Chainsaw and related operations

The training courses in these operations are aimed at you if you are:

  • An individual using a chainsaw for your own use
  • Self-employed and wanting to extend your business opportunities
  • An employee needing occasional or regular chainsaw use
  • Requiring a nationally recognised qualification for insurance purposes.

Entry Requirements

You must be aged 17 years or over and be physically fit and able to complete the tasks involved.

Before starting the course it is recommended that you take a basic emergency first aid qualification.

City & Guilds Land Based Services (NPTC) courses are progressive and to progress through the units you must have successfully achieved the prior (mandatory) unit(s). Units can be assessed singly or in combination.

Skills and Knowledge Assessed (dependent on units)

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE requirements)
  • Maintenance of the power unit
  • Guide bar and chain maintenance
  • Safety features
  • Safe felling
  • Cross cutting
  • Pruning techniques
  • Taking down hung up trees
  • Climbing and aerial rescue
  • Using a chainsaw from rope and harness

Personal Protective Wear (PPE)

You should provide your own personal protective wear (PPE) and chainsaw; alternatively you can hire them from the college. Equipment must comply with legal requirements. Chainsaws must be accompanied by the manufacturer’s manual.

Reaseheath offers training and assessment in the following units:
UNIT TITLE DESCRIPTION PRE-REQUISITES DURATION
Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting (CS30) 0039-20 003920 – City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting No pre requisite 2 days
CS31 Felling of Small Trees up to 380mm – 0039-21 003921 – City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees up to 380mm Pre requisite CS30 (0039-20) 3 days
CS38 Climb Trees and Perform Aerial Rescue – 0039-22 003922 – City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue No pre requisite 5 days
CS39 Aerial Cutting With Free Fall Techniques – 0039-23 003923 – City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness Pre requisite CS30 (0039-20) CS31 (0039-21) and CS38 (0039-22) 3 days