Operate and Maintain Chainsaws

Through a combination of classroom and practical training, this course provides you with the skills you’ll need to safely prepare, operate and maintain hand-held chainsaws in a work environment. It also gives you essential knowledge of occupational health and safety (OHS), and duty of care requirements.

• OHS procedures
• what personal protective equipment to wear
• hazard identification
• hazard control
• safe use of a chainsaw
• shut-down procedures
• maintenance procedures
• chain sharpening
• worksite communication
• environmental implications
• how to crosscut fallen timber using appropriate cutting techniques, to result in the highest quality of wood.

On successful completion, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for this course.

You must be at least 16 years of age.

• provide photo ID to the trainer on the first day of the course
• bring a pen and paper
• wear appropriate protective clothing and fully covered work boots.

Core Units

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

Once you have booked your place in a short course, you will receive an email confirming the date, time and location of the course, and instructions on the next steps of your enrolment process. A tax invoice/receipt is automatically emailed to you at the time of purchase. 

If you don't receive this email within a day of booking, check your junk mail or contact short.courses@swtafe.edu.au.

Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online. This evaluation helps us ensure you receive any necessary support to achieve a successful outcome for your course. Failure to complete will incur a $20 administration fee for a booking cancellation or transfer.

Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI online, or already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI online.

Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course (including resource and/or materials costs associated with your course).

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account, debited from your Centrelink payments or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

1. Apply - complete a short online application form. Once this form is submitted we'll send you a thank-you email.
2. Literacy and Numeracy Assessment - we will assess whether you need to undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and email it to you if required.
   If you are not required to undertake this assessment, you will skip to step 3.
3. Chat to our team - your teacher or course specialist will contact you to discuss the course in more detail and ensure the right units of study are selected for you.
4. Enrol – you will be sent an email to accept your offer for the course. By accepting, you will be directed to verify your details and submit your enrolment for processing.
5. Pay - once we’ve completed your enrolment, we will send you an invoice to arrange payment of your course fees.

If you need any assistance with applying, contact our team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.