This course is aimed at producing a chainsaw operator who is able to safely demonstrate and apply the knowledge for chainsaw use contained in the Approved Code of Practice.
Overview
It is designed for the occasional user as an introduction to operating a chainsaw in a workplace and can be customised to incorporate specific company policies and procedures.
Trainees will be able to demonstrate and apply their responsibilities under the requirements of the Health and Safety legislation in relation to chainsaw operation. This is not an advanced course and does not cover tree felling.
Best practice is completion of refresher training every 2 years.
Please bring along your ID on training day - We need to verify the identity of students in attendance, please bring ID with you on the day of training.
Cost
This course is run at your worksite and is tailored to your organisational needs. Please contact us for pricing and booking enquiries.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Describe the requirements relating to the transport and use of chainsaw fuel
Kickback risk management
Describe personal protection and first aid requirements for chainsaw operators
Check a chainsaw and its components
Explain how a chainsaw functions
Demonstrate knowledge of the hazards that influence chainsaw operation
Prepare to operate a chainsaw
Start and test a chainsaw
Use a chainsaw to make cuts
Tension and compression wood
Entry Criteria:
All students are required to have a level of written and oral English equivalent to NCEA level 1 (year 11) or IELTS 5.5 or higher, to be eligible to attend our courses. The person responsible for making bookings or authorising attendance on the course must agree to these Terms and Conditions prior to acceptance of their student(s) onto the course. Where a student does not meet our English language requirement a reader/writer must be supplied by the student or the person responsible for authorising the student’s attendance. The reader/writer cannot be another student attending the same course.
NZQA Unit Standards Included/Refreshed
Unit Standards - CS S
Unit
Level
Credit
Description
6916
2
5
This unit standard is mainly intended for people employed in a forestry operation.
People credited with this unit standard are able to: demonstrate knowledge of the rules for chainsaw use; describe rules relating to the transport and use of chainsaw fuel; and describe PPE and first aid requirements for chainsaw operators.
6917
2
8
This unit standard is intended for those new to the forestry industry and chainsaw users in industries other than commercial forestry. This unit standard is designed as an introduction to chainsaw use.
People credited with this unit standard are able to: demonstrate knowledge of the rules for chainsaw use; disassemble and reassemble a chainsaw, identify its components and explain their functions; demonstrate knowledge of factors that influence the operation of a chainsaw; prepare to operate a chainsaw; start and test a chainsaw; and use a chainsaw to make cuts
Chainsaw Safety Training Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Chainsaw Safety training in New Zealand.
A Chainsaw Safety course teaches participants how to safely operate a chainsaw in the workplace using industry best practices and the Approved Code of Practice. It is designed for occasional chainsaw users and provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to safely inspect, operate and maintain a chainsaw. This course does not cover advanced tree felling.
Chainsaw Safety training is suitable for workers who use chainsaws in agriculture, farming, landscaping, arboriculture support roles, local government, construction, civil works, conservation, parks maintenance and other industries where chainsaws are used occasionally as part of the job. It is ideal for new or inexperienced chainsaw operators.
Participants learn how to:
Safely inspect a chainsaw and understand how it operates
Identify hazards and manage kickback risks
Safely transport and use chainsaw fuel
Select and wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
Prepare the chainsaw for use
Start and test the saw correctly
Safely perform basic cutting techniques
Yes. The course includes the following nationally recognised NZQA unit standards:
Unit Standard 6916 – Demonstrate knowledge of the rules relating to chainsaw use
Unit Standard 6917 – Demonstrate basic chainsaw operation
These unit standards are widely accepted across New Zealand workplaces.
Safety 'n Action offers the Chainsaw Safety course as either a 1-day (8-hour) or 2-day (16-hour) programme, depending on your organisation's training requirements. Training is delivered at your workplace anywhere in New Zealand.
No. This course is designed as an introduction for occasional workplace chainsaw users and those with little or no previous experience. Experienced operators may also benefit from refresher training to maintain safe operating practices and stay up to date with current health and safety requirements.
Chainsaw operators must wear appropriate PPE, including:
Approved eye protection
Hearing protection
Chainsaw protective legwear
Suitable gloves
Protective footwear
Other equipment appropriate for the task
The course explains correct PPE selection, use and maintenance to help reduce the risk of injury.
No. This course focuses on safe chainsaw operation and basic cutting techniques only. It does not include advanced tree felling or commercial forestry operations. Operators requiring tree felling competencies should complete additional specialist training.
Although NZQA unit standards do not expire, industry best practice recommends completing Chainsaw Safety refresher training every two years to maintain competency, reinforce safe operating practices and stay current with workplace health and safety requirements.
Safety 'n Action is one of New Zealand's leading workplace health and safety training providers. The Chainsaw Safety course combines nationally recognised NZQA unit standards, experienced trainers and practical hands-on instruction to help workers operate chainsaws safely and meet workplace health and safety obligations. Training is available nationwide and can be tailored to your organisation's procedures.
