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Chainsaw Safety Training
September 25, 2021 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$250
Own a chainsaw but unsure if you are using it safely? Wish you could do storm cleanup yourself, without having to hire help? Then this is the class for you!
The New Canaan Land Trust is pleased to offer a full-day chainsaw training class for homeowners and land stewards. The course will cover everything from basic saw maintenance to the safe operation of chainsaws for bucking and limbing applications (cutting up trees that have already fallen). Whether you’ve never operated a chainsaw before, or are looking for some formal training to ensure safe use at home, this class is suited for all skill levels and interests.
The course will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on practice. Topics include the skills that every homeowner should have for every-day chainsaw use, general chainsaw maintenance, and a few skills specific to trail clearing and land stewardship. The instructor will discuss considerations one should make before starting a cut, proper body position and ergonomics, the various forces caused by the chainsaw and falling/fallen tree, and ways to minimize hazards while using your saw. Each participant will have the opportunity to practice using a chainsaw to make a variety of cuts on trees that are already down on the Land Trust’s property. Participants will learn through both practice and observation, and should come out of the class feeling confident about their ability to use a chainsaw.
This course will be a hybrid of The Game of Logging (GOL) Level 1 and Level 2 courses, and led by certified instructor, Bill Gerard. The Game of Logging is widely acknowledged as the premier chainsaw safety and productivity training program in the country. Top instructors across the country combine demonstration with participation to teach chainsaw safety, productivity, conservation, and cutting techniques. For more information about GOL, visit http://www.gameoflogging.com.
The course is limited to 10 participants to ensure group safety and give all participants hands-on opportunities to use a saw.
Event Details
Price: Your $250 registration covers the cost of the instructor, plus a Stihl PPE kit, valued at $150, containing an adjustable hard-hat with ear and face protectors, adjustable chaps, safety glasses, and work gloves. If you already have all of the aforementioned safety equipment, and do not wish to purchase an additional set of PPE, please send us a note.
Date and Time: This is a full-day training, from 9am – 4pm on September 25, and participants should plan to attend for the full day. The training will only be postponed in the case of heavy rain or high winds, and the rain date is September 26.
Location: The training will be held at the land trust’s Colhoun Preserve, across the street from 203 Davenport Ridge Road. Most of the training will be held within a stone’s throw of the parking area at the front of the preserve.
What equipment is provided: The instructor will bring a chainsaw that all participants are welcome to use, and any other chainsaw-related tools you may need. Your registration includes a chainsaw PPE kit, described above.
What should I bring and wear: If you have a chainsaw other equipment you would like to use during the class, you are welcome to bring it. Sturdy shoes and long pants are required, and various clothing layers are encouraged as you will warm up when using the saw. Dress for the weather, as the training is not cancelled unless there is heavy rain or high winds. You may also want to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, or anything else that will keep you comfortable during a day outside, in the woods.
What about food and water: Everyone should bring a bag lunch and plenty of water. There is no structured lunch time, but there will be opportunities to eat throughout the day when other participants are actively working with the instructor, so coffee and snacks are welcome. There are no facilities or running water on-site.
Age Restrictions: This training is limited to participants ages 18 and older.
Questions? Contact the New Canaan Land Trust at [email protected].