Use of a Chainsaw from a MEWP

Who is this course for?

Any person employed in arboriculture, forestry, utility industries, horticulture, landscaping or grounds maintenance that is or will be required to operate a chainsaw from a MEWP.

The course is designed to prepare learners for assessment for NPTC Certificate of Competence units CS 47.

People involved in:

• arboriculture and forestry
• woodland and estate management
• local authorities
• utility line maintenance.

Learners must be trained in basic chainsaw maintenance, operation and felling small trees (equivalent to Lantra Awards course CLMC44X, NPTC CS 30 and 31) and the use of MEWP's (Lantra Awards course LAA2601 – 2608 or equivalent). If either skill area is new to the learner, an extended period of training may be provided to cover these subjects.

Learners must be physically fit and not suffering from vertigo or similar conditions or on medication that could affect their judgement and safety.

Course objectives

• Identify factors to be included in a risk assessment.
• State the relevant legislation and industry best practice in relation to the use of both the handsaw and chainsaw from a MEWP.
• Carry out pre-work checks on the MEWP.
• Recognise and correct faults on the MEWP.
• State and identify the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
• State the checks that need to be taken under LOLER as applicable to the operation.
• Operate the MEWP to achieve suitable work position.
• Remove lateral limbs using both handsaw and chainsaw.
• Remove vertical stem sections using a chainsaw.
• Correctly install and position a pulling rope.
• Tie basic knots – running bowline, timber hitch and clove hitch.

Duration/ format

Any convenient time of year, but adverse weather conditions, particularly strong winds and poor visibility may preclude the safe use of MEWPs.

• CLMC54X – one day per machine type for novices.
• CLMC54R – one day for experienced operators (evidence of experience required).
• CLMC55X – two days per machine type for novices.

Inexperienced learners may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information supplied.

Course content

• Legislation and industry best practice in relation to MEWPs and chainsaw use
• Prepare MEWP for use
• Achieve work position
• Remove lateral limbs
• Final pruning cuts
• Remove vertical stem sections
• Final clean up