Course Name:Chainsaw operator training (advanced tree felling)
Description:This course provides participants with relevant, comprehensive and accredited training in order to equip those participating with the skills and knowledge to safely carry out advanced manual tree falling operations and in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety legislative requirements and standards.

Training includes compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and procedures relating to advanced manual tree felling operations.

Directional tree felling techniques are applied, relevant authority to fall, environmental considerations, the principal order of cuts involved for felling a tree which will include the use of multiple back cuts and/or boring techniques, assessment of site and tree/s to be felled, developing a felling plan, preparation of area for tree felling AND fall a tree/s under supervision.

Trees typical to the scope of this unit may have some of the following characteristics:

  • Lean and with weight distribution that adds significant complexity yet can be assessed and adapted to site requirements

  • Large diameter trees, but not exclusively, that can be safely felled with complex felling techniques

  • Heavy forward lean

  • Lean in a direction away from the fall zone or side-leaning to the available fall zone

  • Damage or defect that requires complex felling techniques, including trees with visible lightning damage, burnt out trees and those with fire damaged butts

  • Hung up trees that can be removed safely

  • Multi-legged, hollow butts, culls and stags

  • Species prone to free splitting and adverse reactions during felling

  • Complex multi-stems

  • Terrain, slope and environment that can add significant complexity to the operation.


  • Teaching strategy: Lectures, demonstrations, student workbooks, various handouts, practical training.

    Method of assessment: Oral / written tests, multiple choice questions, short answer questions, verbal questions, practical exercises. Participants need to fall a minimum of 6 trees, safely and to the standard in order to demonstrate competence.

    Entry requirements: Participants will need to meet the age requirements as stated in relevant Government regulations or industrial awards, and will need to demonstrate the physical and psychological capacity to manipulate a chainsaw safely and accurately.

    Student numbers: 4 to 5 per class (nominal).

    Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions to achieve competence.

    Trainer/s: Our instructors are appropriately qualified and have recognised teaching qualifications including Workplace Assessor.
    Units:FWPCOT3351 - Fell trees manually (advanced)
    Cost:Contact Us
    Duration:2 Days - course duration may depend on course numbers, experience and performance of participants.
    Prerequisites:This course is usually only a requirement for tree professionals. It is expected that prospective students will be proficient using chainsaws in a wide range of environments, and already have considerable experience at the basic/intermediate level in tree felling.

    Compliance with basic safety requirements of using a chainsaw on the ground is expected. Evidence of compliance will not only be required in the form of Level 1 (crosscutting) chainsaw certification but must also be consistently demonstrated during tree felling operations, throughout the duration of the course.
    Qualification:Statement of Attainment
    Outcomes:On completion of this course, participants will be able to assess, plan and safely carry out intermediate manual tree felling operations using a chainsaw.
    Notes:All training aids including chainsaws and safety equipment will be provided for use as required. Student Notes, good for future reference are supplied to each student and may be retained.

    A sufficient number of suitable, live standing trees will be required for the practical component of the course. Participants are required to wear/bring their own steel capped boots, and also their own food and water.

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