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Chainsaw Training & Certification
Hard Hat Training courses meet all training requirements set by OSHA and Canada.
We Offer Three Types of Chainsaw Safety Trainings
Our regulation-aligned Chainsaw safety certification courses are updated to reflect the most recent changes made to safety standards. Whether you want a certification in as little as two hours, or a more robust training, we can help! We offer online trainings that can be completed in a day, DIY training kits that provide training materials, Train the Trainer certifications that certify individuals to train others and provide training materials, or onsite training. No matter what you choose, we can get you what you want, at a price you can afford.
Online Training
Online training is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location and/or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores.
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Training Kits
The training kit is for those who want the freedom of doing the training themselves. It is an PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) that you can present yourself to a group of trainees.
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Train the Trainer
Train the Trainer courses are online and meant to certify a individual to use the training kit to train others. Training kit and materials are included with the Train the Trainer online course for no additional cost.
Purchase OptionsWhat’s in the Chainsaw Training Course?
Our chainsaw safety training course is OSHA Aligned, and our online version fulfills OSHA’s classroom training requirement.
This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required by OSHA.
Course Outline: The following sections are included in this training:
- Anatomy
- Guide Bars
- Chains
- Safety Begins with You
- Ergonomics
- PPE
- Situational Awareness
- Operations
- Tree Felling
- Maintenance
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsChainsaw Certification Standards
U.S. Standards
CAL/OSHA Requirements
Canada Standards
Train the Trainer Certification
The Train the Trainer option is used to certify a trainer to teach others using the included training kit. It incorporates the online course with an additional train the trainer module, as well as the training kit. This option results in an regulation-aligned lifetime trainer certification from Hard Hat Training. This certification is not company-specific, meaning you can take it with you should you change employers.
Why Do I Need Chainsaw Safety Training?
In line with regulations, anyone who works with chainsaws must receive training prior to working on their own. While requirements for refresher training related to forklifts or other processes are very specific, most other equipment doesn’t have such specific requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.
When it comes to refresher training, the standards in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.
Stay Informed On All Things Chainsaw Safety
Did You Know?
On average, around 36,000 people are injured by chainsaws annually.
Many loggers call loose, broken, or dead branches, as well as leaning or dead trees, “widow makers” or “fool killers.” This is because those branches are responsible for roughly 11% of all fatal chainsaw accidents
Chainsaws can reach a noise level of up to 120 decibels, which is about 32 times louder than a normal conversation volume. Without hearing protection, you can cause hearing loss in just two minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common chainsaw injury?
The most common cause of injury during chainsaw operations is kickback. This is when the rotation of the chain is suddenly stopped, and the saw gets thrown back towards the operator. The chain brake can help lessen this injury if it is in proper working condition, but you can still get a significant cut if the saw kicks back.
Do all chainsaws have chain brakes?
According to regulation standards, all chainsaws must have a chain brake. This vital safety feature stops the chain from spinning in the event of a kickback. It is engaged by either your hand hitting the brake or the inertia of a kickback throwing the brake into the locked position. Never use a saw with a chain break. Always check the chain break before operating and stop work if it is not functioning properly.
Should I wear gloves when operating a chainsaw?
Gloves are essential to wear when operating a chainsaw. Gloves can protect your hands from being cut when inspecting or operating chainsaws. They can also help keep your hands warm and keep your grip secure.
How do you prevent a chainsaw kickback?
There are a few things that you can do to prevent a kickback. First, make sure that your chain is sharp. You can also use low-kickback chains. Then during operations, make sure that you are aware of the nose of your saw. The nose, especially the top of the nose, is known as the kickback zone. If you pay attention to where the kickback zone is while you are cutting, you can avoid it catching on things and kicking back.
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase Options