Chainsaw Safety Level 1

This is a basic level course intended for the inexperienced and/or occasional chainsaw user. The course consists of a half day of in-class theory and a half day of outdoor practical training.
Safety
• Incidents
• Safety Regulations
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Safety Features of the Saw
• Proper Handling and Operation
Kickback
• How and Why Does Kickback Occur?
• Prevention
Compression and Tension
• Tree Mechanics and Wood Physiology
• Cutting Compression and Tension Wood
• How to Prevent “Pinching” on the Saw
Felling the Tree
• The 5 step Felling Plan (Site Assessment, Tree Assessment, Escape Routes, the Notch and Hinge, the Back Cut)
• Methods and Techniques
Processing the Tree
• Bucking and Limbing
The Saw Chain
• Parts of a Saw Chain
• Chain Pitch and Gauge
• 4 Basic Rules of Saw Chain
Sharpening and Minor Maintenance
• Sharpening the Chain
• Chain Sharpening Tools
• Proper Care and Cleaning
• Fuel Tips