This Technical Note will only focus on the requirements in relation to inspection of equipment and machines. But it is the responsibility of the employer to familiarise themselves with the other elements of Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) / Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) (LOLER).

January 2023 - Chainsaw PUWER Checklist added.

December 2022 - sample machine daily and weekly inspection records now available which can be adapted to your own situation.

Chainsaw operations remain the highest risk activity within our industry.

The FISA Chainsaw Working Group has prepared guidance on the planning of chainsaw works,  for those undertaking the works, Forest Works Managers and Landowners.   This guidance has been in circulation as a working draft for comment; we now release as a final version.

The HSE are sharing these notifications. Because the incidents are under investigation exact details will not be available and will not be provided with these notifications (either because the facts haven’t been established or release may prejudice enquiries).

April 2025 - AFAG Fatal Notification - Struck by an object (tree trunk)

Mental Health & Wellbeing in Forestry - Animation

The FISA Summit 2025 was voted to become an annual event after successfully bringing together 90+ forest professionals in Penrith on 17th September.

The chainsaw experienced a “kickback” resulting in a deep cut to the collarbone area, between the neck and shoulder.

September 2025 - the TN has been updated with higher quality photos; updated text around ‘when not to use a tree-jack’; and updated QR codes on final page

Advice from the Chainsaw Working Group aimed at Operators is summarised in this document. These are general guidelines and set out advice at the date of issue; they may not be relevant to your situation or site and it is necessary to use common sense when applying them. A full glossary of terms used is found at the end of the document.