Are You Required To Have A License In Order To Operate A Chainsaw?
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Operating most heavy machinery requires a license. Licenses ensure that you have the necessary skills to operate heavy machinery and are familiar with the items you are handling. Do you need a license to operate a small hand tool such as a chainsaw? Our experts are here to answer your question and to tell you why its important to get a chainsaw license.
Do I Need A Chainsaw License
Chainsaw Operation License
In the UK, you do not need a license if you are not a professional operator. In other words, most people can operate a chainsaw without a license. However, you must still prove that you are adequately trained by going through a course. The user can decide if the course leads to certification or licensure.
To ensure that the tools are used safely, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998) mandate a training course.
The Health and Safety Executive has an official document that will indicate whether the sawyer is able to use a chainsaw and if the proper courses and provisions were followed.
This is an official document you will need to obtain, but it’s not the same thing as a license from a professional (see professional chainssaws suchathese).
Chainsaw Operation License In Other Parts Of The World
US
There will be different regulations depending on whether you require a license. The US Forest Service, for example, offers standard training, evaluation, and certification to individuals in the USA. However, it is not required, although it is highly encouraged.
Canada
The same goes for Canada where its not mandated by law but highly encouraged. You should also be aware that regulations can vary from one state to the next and from province to province in the US and Canada.
Ireland
Ireland puts more emphasis on going through the training courses and obtaining a license, which is valid for 10 years.
However, if the property or land you are maintaining has large trees, then the government requires you to procure a felling license .
Australia
Lastly, Australia requires citizens who want to operate a chainsaw to undergo training through a nationally accredited agency and get a statement of attainment.
Why Do I Need A Chainsaw Operation License Or Take The Course?
Other than the training course being mandated, there are other reasons why you need to take the course or get the license and take the course. You will not be permitted to operate a chainsaw or top-rated arborist chainsawsin a professional capacity if you do not have a license to prove you are fit.
The course or license is not required. Your Public Liability Insurance and personal accident insurance may not cover medical expenses if there are any unfortunate events on the job.
Where Can I Take A Chainsaw License Course?
There are many agencies and organizations you can turn to for the course. Our experts first and foremost tip when looking into a training course is to make sure the course providers are properly accredited. Check out the history of the company, and look at reviews left by other chainsaw operators.
The City & Guilds Ground-Based Operator is a good place to start. The Accessing a Tree and Aerial Rescue training courses will be your first training. From there, you can look into other courses to further your accreditation.
How Long Will The Course Take?
The two courses our experts mentioned above shouldnt take over a week in total. Both the courses combined will take 5 days with one more day of testing and assessing your skills.
It will take longer to obtain your license if you take more courses. To decide which courses to take, consider your needs and the things you intend to see.
Additional Tips And The Cost
To make sure you are ready for your course, our experts have some tips on what to bring and what you need. The first thing is to have your own chainsaw ready and to make sure you have adequate personal protective equipment, or PPE.
A minimum level of fitness is necessary to be able lift and cut lumber with minimal difficulty. Other physical requirements will vary depending on the courses you take. Another important point to remember is that you shouldn’t be taking any medication or substance that could alter your mental state.
Our experts say that you should be ready for the course to set you back a few hundred to close to a thousand pounds depending on the courses and how many you sign up for. You can rest assured, however, that even though you will need to spend a lot, the pass rate is impressive for organizations like the TKF.
Get ready for lots of hands-on training and assessment rather than just learning from a textbook. These agencies and organizations ensure that you are ready for the environment. If you own a Poulan saw you will be given suggestions on how to fix a Poulan-broken chainsaw.
Conclusion
Although certification is not necessary, training is mandated. Training will make sure candidates are ready for the job. Licensing is not required except for professional and commercial purposes. Make sure you have the right skills and training to achieve your goal.
