Lesson 1Dealing with hung-up trees and suspended loads: assessment, use of wedges, pull-lines, and mechanized assistanceDis section explain how to manage hung-up trees and suspended loads without entering danger zones. Learners go assess stability, use wedges, pull-lines, and machines, and know when to stop work and call specialist assistance for safety.
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 gearDis section list required PPE for chainsaw work and explain each item’s protective function. Learners go review helmets, eye and face protection, hearing protection, chaps, gloves, boots, high-visibility garments, and weather layers for rainy days.
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 heightsDis section detail safe limbing and bucking methods to control wood, protect di operator, and reduce kickback risk. It cover stance, saw placement, cut sequence, and safe working heights on slopes and uneven ground wey common here.
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 winchesDis section cover safe methods for freeing pinched bars and managing bind. Learners go read compression and tension, place wedges, use levers or winches, and avoid standing in di line of movement when wood releases suddenly.
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 go plan di lay, mark and cut di notch, set hinge dimensions, execute di backcut, and use preplanned escape routes and communication signals for team.
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 go study how to respond when a chain breaks or bar fails. Di section cover immediate shutdown, securing di scene, checking for injuries, preserving evidence, and reporting requirements to supervisors and safety staff quick quick.
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 protocolDis section cover safe movement with a chainsaw between cuts and work areas. Learners go practice carrying positions, engine shutdown rules, chain brake use, passing di saw to others, and navigating slopes, brush, and obstacles safely.
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 recognizing, preventing, and reacting to kickback. Learners go study bar tip control, grip and stance, chain selection, reactive forces, and immediate response actions when di saw begins to kick back dangerously.
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 go prepare for night work, fog, and sudden weather changes. Di section cover lighting, visibility aids, modified communication, wind and lightning protocols, and when to suspend chainsaw operations for safety in bad 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 go 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 for di whole team.
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 dat assist felling and bucking. Learners go practice wedge and lever placement, scrench use for adjustments, and safe fueling and transport of fuel containers without spill.
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 checksDis section explain systematic pre-start checks and safe starting methods. Learners go inspect safety features, verify chain tension, and practice ground and leg start techniques, including cold start steps and chain brake engagement properly.
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
