10001133Equipment and Chain Saw Safety and Operation
Course Information
Description
Personal protective equipment, safe operation, routine maintenance, and common cutting techniques and practices within the industry. Operate a variety of hand held power equipment (chain saws) and a variety of large machinery and industry equipment. Field exercises simulate tree removal operations. 
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Display safe working procedures as listed in ANSI Z133.1 Safety/Standards/Tree Care Operations
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in the field
    Criteria
    Wear hiking or work boots, long pants (not ripped) and t-shirt
    Wear safety glasses (Z87 compliant)
    Identify unsafe working conditions and warn others
    Follow all mandatory safety standards listed in ANSI Z133.1
    Violate no more than three serious regulations (ANSI “shall” guidelines)
    Violate no more than ten minor regulations (ANSI “should” guidelines)
    Violate no more than zero intentional violations (ANSI “a deliberate act without regard to the safety of self or others”)

  2. Use personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE)
    Assessment Strategies
    Field work
    Criteria
    Wear a hardhat with a chinstrap
    Wear safety glasses (Z87 compliant)
    Wear hearing protection (plugs or muffs) while operating motorized equipment
    Wear gloves (slip-resistant, appropriate for the weather conditions)
    Wear long pants
    Wear provided cut resistant leg wear while operating cutting equipment
    Wear work boots
    Clothing choice appropriate to a variety of weather conditions

  3. Examine small engine operation and theory
    Assessment Strategies
    Exam
    Criteria
    Examine internal combustion engine principles
    Examine small engine theory of operation
    Distinguish between 2-stroke- and 4-stroke-cycle small engine theory of operation
    Examine manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule

  4. Determine the needed repair on a chainsaw and hand held power tools
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab
    Criteria
    Use PPE appropriate to the tasks (safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves)
    Identify parts and components needed for repair
    Select the appropriate tools and equipment
    Follow all personal and environmental safety practices
    Diagnose engine faults and failures
    Determine needed repairs for engine faults and failures
    Follow small engine diagnostic worksheet

  5. Perform chainsaw, hand tool and small engine maintenance
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration
    Criteria
    Clean equipment
    Repair or replace defective parts
    Follow manufacturer maintenance requirements
    Use PPE appropriate to the tasks (safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves)
    Select the appropriate tools, equipment and reference manuals
    Follow all personal and environmental safety practices
    Perform manufacturers recommended engine maintenance
    Follow EPA regulations for emissions
    Complete diagnostic worksheet
    Identify part numbers for components needing repair
    Complete a parts look up for repair orders
    Perform daily maintenance on equipment
    Perform manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule

  6. Perform pre- and post-trip safety inspections
    Assessment Strategies
    Assessment strategies, field exam
    Criteria
    Identify potential hazards prior to travel
    Locate and identify safety equipment and verify it is functional
    Check fluids on equipment prior to use
    Perform general maintenance as necessary

  7. Create a tree removal plan
    Assessment Strategies
    Field exam
    Criteria
    Identify appropriate PPE
    Describe potential hazards of a worksite
    Identify different types of tools and equipment at a worksite
    Explain different types of felling techniques
    Explain different limbing and bucking techniques
    Describe emergency response plan

  8. Demonstrate tree felling techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    Field work
    Criteria
    Use personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) for felling operations, including cut- resistant clothing
    Analyze work site hazards
    Verbalize tree felling plan with work crew
    Secure tree felling work site
    Choose appropriate equipment
    Demonstrate proper felling technique

  9. Operate large machinery (brush chippers, skid steers, bucket trucks, stump grinder)
    Assessment Strategies
    Field work
    Criteria
    Wear the appropriate PPE for the equipment being used
    Systematically inspect a variety of equipment prior to use
    Verify all safety equipment and guards are in place and functional
    Operate equipment in accordance with procedures outlined in the equipment manufacturer’s manual
    Secure work sites to keep non-essential personnel out

  10. Demonstrate limbing and bucking techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    Field work
    Criteria
    Use personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) for chainsaw operations, including cut-resistant clothing
    Analyze work-site hazards
    Choose appropriate equipment
    Use safe and efficient work positioning
    Verbalize work plan with crew

  11. Drive trucks and trailered equipment
    Assessment Strategies
    Field exam
    Criteria
    Perform pre-trip inspection in accordance with DOT regulations
    Verify trailers and loads are properly secured prior to travel
    Inspect chains, load binders, ropes, and tie downs for dysfunctions