Introduction

Welcome to the chainsaw safety training program of the Woodland Trainers Association. This program has been developed by the Woodland Trainers Association, based in Hinton, AB in conjunction with the Hinton Environmental Training Center, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Forest Products Association, Parks Canada and equipment suppliers. Since its inception in the 1990's, the program has expanded to Saskatchewan, Manitoba, NWT, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Objective

The objective of the training is to develop proficient chainsaw operators who demonstrate a positive attitude towards safety, stewardship and a professional attitude towards their work. Emphasis is placed on safe work practices, high standards of proficiency, adherence to relevant Occupation Heath and Safety Acts and excellent instruction.

Course Description

A variety of course options are available to meet individual employer’s needs. The most popular choice is the full, three day course where participants will receive instruction in order to attain certification up to a Level 3, Intermediate Faller. Participants will receive 24 hours of instruction, 50% of which will be hands on. Shorter options are available for those employers who do not require certification at Level 3 Intermediate Faller.

Courses are designed to be held in any situation: from remote forest site to compound parking lot, from the northern forest to short grass prairie. Emphasis is on participation of students, whether it’s sharpening a saw, cutting notches or OHS Regulations.

The full three day course will include as a minimum: course objectives, basic chainsaw operation, maintenance, safety considerations, limbing and bucking, basic falling and special situations. A unique and key element of every course is the hands-on training using the bolts (three foot logs, held upright in special stands). By using bolts, students are able to repeatedly practice notching techniques in a controlled, supervised setting without the risk or time of falling trees before their skills are developed. Students who demonstrate a proficiency level of 80% on the bolts will be eligible for Level 3 certification.

The Instructor, Adam Moreland

I have been instructing chainsaw safety since 1999. In that time I have taught type 1 fire crew to highway crews and from park wardens to mountain pine beetle crews. I have more than 30 years of accident free experience working with chain saws from back country portage crew to logger. I combine my experience and energy to deliver a learning experience that students describe as the best training they have ever had.

Getting Ready for the Course

The course is designed to come to you, no matter where you are. The following list will assist you in your preparations.

1. Booking: call me early to ensure you get your required dates.
2. Students: each course can accommodate a maximum of eight students.
3. Site: an area in which to teach the “classroom” portion of the course is required. This space can be a coffee room, maintenance shop or wall tent. The only requirement is shelter and seating. The field portion of the course requires a forested area with approximately 30-40 trees (minimum butt diameter of 8") that can be cut and some space to set up the bolts. It is best to have the class and field site close together to reduce travel time.
4. Duration: Courses will start at 8:00 am daily and wrap up no earlier than 4:00 and no later than 6:00 pm. Arrangements may be made for alternate hours.
5. Equipment Supplied: chainsaws, tools, mix gas and chain oil, saw tools, bolt stands, falling tools, fire extinguisher, teaching supplies and equipment.
6. PPE Supplied:
   • group first aid kit
   • high-vis vest
   • chainsaw safety chaps (cUL/BNQ or WCB-BC PPE1-1997 approved with a TSS of 3900).
   • orange hard hat, CSA or ANSI-Z89 approved, with wire mesh screen and ear muffs with 24 NRR
   • Saskatchewan OHS approved personal first aid kit (SK1)
   • whistle with safety pin
7. PPE Students Must Bring*:
   • CSA approved chainsaw boots (Green Tree). I have boots available but in limited sizes.
   • Appropriate clothing, sun screen, bug dope, food & water.
8. Transportation: Students are required to provide their own transportation to the course and between sites during the course.
9. Meals: Students are required to provide their own meals during the course.
10. Weather: Come prepared for inclement or severe weather and biting insects.
11. Insurance: I carry $2.0 million personal liability insurance and $1.0 M vehicle liability insurance.

* contact Christopherson Industrial Supplies in Prince Albert (306) 764-2102

Rates as of October 2011

Basic rate for instruction:
	3 day Intermediate Course (min 5, max 8 students)	$425/student
	2 day Basic Course (min 5, max 8 students)	$300/student
	1 day Awareness Course (min 5, max 8 students)	$200/student
	Recertification	$200/student
WTA Registration & Manual:		$50/student
Travel return from Christopher Lake, SK:		$0.65/km**
Travel on Saskatchewan highways 905, 914 & 955:		$0.85/km**
Travel on Athabasca Seasonal Road, #155* and other winter roads:		$1.50/km**
Meals during course, travel & set-up:		$50/day**
Accommodation during course, travel & set-up:		as billed
Additional, site-specific expenses (e.g., permits)		as billed
* minimum 7 students for for northern communities
** or applicable government rate

 

Payment

• Invoice for full amount will be issued upon completion of course.
• Payment due 30 days from invoice date.
• Late payments subject to 2% per month late fee.
• Payment by cash, cheque or money order.
• Fees subject to GST (#859 413 544 RT 0001) and PST (# 1972447) unless exemption exists.
• Deposit not required.
• Temporary 60 day certificates issued at end of course; 3-year certificates issued upon payment in full.