The Introduction to Professional Chainsaw Operation: Common Core was developed and is under the auspices of Workplace Safety North and sanctioned by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) as the approved program for pre-employment classroom training for chainsaw operators. This requirement for logging operations is noted by Reg. 851 of R.R.O. 1990 (Industrial Establishments), Sect. (104)(105)(106).
The 1.5-day classroom course consists of three modules: Chainsaw Sharpening and Maintenance; Safe Chainsaw Handling; and Felling, Limbing, Bucking. The course content will provide the participant with the basic knowledge and skills for safe chainsaw operation in a professional logging environment. Participants will also learn how to identify and deal appropriately with a variety of hazardous sawing conditions they will encounter in their work.
Intended Audience:
Chainsaw operators employed in logging operations as defined by Regulations for Industrial Establishments or workers who wish to qualify for employment in these areas.
Additional Information:
The basic knowledge and skill provided by this training should be supplemented by on-the-job supervision, practice, and experience before evaluation for certification under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) modular training guidelines up to one year after the common core is completed
- Participant Manual
- The Cutting Edge Manual 7th Edition
- Oregon Maintenance & Safety Manual
Personal protective equipment (PPE):
- Head protection (recommended: CSA-approved or ANSI-approved, Class E, good condition, highly visible)
- Hearing protection (plugs or muffs)
- Safety glasses (recommended: CSA-approved)
- Face screen (forestry face screen that attaches to hard hat)
- Chainsaw gloves/mitts (cut-resistant, highly visible)
- Chainsaw pants/chaps (front and back protection, Class A protection with 3600 RPM
- Footwear (recommended: CSA-approved boots (above ankle) with hard toe cap, cut-resistant)
- High visibility clothing: CSA Z 96 approved shirt, vest, jacket, or coveralls for forestry work, and have reflective strips for low light conditions
Chainsaw (ensure chainsaw is purged of fuel):
- Size and type appropriate for the work normally performed
- Properly sharpened, maintained, and ready to work in full compliance with requirements of applicable legislation, with owner's manual (if possible)
Sharpening & maintenance tools:
- 2-in-1 Filing Guide or filing guide and depth gauge tool
- Combination tool
- Correct size round file with handle
- Filing guide
- Depth gauge tool
- Flat file with handle
- Small screwdriver (to fit carburetor adjustment screws)
- Chainsaw grease gun, rag
- Spark plug gap tool, wire brush, emery paper
- Chain owner's manual
Felling aids:
- Wedges
- Felling bar
- Axe (with sheath)