Chainsaw Safety Training

Brand new to chainsaws, or want feel more confident learning to use the one you own? This class offers students an introduction to using chainsaws safely, from protective equipment to standards and techniques for bucking, limbing, and tree felling. No prior experience necessary. Instructor Nathan Stanford has spent over 25 years working as a chainsaw safety trainer, and is certified in SAWW (Safety and Woods Worker Training). Students will also learn basics of chainsaw operation and maintenance.

This class is offered in two levels over two days. Students may register for one or both levels, and students who have trained in Level 1 through Nathan elsewhere can register for Level 2 independently. Both levels feature morning classroom sessions, with afternoon fieldwork.

Level 1 introduces safe usage of chainsaws. The morning classroom session covers PPE and its importance, OSHA rules/regulations, chainsaw safety features, correctly starting and stopping the saw, safely working around others, and an introduction to sharpening. Afternoon fieldwork will introduce bucking/limbing techniques and beginner-level tree felling processes, with opportunities to practice in accordance with individual comfort levels.

Level 2 offers students more practice in felling, bucking, and limbing, with a morning classroom session focused around chainsaw maintenance and review of Level 1 skills. Students can expect fieldwork that entails more complex and technical cutting situations, measuring tree height, use of wedges, and calculating lean.