Overview
FWPCOT3317 Use chainsaw within a tree covers the skills and knowledge required to safely plan, prepare for and conduct chainsaw operations off the ground when performing tree trimming or dismantling work at height in arboriculture settings. The unit covers hazard identification and risk management, fall arrest and cutting positioning, cutting techniques for branches of varying size and direction, drop zone management and routine operator maintenance of chainsaws.
This unit applies to individuals who use chainsaws off the ground whilst conducting tree trimming or dismantling work at height in arboriculture settings. It is intended for individuals who already have experience in using arborist climbing techniques and chainsaw operation, it is not suitable for novice or inexperienced chainsaw operators.
Delivered via blended learning, combining online theory with structured face-to-face practical training and assessment, this is an advanced course suited to working arborists and tree workers across Queensland who perform aerial chainsaw operations as part of their role.
On successful completion, participants receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for FWPCOT3317 Use chainsaw within a tree from Forky Stick Training and Safety Consultants (RTO #45802).
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. Site-specific or employer requirements may vary, confirm requirements with your workplace or the relevant authority before enrolling.
Who This Course Is For
- Practising arborists who perform tree trimming or dismantling work at height
- Tree workers with existing chainsaw and arborist climbing experience seeking formal recognition
- Forestry and vegetation management workers operating chainsaws off ground
- Council and local government arboricultural teams conducting aerial pruning and removal operations
- Conservation and land management workers involved in tree dismantling at height
What You’ll Learn
- Plan and prepare for off-ground chainsaw operations in line with workplace procedures, WHS legislation and industry codes of practice
- Identify and assess hazards associated with chainsaw use at height and implement appropriate control measures
- Apply safe fall arrest positioning and cutting positioning to perform cuts within a tree
- Execute safe and effective cutting techniques to control cut piece behaviour, including horizontal branches greater than 100mm in diameter
- Establish and manage a designated drop zone to safely control the placement of cut material
- Safely raise and lower a chainsaw to and from the ground while working at height
- Carry out routine operator maintenance on a chainsaw in accordance with manufacturer guidelines
- Work in compliance with AS 2726.2, AS 2727, AS 4373 and applicable industry codes of practice
Units of Competency
This course delivers 1 nationally recognised unit of competency:
- FWPCOT3317 Use chainsaw within a tree
Delivery and requirements
- Unit
- FWPCOT3317 Use chainsaw within a tree
- Class size
- Maximum of 6 students per practical class
- Delivery
- Blended: online learning with face-to-face training and assessment
- Duration
- 1 day
- Face-to-face
- 1 day of face-to-face training and assessment
- Time to complete
- Up to 12 months from commencement
- Prerequisites
- No formal prerequisites are prescribed for FWPCOT3317 Use chainsaw within a tree. However, this unit is not suitable for novice or inexperienced operators. Participants are strongly recommended to have prior experience in arborist climbing techniques and chainsaw operation before enrolling. If you are unsure whether this course is right for you, contact us on 07 4922 1060 to discuss your experience and suitability.
- Assessment
- Competency is assessed through practical demonstration and written or verbal questioning. Participants must demonstrate safe and effective off-ground chainsaw operation in two trees, including one tree of minimum 15 metres height with a canopy spread of at least 10 metres in close proximity to a structure, along with drop zone management and routine chainsaw maintenance, all to a competent standard.
- Fee
- $500. Reassessment, extension and refund terms are set out in our Fee Administration and Refund Policy (PDF, opens in a new tab).
- Outcome
- Statement of Attainment for FWPCOT3317 Use chainsaw within a tree.
- Support and entry needs
- All learners complete a language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) assessment before enrolment. If you need learning, language, literacy, digital or other support, contact us before you book on 07 4922 1060. See our Access and Equity Policy (Word document). Three forms of identification are required at enrolment. Gloves, safety glasses, hard hat, high visibility vest, drinking water, sunscreen and ear plugs are provided by Forky Stick Training. Students must provide their own steel-capped safety boots. Additional arborist-specific PPE requirements will be confirmed at enrolment, contact us for details.
Dates and booking
Run on demand
This course is scheduled to suit demand. Ring us or send a question and we'll book you or your crew in.