When do I need training?

Training is needed when a new employee first begins, the employee has a new assignment, there is a change in tools or technique, an employee fails to comply with a stated requirement.

What sort of training do I need?

People learn in different ways.  Some people learn best by seeing or reading, while others learn by doing.  Handouts can be provided prior to training upon request to aid in the learning process or serve as reference materials after a course has been completed.  Most of this training will focus on creating opportunities for hands-on participation and practice. 

How many people are at a training?

The number of people at any given training will be determined by you or your training organizer.  Group sizes as small as one-on-one can be accommodated on request.  Active participation by all attendees, where everyone has time to run a chainsaw at some point, will be capped at a maximum of 10 people per day.  Presentations or demonstrations of tools and techniques can accommodate much larger groups of people. 

Will I be tested?

Specific challenges may occur during any training to engage the audience or to accelerate the learning curve.  However, a specifific testing with numerical scoring will only occur at the specific request of the training organizer.

Will I run a saw as part of training?

You will have several opportunities to run a chainsaw during a hands-on training (limited to 10 people per day).  Other training formats, such as presentations and demonstrations may or may not provide opportunities to operate a chainsaw.

Do I need to bring my own saw and tools?

I always recommend people bring their own chainsaw and normal assortment of tools for a hands-on training.  You may have something others have never seen!  All chainsaws and personal protective equipment (PPE) must pass a thorough inspection at the beginning of the day.

What PPE is required?

• Helmet

  • Type 1 or 2, Class C or E, ANSI Z89 compliant

• Eye Protection

  • ANSI Z87 eye glasses with side shields, goggles, solid face shields

  • Mesh face shields or "bug eyes" alone are not acceptable

• Hearing Protection

  • Ear plugs, ear muffs, or both

  • Removal of medical hearing aids alone is not acceptable

• Hi viz shirt, jacket, or vest

  • Class 2 hi viz for training anywhere moving vehicles or heavy equipment may be present

  • Class 1 or bright colors requested for woods work at all times

• Gloves

  • Gloves (or mittens with trigger finger) appropriate for the environment

• Chaps or Pants

  • UL Certified and ASTM 1897 (2014)

    • Pro Tip- look for the UL label on your chaps or pants.  If the year cited on the label is prior to 2014, the protection was certified to a slower chainspeed and is no longer compliant to modern standards.  Time for some new chaps!  If your label has torn off or faded so you can't read it, it's anyone's guess if the chaps are complaint to modern standards.  Time for some new chaps!

• Boots

  • ankle support with a non-slip sole are the minimum requirement

  • European Class 1 or 2 chainsaw cut resistant boots are recommended but not required

  • Tennis shoes, open toe, Vibram "FiveFinger" toe shoes, no-tread soles, or similar are not acceptable

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