Lesson 1Dealing with hung-up trees and suspended loads: assessment, use of wedges, pull-lines, and mechanised assistanceThis section explains how to manage hung-up trees and suspended loads without entering danger zones. Learners will assess stability, use wedges, pull-lines, and machines, and know when to stop work and call specialist assistance in the bush.
Recognizing unstable and hung-up treesNo-go zones under suspended loadsUsing wedges to influence tree movementSetting and tensioning pull-lines safelyCoordinating with mechanized assistanceWhen to cease work and escalate riskLesson 2Comprehensive PPE list with function: helmet, face/visor, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, boots, high-vis, and additional weather gearThis section lists required PPE for chainsaw work and explains each item’s protective function. Learners will review helmets, eye and face protection, hearing protection, chaps, gloves, boots, high-visibility garments, and weather layers for NZ conditions.
Helmet standards and service lifeEye and face shields for impact hazardsHearing protection selection and fitChainsaw chaps and leg protection limitsCut-resistant gloves and grip featuresBoot traction, cut resistance, and supportLesson 3Safe limbing and bucking practices including body position, kickback awareness, and safe bucking heightsThis section details safe limbing and bucking methods to control wood, protect the operator, and reduce kickback risk. It covers stance, saw placement, cut sequence, and safe working heights on slopes and uneven ground in forests.
Body stance and balance for limbing cutsControlling branch tension and compressionKickback zones and bar tip awarenessSafe bucking heights and working levelsCut sequencing to prevent log movementWorking safely on slopes and rough terrainLesson 4Managing pinched bars and bind situations: safe unpinch techniques and use of wedges and winchesThis section covers safe methods for freeing pinched bars and managing bind. Learners will read compression and tension, place wedges, use levers or winches, and avoid standing in the line of movement when wood releases safely.
Reading compression and tension in logsPreventing bar pinch during initial cutsUsing plastic or aluminum wedgesLevering techniques to open the kerfUsing winches or machines to relieve bindRemoving a trapped saw without injuryLesson 5Step-by-step felling routine: final walkaround, notch and hinge placement, backcut technique and escape stepsHere we outline a repeatable felling routine from assessment to escape. Learners will plan the lay, mark and cut the notch, set hinge dimensions, execute the backcut, and use preplanned escape routes and communication signals.
Assessing lean, crown, and defectsSelecting lay direction and backup planMarking and cutting the face notchSetting hinge width and thicknessBackcut placement and holding strap useEscape route planning and executionLesson 6Chain break and bar failure response: immediate shut-down, scene protection, and emergency reportingLearners will study how to respond when a chain breaks or bar fails. The section covers immediate shutdown, securing the scene, checking for injuries, preserving evidence, and reporting requirements to supervisors and safety staff promptly.
Recognizing signs of imminent chain failureImmediate throttle release and engine stopSecuring the saw and isolating the areaChecking operator and bystanders for injuryInspecting components after a failureIncident reporting and documentation stepsLesson 7Safe carrying and moving with the chainsaw: bar to rear, engine off, chain brake engaged, and handover protocolThis section covers safe movement with a chainsaw between cuts and work areas. Learners will practice carrying positions, engine shutdown rules, chain brake use, passing the saw to others, and navigating slopes, brush, and obstacles.
Engine off and chain brake rules for travelCarrying position with bar to the rearCrossing obstacles, ditches, and fencesMoving on steep or slippery terrainPassing the saw safely to another workerTransporting saws in vehicles and machinesLesson 8Specific responses to kickback: prevention, correct body positioning, and immediate reactionsHere we focus on recognising, preventing, and reacting to kickback. Learners will study bar tip control, grip and stance, chain selection, reactive forces, and immediate response actions when the saw begins to kick back effectively.
Common causes of kickback in fellingMaintaining a firm grip and locked wristsAvoiding contact with the upper bar tipChain type, sharpness, and depth gaugesUsing chain brake during risky maneuversPost-incident checks after a kickbackLesson 9Night, low-visibility, and sudden weather-change proceduresLearners will prepare for night work, fog, and sudden weather changes. The section covers lighting, visibility aids, modified communication, wind and lightning protocols, and when to suspend chainsaw operations for safety in variable NZ weather.
Headlamps, floodlights, and shadow controlHigh-visibility garments and reflective gearRadio checks and backup communicationWind, lightning, and storm stop-work rulesManaging cold, heat, and wet conditionsAdjusting work pace and task selectionLesson 10Working near others and machines: exclusion zones, tag lines, and staged processing areasLearners will study how to work safely around coworkers and machines. Topics include exclusion zones, radio and hand signals, tag lines, staged processing areas, and coordinating felling, skidding, and loading operations in teams.
Establishing and marking exclusion zonesCommunication signals and confirmationsUsing tag lines to control movementPositioning spotters and lookoutsStaging processing and stacking areasCoordinating with skidders and loadersLesson 11Siting and use of tools: wedges, felling lever, scrench, and safe handling of fuel containersHere we cover correct siting and safe use of support tools that assist felling and bucking. Learners will practice wedge and lever placement, scrench use for adjustments, and safe fuelling and transport of fuel containers properly.
Selecting and placing felling wedgesUsing a felling lever for controlled liftScrench use for chain tension and checksFuel container labeling and segregationSafe refueling zones and no-smoke rulesSpill control, cleanup, and reportingLesson 12Pre-start checks and safe starting technique: ground/leg start, cold start procedure, chain brake checksThis section explains systematic pre-start checks and safe starting methods. Learners will inspect safety features, verify chain tension, and practice ground and leg start techniques, including cold start steps and chain brake engagement.
Daily inspection of chain, bar, and sprocketChecking chain brake and throttle lockoutGround start method step by stepLeg start method and stability pointsCold start procedure and warm-up timeVerifying oiling and idle speed after start
