2025
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Preston Campus
January 2026
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Preston Campus
February 2026
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Preston Campus
April 2026
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Preston Campus
June 2026
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Preston Campus
July 2026
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Entry requirements & additional information

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.
An external assessment taking a full day will take place the week following the course. Assessment days will be confirmed two weeks before the course in your joining instructions.
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)
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 pouch. This 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.