Why Do I Need Chainsaw Training?

Chainsaw operation is recognised as one of the most hazardous activities in the forestry, arboriculture, and land management industries. Falls, kickback, struck-by incidents, and cutting injuries are among the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities in these sectors.

That's why nationally recognised chainsaw training is not just best practice — it's increasingly a legal requirement.

What Does the Law Require?

Work Health and Safety legislation in Australia requires employers to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. For chainsaw operation, this means ensuring workers are competent before they pick up a saw. Competency is most commonly demonstrated by holding a relevant unit of competency from the national training framework.

Relevant chainsaw units include:

• FWPCOR2201 – Operate and Maintain Chainsaws
• FWPCOT2236 – Trim and Cut Felled Trees
• FWPCOT3237 – Fall Trees Manually (Basic)
• FWPCOT3238 – Fall Trees Manually (Intermediate)
• FWPCOT4240 – Fall Trees Manually (Advanced)

WorkCover NSW and WorkSafe ACT actively investigate chainsaw incidents and will scrutinise whether operators held appropriate training at the time of injury.

Who Needs Chainsaw Training?

Anyone who operates a chainsaw in the course of their work should hold appropriate competencies, including:

• Arboricultural and tree service workers
• Forestry and plantation workers
• Local government parks and gardens teams
• ACT Parks and Conservation Service staff
• Electrical service companies with vegetation management crews
• Rural landholders managing their own properties (where commercial training is recommended)

Why Train with Lemke Timber Training?

Lemke Timber Training (RTO #91379) has been delivering nationally recognised chainsaw training in the ACT and Southern NSW since 2008. Our courses are:

• Practical and hands-on — assessed in the field, not just in a classroom
• Small classes — 4 to 12 participants, ensuring individual attention and genuine skill development
• Delivered at our Kowen Pine Plantation facility or at your workplace (mobile training available throughout NSW and the ACT)
• Nationally recognised — graduates receive a Statement of Attainment and a wallet card confirming their competency

Do Competencies Expire?

Yes. The industry standard — and the expectation of most insurers and principal contractors — is that chainsaw competencies are renewed every three years. We offer refresher training for existing competency holders; learn more about refresher training.

Ready to Book?

View our chainsaw courses or get in touch to discuss your requirements. We come to you — minimising travel costs for your team.