Program Overview
Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (NPTC)
CPD and short courses (short course)
Overview
Gain an NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in using a chainsaw from a rope and harness. Our accredited course at Writtle College is ideal if you use chainsaws as part of your work in arboriculture, forestry or other industries.
Full description
Our course takes place over three days, plus an NPTC assessment day which is arranged separately. It will provide the knowledge, understanding and skills required to use chainsaws from a rope and harness safely, to industry standards in line with current legislation.
- risk assessment
- emergency planning
- legislation
- industry best practice
- environmental considerations
- tree condition
- tools and equipment
- pruning techniques
- pruning from a rope and harness.
Equipment
Equipment is provided for this course but you may prefer to bring your own climbing equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
All tree climbing PPE and rigging equipment must comply with LOLER regulations. This means you must be able to produce evidence that your equipment has been thoroughly examined by a 'competent person' (in the last six months for climbing equipment and 12 months for rigging equipment), and also inspected weekly with an accompanying record which can verify this.
- approved tree-climbing harness in good condition. CE marked with leg loops
- 2 x climbing ropes - min 12mm, 35-50m long required with manufacturers eye and without any defects
- 6 x self-locking 3 movement Karabiners
- 5 x Prussik loops or split tails or similar
- 1 x adjustable strop for climbing and rescue recommended 5m in length must have a manufacturers eye
- 1 x set of climbing spikes
- 1 x top or rear handled chainsaw.
Personal protective equipment:
- a safety helmet (the HSE Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) recommends a mountaineering-style helmet complying with BS EN 12492)
- eye protection (complying with either BS EN 1731 or BS EN 166)
- hearing protection (complying with BS EN 352)
- suitable gloves appropriate to the task and subject to the operator’s risk assessment
- leg protection* and groin protection (complying with BS EN 381-5). AFAG recommends Type C leg protection for aerial work because of the high all-round chainsaw cut protection. However, where wearing Type C is impractical (eg because of the higher risk of heat stress associated with it), it may be appropriate to use Type A, where justified by risk assessment
- protective boots* with good grip and protective guarding at front vamp and instep (complying with BS EN ISO 20345)
- non-snag outer clothing. The use of high-visibility clothing may also be appropriate
- as a minimum, climbers should carry a personal first-aid kit, incorporating a large wound dressing, barrier gloves, plasters and a whistle
- climbers should carry a knife with either a lockable folding blade or a fixed blade held in a protective sheath
- hand-cleaning materials such as waterless skin cleanser or soap, water and paper towels should be readily available.
Arrangements at Writtle College
Free parking is available on campus in Writtle: we'll issue a permit to you and ask that it's clearly displayed in your vehicle. As we'll be working deep in the forest, please bring a packed lunch and any other refreshments.
Meet at our King’s Lodge Centre before following the instructor to the training site. Please bear in mind you will be working deep within the forest, so bring a packed lunch and any other refreshments.
Your instructor
Steve Woodley is a forester, arborist and green woodworker from Essex with 28 years of industry experience specialising in urban and woodland tree management. Steve has been teaching ground and aerial units at Writtle College since 2004. His professional qualifications include BSC (Hons) Rural Resource Development, Arb Association Tech Cert, NPTC assessor since 2004. Steve is also passionate about hand-crafted timber and keeping the skill of axing alive.
The instructor/student ratio is 1:4.
Along with Steve we use many excellent trainers and assessors, and are confident our training more than meets NPTC City & Guilds standards.
Assessment
Our course is accredited by NPTC City & Guilds.
To achieve this qualification, you must successfully achieve a one-to-one practical assessment with oral questioning by an NPTC City & Guilds approved assessor. The assessment date is arranged separately.
Your course fee includes equipment use, Technical Guide 2, and NPTC registration/assessment. An additional charge maybe incurred if you do not accept the assessment date offered.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for professionals who use chainsaws as part of their work in arboriculture, forestry or other industries.
Dates
We'll add future dates here when confirmed.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
At Writtle College, our courses blending classroom learning with hands-on experience in specialised fields such as sport, agriculture, horticulture, animal studies, equine studies, conservation and floristry.
Our Level 2 and Level 3 programmes are designed to prepare you for your future career or higher education pathways.
Study on our beautiful countryside campus, with dedicated resource centres and state-of-the-art facilities – and be a part of our supportive community.
Where can I study?
Writtle campus
Our picturesque 150-hectare campus is situated in the heart of the Essex countryside.
Fees & funding
Course fees
Standard booking
£660
Your course fee includes equipment use, Technical Guide 2, and NPTC registration/assessment. An additional charge maybe incurred if you do not accept the assessment date offered.
Entry requirements
You must hold Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting, Felling Trees up to 380mm, Access a Tree Using a Rope and Harness, and Aerial Tree Rescue certification before applying for this course.
This intensive, practical course requires a good level of physical fitness and an ability to study written technical information.
Equipment is provided but you may prefer to bring your own climbing equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE), as outlined above in the section 'Full description'. If you choose to do this, all PPE and rigging equipment must comply with LOLER regulations.
By making a booking you are declaring yourself medically fit to participate in this course.
Suggested courses that may interest you
Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness Refresher CPD (NPTC)
Short course cpd and short courses (1 day)
Writtle
Various dates throughout the year
Use of a Chainsaw from a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) (NPTC)
Short course cpd and short courses (3 days)
Writtle
Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness refresher CPD
Short course cpd and short courses (1 day)
Writtle
Your faculty
At Writtle College, our courses blending classroom learning with hands-on experience in specialised fields such as sport, agriculture, horticulture, animal studies, equine studies, conservation and floristry.
Our Level 2 and Level 3 programmes are designed to prepare you for your future career or higher education pathways.
Study on our beautiful countryside campus, with dedicated resource centres and state-of-the-art facilities – and be a part of our supportive community.
Let me know if I need to make any further modifications to the final response to fit the instructions.
Program Outline
Outline:
Content:
- Risk assessment
- Emergency planning
- Legislation
- Industry best practice
- Environmental considerations
- Tree condition
- Tools and equipment
- Pruning techniques
- Pruning from a rope and harness
Structure:
- Three-day course
- NPTC assessment day (arranged separately)
Course Schedule:
- Day 1: Introduction, risk assessment, emergency planning, legislation, industry best practice, environmental considerations
- Day 2: Tree condition, tools and equipment, pruning techniques
- Day 3: Pruning from a rope and harness
Individual Modules:
- Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with chainsaw use from a rope and harness.
- Emergency Planning: Developing and implementing emergency plans for chainsaw-related incidents.
- Legislation: Understanding and complying with relevant legislation governing chainsaw use from a rope and harness.
- Industry Best Practice: Adhering to industry standards and guidelines for safe and efficient chainsaw operation from a rope and harness.
- Environmental Considerations: Minimizing environmental impact during chainsaw use from a rope and harness.
- Tree Condition: Assessing tree condition to determine appropriate chainsaw techniques and safety measures.
- Tools and Equipment: Selecting, maintaining, and using appropriate tools and equipment for chainsaw use from a rope and harness.
- Pruning Techniques: Applying proper pruning techniques to maintain tree health and safety while using a chainsaw from a rope and harness.
- Pruning from a Rope and Harness: Safely and effectively pruning trees from a rope and harness using a chainsaw.
Assessment:
- One-to-one practical assessment with oral questioning by an NPTC City & Guilds approved assessor
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: Classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, hands-on exercises
- Faculty: Steve Woodley, forester, arborist, and green woodworker with 28 years of industry experience
- Unique Approaches: Emphasis on hands-on experience and practical application of skills
Careers:
- Arboriculture
- Forestry
- Other industries where chainsaw use from a rope and harness is required
