FISA Backs Chainsaw Levels System for the forestry industry
Currently:
- How does the forestry industry gauge that the chainsaw operative can do the job safely and without risks to health?
- How can the necessary enquiries be made about the competence of the chainsaw operative?
- Competence needs to reflect the right combination of skills, experience and knowledge?
The degree of competence required will depend on the complexity of the work.
FISA Chainsaw Project WG (Chaired by Calum Duffy) and the FISA Steering Group support the proposal of a move to a ‘Competence Levels System’ for chainsaw operatives. This proposed system ensures that a structure to support the development and recording of both the progression of experience and knowledge, as a crucial part of competency development, becomes a clear part of the role of a commercial chainsaw operative.
As well as the levels system supporting the development of the chainsaw operative; it will crucially help those who engage chainsaw operatives in both pre-planning site works and selection of a competent operative matched to the level to undertake the work.
The levels system is aimed at the commercial chainsaw operative, please see below the outline for the levels system and associated audit detail.
Safe Forestry have run a successful pilot of the levels system and will begin roll out to the wider industry, for more information please contact: safe forestry at info@safeforestry.co.uk or visit the website www.safeforestry.co.uk.
A levels audit system will typically look at the following:
PPE Level Chainsaw Technician Level 1,2,3
- Hardhat
- Hand protection
- Hi-visibility
- Leg protection
- Safety footwear
- Whistle/radio
First aid and emergency response plan Level 1,2,3
- Personal first aid kit
- First aid and emergency response plan
Mental and physical well-being Technician Level 1,2,3
- Mental and physical well-being
Adverse weather conditions Technician Level 1,2,3
- Adverse weather conditions
Chainsaw maintenance Technician Level 1
Chainsaw Crosscutting Technician Level 1
Chainsaw Felling Technician Level 1
Chainsaw Snedding Technician Level 1
Hung-up Trees Technician Level l 1
Chainsaw felling Technician Level 2
Chainsaw Snedding Technician Level 2
Hung-up Trees Technician Level l 2
Assisted felling Technician Level 2
Chainsaw felling Technician Level 3
Tree Climbing Technician Level 3 (Aerial Only)
