Course Description

These courses provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to assess, plan and safely carry out manual tree-felling operations using a chainsaw to a basic or intermediate level. 

The program has been designed to offer both basic and intermediate tree felling as a combined course, or as individual courses.

Units of Competency

• FWPCOT2275 Fell trees manually (basic) and/or
  
• FWPCOT3350 Fell trees manually (intermediate)

Course Outline

Participants will develop knowledge and practical skills in the following areas:

• Workplace health, safety and environmental procedures
• Use and maintenance of PPE for chainsaw operations
• Professional attitude and safe work practices
• Personal equipment and safety considerations
• Chainsaw familiarisation, maintenance and safety checks
• Cutting attachments: functions, causes of kickback, prevention methods, and maintenance
• Risk assessment, hazard identification and control measures
• Tree assessment and planning for safe felling operations
• Theory of tree felling and felling techniques
• Scarf cutting, back cutting and wedge techniques
• Safe escape route planning and implementation
• Waste management and environmental protection practices
• Documentation and workplace reporting requirements
• Basic tree felling (single stem, small to medium diameter, uniform trees)
• Intermediate tree felling (leaning trees, multi-stems, larger diameters, and site complexities)

Mode of Delivery

This course will be delivered via face to face.

For group bookings, we can deliver this course at your location or source a venue for an additional fee, simply click “Get a Quote” to find out more.

Duration*

These courses are scheduled for:

• 1 day of face-to-face learning and assessment (Basic Tree Felling Course)
• 1 day of face-to-face learning and assessment (Intermediate Tree Felling Course)
• OR
• 2 days of face-to-face learning and assessment (Basic and Intermediate Tree Felling Courses combined)

Pre-Requisite and Entry Requirements

There are no formal pre-requisite units for these courses. However, students are recommended to hold certification in:

• FWPCOR2210 Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations
• FWPCOT2254 Maintain chainsaws
• FWPCOT2273 Trim and cut felled trees 
• or already be competent in safe chainsaw operation.

Students must have language, literacy and numeracy skills (LLN) to interpret and apply relevant information to commence learning in this program. An LLN assessment may be conducted upon receipt of enrolment application to ensure each student has the appropriate level of skills required to undertake this course.

Certification

Students who successfully complete the Units of Competency (UOC) and demonstrate competence will receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment under the Australian Qualifications Framework. The certification will be issued by Risk Response and Rescue (RTO 90774).

Cost

• For group bookings please click “Get a Quote” to find out more or Contact Us.
  

Course Inclusions

• All training and assessment materials
• Course handouts
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Student Requirements

Students must wear appropriate clothing and closed in footwear when attending face-to-face sessions. We also recommend students bring chaps if available.

Refer to the Participant Information Handbook for information about our policies and procedures.

Additional Information

Risk Response + Rescue's Chainsaw Operations Training Course will provide students with the following competencies to enrol into this course:

• FWPCOR2210 Follow workplace health and safety policies and procedures in forest and wood products operations
• FWPCOT2254 Maintain chainsaws
• FWPCOT2273 Trim and cut felled trees

Risk Response + Rescue's Tree Felling (Advanced) Training Course can further extend this learning.

 *Learning and assessment hours will vary depending on your existing skills, underpinning knowledge and prior experience and your commitment to your learning and practical application of activities.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What industries is this course relevant for?

This training is suitable for participants working in:

• Arboriculture
• Forestry
• Agriculture
• Conservation and Land Management
• Local Government
• Emergency Services
• Other government agencies and contractors

What is the difference between Basic and Intermediate Tree Felling?

Basic Tree Felling (FWPCOT2275):

• Focuses on safe operation of chainsaws and felling of small to medium trees (generally up to ~20–30 cm DBH – diameter at breast height).

• Trees are typically straight, single stem, with minimal lean, defects, or hazards.

• Suitable for entry-level operators, firewood cutters, or those working in low-complexity environments.

• Assessment requires participants to fell at least two trees that meet basic criteria.

Intermediate Tree Felling (FWPCOT3350):

• Covers felling of larger and more complex trees, often exceeding ~30 cm DBH.

• Includes trees with significant lean, multiple stems, larger crowns, or environmental factors (e.g. slope, wind).

• Requires higher-level skills such as advanced cutting techniques, escape routes, and hazard control.

• Suitable for operators working in commercial forestry, arboriculture, land management, or emergency response.

• Assessment requires participants to fell at least two trees that meet intermediate complexity criteria.

Key Differences in Context:

• Tree size & complexity: Basic = simple, smaller trees. Intermediate = larger, more hazardous, and challenging.

• Skill level: Basic = introductory skills. Intermediate = advanced felling techniques and judgement.

• Work environment: Basic = lower-risk environments. Intermediate = operational or industrial settings where complexity is unavoidable.

What are the tree requirements for training and assessment in FWPCOT2275 and FWPCOT3350?

FWPCOT2275 – Fell trees manually (basic)

• For assessment, each participant must fell a minimum of two (2) trees that are within the basic felling range (generally small diameter, straight, single-stem trees with minimal lean or complexity).

• For training, we recommend providing at least 3–4 trees per participant, so they have the opportunity to practice directional notching, controlled felling, and post-felling procedures before undertaking formal assessment.

FWPCOT3350 – Fell trees manually (intermediate):

• For assessment, each participant must fell a minimum of two (2) trees that meet the intermediate felling range (trees with greater diameter, lean, multi-stems, or other site complexities).

• For training, we recommend providing 4–5 trees per participant, ensuring they have exposure to a variety of tree sizes, lean angles, and site conditions prior to assessment.

Additional Notes:

• Trees used must be safe, suitable for the level being trained, and authorised for removal within the client’s operational area.

• If suitable trees are not available, Risk Response + Rescue may be able to assist in sourcing an appropriate location.

Clients should also consider site clean-up and disposal of felled trees after training.

What needs to be considered at the training location?

Due to the practical nature of tree felling, a suitable training and assessment environment is required. Access to trees that meet the criteria for basic and/or intermediate felling can be difficult to source at external venues.

We recommend that clients arrange for training to be conducted within their own operational areas, where they have the necessary access and approvals to fell trees appropriate to the level of training being delivered. This ensures that participants can develop their skills on realistic trees while working in a familiar environment, and that the training outcomes align with both workplace safety and operational requirements.

If a suitable location is not available, Risk Response + Rescue may be able to source an appropriate site – please contact us to discuss options.