July 2025 - update to Item 19 of FISA 501

This leaflet covers driving tractor base units in forestry operations and other tree work and highlights the machine features and operating requirements.

November 2024 - FISA 808 Feedback Q&A (V1) 20.11.24

October 2024 - FISA 808 Annex 1 amended to show CDM not required for Forwarder Track (Brash & Stump) - see p8.

September 2024 - This new guide provides a summary for the Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations 2015 and how they apply to forestry-related construction work. 

July 2023 - Shipping of roundwood has steadily increased over the last 18 months, not least with the storm Arwen clear up in NE Scotland. Many ports previously unused for timber for many years are now being utilised for multi modal shipping of timber and it was pertinent for FISA to engage with this sector to create a base guidance document that can be referenced by ports and hauliers / suppliers.

The refreshed 2019 FISA Guidance on Managing Health & Safety in Forestry (GMHSF), is now available to the UK forestry industry.

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.

Mental Health & Wellbeing in Forestry - Animation

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