## Module 1: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ### Required Safety Gear 1. **Eye Protection** - Safety glasses or face shield (REQUIRED) 2. **Hearing Protection** - Earplugs or earmuffs (REQUIRED even for electric saws) 3. **Head Protection** - Hard hat with face screen (recommended for overhead work) 4. **Hand Protection** - Anti-vibration gloves with good grip 5. **Leg Protection** - Chainsaw chaps or protective pants (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) 6. **Foot Protection** - Steel-toed boots with non-slip soles (REQUIRED) ### PPE Discussion Points - Even electric saws can cause severe injury - Chaps can stop a chain in milliseconds - Most chainsaw injuries occur to the left leg and left hand --- ## Module 2: Chainsaw Components & Features ### Key Components to Identify 1. **Chain Brake/Guard** - Front hand guard that stops chain when pushed forward 2. **Trigger Switch** - Main power control (releases to stop) 3. **Trigger Lock** - Safety button that must be pressed to engage trigger 4. **Front Handle** - For left hand control and stability 5. **Rear Handle** - Contains trigger and power controls 6. **Guide Bar** - The metal bar that supports the chain 7. **Chain** - The cutting element 8. **Oil Cap** - For bar and chain oil reservoir 9. **Chain Tensioning System** - For adjusting chain tightness ### Safety Features - Instant stop when trigger released - Lower kickback risk than gas saws - No hot exhaust or carbon monoxide --- ## Module 3: Pre-Operation Inspection Checklist ### Before Every Use: - [ ] Check chain tension (pull chain at middle of bar - bottom should come just above the bar) - [ ] Check chain sharpness (sharp chains produce wood chips, dull chains produce sawdust) - [ ] Verify chain brake functions properly - [ ] Check bar oil level and top off if needed - [ ] Inspect power cord for damage (if corded model) - [ ] Check battery charge level (if battery model) - [ ] Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight - [ ] Clean air intakes of debris - [ ] Verify chain is installed in correct direction --- ## Module 4: Maintenance Procedures ### Chain Removal and Installation 1. **Removing the Chain:** - Ensure saw is unplugged/battery removed - Loosen bar nuts - Release chain tension - Remove bar cover - Lift chain off sprocket and guide bar 2. **Installing the Chain:** - Place chain around sprocket first - Fit chain into bar groove (cutters facing forward on top) - Replace bar cover loosely - Adjust tension until chain snaps back when pulled - Tighten bar nuts in crisscross pattern ### Chain Sharpening Basics - Use correct file size (typically 5/32") - File at 30° angle - File from inside to outside of cutter - Count strokes to maintain consistency - File depth gauges every 3-4 sharpenings ### Bar Oil System - Use proper bar and chain oil (not motor oil) - Check level before each use - Clean oil ports regularly - Oil should visibly coat chain during operation --- ## Module 5: Safe Operation Techniques ### Proper Stance and Grip 1. **Stance:** - Feet shoulder-width apart - Left foot slightly forward - Knees slightly bent - Weight balanced 2. **Grip:** - Left hand on front handle, thumb wrapped under - Right hand on rear handle with trigger finger - Arms straight but not locked - Saw held slightly to right side of body ### Understanding Kickback Zones **Kickback Zone = Top quarter of bar tip** - NEVER cut with this portion of the bar - Kickback occurs when tip contacts object - Can throw saw back toward operator in milliseconds ### Kickback Prevention: - Always engage chain brake when not cutting - Keep both hands on saw - Stand to side, never directly behind bar - Watch bar tip at all times - Clear work area of obstacles --- ## Module 6: Cutting Techniques ### Basic Cuts 1. **Starting the Cut:** - Full throttle before contact - Let chain do the work (don't force) - Enter wood gradually 2. **Bucking (Cutting Logs on Ground):** - Start with top of log - Watch for pinch points - Use wedges if needed - Never let chain touch ground 3. **Limbing (Removing Branches from Fallen Trees):** - Work from base toward top - Stand on opposite side of trunk from branch - Watch for spring-back (branches under tension) - Keep bar close to trunk ### Safe Work Practices - Never cut above shoulder height - Maintain secure footing - Plan escape routes - Work with a spotter when possible - Take breaks to avoid fatigue --- ## Module 7: Emergency Procedures ### If Kickback Occurs: 1. Chain brake should engage automatically 2. Release trigger immediately 3. Maintain firm grip (don't let go) 4. Step back and assess ### Equipment Malfunction: - Release trigger immediately - Engage chain brake - Remove battery/unplug - Do not attempt repairs beyond your knowledge ### General Emergency Protocol: - Stop work immediately for any injury - Have first aid kit accessible - Know location for emergency responders --- ## Module 8: Practical Hands-On Exercises ### Exercise 1: Balance and Weight Awareness - Hold the saw (off) in cutting position for 30 seconds - Feel the weight distribution - Practice switching stance without losing control - Understand how fatigue affects control ### Exercise 2: Controlled Kickback Demonstration **Setup:** Large stable log, full PPE, instructor ready - Slowly bring upper tip of bar into contact with log - Feel the push-back force - Observe how chain brake engages - Start with idle, progress to low power - **Key Learning:** Kickback happens in milliseconds ### Exercise 3: Binding/Pinch Technique **Creating the Pinch:** - Cut downward into a suspended or supported log - Stop when saw starts to bind **Getting Unstuck:** 1. **Don't force it** - Never yank or twist 2. **Turn off saw first** 3. **Insert wedge** above cut to open kerf 4. **Alternative:** Make relief cut from opposite side 5. **Prevention:** Read the pressure - cut from compression side first ### Exercise 4: Chain Direction Understanding - With saw off, manually pull chain along bar - Observe: Chain pulls DOWN on bottom of bar - This means chain pushes UP on top of bar - **Why kickback goes up:** Top of bar tip contact = upward force - Bottom of bar pulls work down, top of bar pushes work (and saw) up ### Exercise 5: The Stall Exercise **Why slow cutting causes stalls:** - Slow cutting doesn't clear chips efficiently - Chips pack in the cut - Chain heats up without proper chip ejection - Motor bogs down from resistance **Practice:** - Cut very gently into hardwood - Feel/hear the motor bog - Then cut at proper speed with steady pressure - Note the difference in chip production ### Exercise 6: Spring Wood Exercise **Specific Setup:** 1. Find a branch that's bent/weighted down 2. Have student identify the tension side (outside of bend) 3. Cut 1/3 through tension side first 4. Then cut from compression side 5. Branch will spring away from the cut **What to observe:** - How wood moves when tension releases - Why cutting order matters - Safe positioning relative to spring direction ### Exercise 7: Different Wood Drill **Wood Types to Experience:** - **Pine/Softwood:** Cuts easily, produces long chips - **Oak/Hardwood:** Requires more pressure, smaller chips - **Punky/Rotten:** Chain goes through fast, poor chip production - **Green vs. Seasoned:** Feel the difference in resistance **Learning Points:** - Adjust pressure based on wood type - Watch chip production as feedback - Listen to motor response ### Exercise 8: The Plunge Cut (Advanced Only) **When Used:** Felling, preventing barber chair, precision cuts **Technique:** 1. Start with bottom of bar tip 2. Rock saw into wood using throttle 3. Once bar is buried, straighten out 4. Never start plunge with top of tip (kickback zone) --- ## Module 9: Supervision Requirements ### Initial Training Phase (First 30 minutes): - Direct supervision required at all times - Supervisor within arm's reach - Immediate correction of unsafe practices ### Intermediate Phase (Next 10 hours): - Line-of-sight supervision - Periodic technique checks - Gradual increase in independence ### Advanced Phase (After 10+ hours with demonstrated competence): - Within earshot supervision - Regular check-ins - Clear communication protocol --- ## Module 10: Training Progression Checklist ### Phase 1: Observation and Theory (Complete all before moving on) - [ ] Watch experienced operator - [ ] Identify all saw components - [ ] Demonstrate PPE use - [ ] Pass written safety quiz ### Phase 2: Maintenance Skills - [ ] Remove and install chain correctly - [ ] Adjust chain tension properly - [ ] Check and fill bar oil - [ ] Basic chain sharpening ### Phase 3: Supervised Operation - [ ] Demonstrate proper stance and grip - [ ] Make first cuts on small logs - [ ] Show kickback awareness - [ ] Complete 10 supervised cuts ### Phase 4: Skill Building - [ ] Various cutting positions - [ ] Limbing techniques - [ ] Fatigue management - [ ] Weather considerations --- ## Safety Agreement I understand that: - Chainsaws are dangerous tools requiring constant attention - I must wear all required PPE - I will never operate without permission - I will stop immediately if unsafe conditions arise - I will ask questions when unsure **Student Signature:** _________________________ **Date:** _______ **Parent/Guardian Signature:** __________________ **Date:** _______ **Instructor Signature:** _______________________ **Date:** _______ --- ## Notes for Parent Discussion When presenting this to the father: 1. Emphasize the progressive nature of training 2. Highlight the safety-first approach 3. Offer flexible supervision arrangements 4. Suggest he participate in training 5. Be clear about your experience and limitations 6. Propose a trial period with review Remember: The goal is competence AND confidence, built on a foundation of safety and respect for the tool. --- ## Additional Resources **Husqvarna Chainsaw Academy:** https://chainsawacademy.husqvarna.com/how-to-make-a-felling-cut/ - Excellent visual guides and techniques - Professional training materials - Video demonstrations of proper form