Volunteer Chainsaw Safety Training - Level 1 - FILLED

Class has been filled. Thanks for your interest! Please email lamberg.claire@countyofdane to put yourself on the waitlist for future chainsaw trainings.

This is a full day course with classroom learning in the morning and chainsaw "lab" exercises outside in the afternoon. The course will be taught by Jim Olive of Chainsaw Safety Specialists, LLC., He will cover safe and correct chainsaw use, OSHA safety standards, necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and correct cutting and felling techniques for trees. During the afternoon session, following lunch, everyone will be able to use a chainsaw to practice techniques learned in the classroom.

The class will be held in an covered, open-air shelter, and will be in close proximity to a bathroom and water fountain. Due to the ever-changing situation with Covid-19 and the Delta variant, we are taking precautions at our events, even though they are held outdoors. Our open-air shelters have a lot of ventilation, but we will still ask you to sit 6 feet apart from each other and if you are not vaccinated to wear a mask when 6' of distance can not be maintained. 

WHY: Volunteers are required to take a Chainsaw Safety Training Course, and must submit proof of certification, before using a chainsaw in a Dane County Park or Wildlife Area. Volunteers are also required to have a signed chainsaw waiver form on file for using chainsaws at our restoration events or collecting downed wood.

WHO: Open to all Dane County Park volunteers 18 years and older regardless of previous training or experience. 

WHAT TO BRING:

• Lunch (snacks will be provided) 
• Drinking water (shelters have areas from which to refill)
• Sunscreen, bug spray (not required but you may want it)
• Appropriate clothing - breathable/thin pants, breathable/thin long-sleeved tee or button up. Yes it's summer, it may be hot, but you want to make sure to protect your skin from flying debris. There will be bathrooms for attendants to change in if you want to wear other clothing like shorts and a t-shirt for the morning classroom portion. 
• A working chainsaw with a functional chain brake. If you do not own a chainsaw, or do not have access to one, we will have some equipment to loan out.
• PPE - All items are required for those working on Dane County Park properties. We will have head and hearing protection (helmets with built in ear muffs and visors), safety glasses, and leg protection (chaps) to loan out to attendants if you don't already own your own. Jim recommends that if you don't already own PPE and/or a chainsaw, that you attend this class first to get some ideas of what you're looking for.
  • Head - OSHA approved hard hat (with or without visor) 
  • Ears - OSHA approved ear muffs or plugs 
  • Eyes - Safety glasses, goggles, or face-shield (part of the helmet) 
  • Legs - OSHA approved sawing chaps, pants, or leggings Class 1 or higher
  • Feet - Boots that cover the ankle - preferably leather, protective toe is recommended 
  • Optional: Hands - leather gloves (recommended)

COST: $30 The training fee will help cover the cost of hiring the instructor. If you need financial assistance for this class, we would be happy to provide it - please provide us a paragraph on why you are interested in the class.