Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross-cutting

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NPTC Level 2 Units 201/202 (CS30) - 3 Day Course

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This course is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and safety knowledge required to operate and

maintain chainsaws for cross-cutting tasks.

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Who is this course for?

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      • Professional chainsaw users in forestry, arboriculture, or amenity horticulture

      • Tree surgeons or groundworkers

      • Anyone needing a Certificate of Competence to practice for chainsaw use in professional settings

      • Anyone looking to work with a chainsaw professionally

 

Course Format

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      • Duration: 2 days of training + 1 day of assessment

      • Assessment: One-on-one practical evaluation with oral questioning by an NPTC assessor

      • Awarding Body: City & Guilds NPTC

      • Certification: Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting

 

Requirements

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      • Must bring appropriate PPE

      • Basic level of physical fitness is recommended

      • No formal prerequisites

 

Course Content

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      • Chainsaw Maintenance (Unit 201):

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            o Routine and periodic maintenance of chainsaws

            o Checking and replacing chains, filters, spark plugs, and other components

            o Safe starting procedures and operational checks

            o Understanding operator safety during maintenance

 

      • Cross-cutting Timber (Unit 202):

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            o Safely cross-cutting timber at ground level

            o Techniques for cutting timber under tension (e.g., fallen branches, tree sections)

            o Stacking and handling cut timber

            o Awareness of hazards and safe working practices

 

Equipment requirements

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      • PPE:

 

      ​      o Type C chainsaw trousers (all round leg protection)

            o Chainsaw helmet (EN 397) ear and eye protection

            o Gloves (EN381-7)

            o Steel toe-cap boots with chainsaw protection

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      • Rear handled chainsaw with up-to 15” bar

      • Suitable filing and maintenance kit

      • Fuel and oil