Norfolk Chapter: Chainsaw Safety and Cutting Techniques

Chainsaw Safety and Cutting Techniques

Do you operate a chainsaw as part of your work, or as a hobby?

Chainsaws are one of the most useful tools in a woodlot owner’s toolbox, but chainsaws are also one of the most dangerous tools a worker can use.

This one-day course is being offered in partnership between Norfolk Woodlot Owners Association and Norfolk County.  The course is designed to educate personnel who use a chainsaw about safety, maintenance, use and handling. Participants will gain an understanding of what contributes to accidents and how to avoid them.

Hands on and practical work, including bucking and limbing, understanding compression and tension and dealing with spring poles will be coached and practiced in this course. Notching and back cutting will be introduced for small tree felling of 6" dbh or smaller trees. There is a strong focus on personal safety, risk assessment and accident prevention. 

Training and developing skills that reduce variables and mitigate risks associated with chainsaws and cutting techniques is the focus of this training. 

Course Outline:

• -        Start-up Planning: plan for emergencies and select your personal protective equipment.
• -        Starting and Operating a Chainsaw: parts of a chainsaw; safety features; reactive forces; starting techniques; two-point contact operation
• -        Tree felling: site risk assessment; work planning; cutting a notch; using felling sites; back cutting and understanding the hinge
• -        Limbing and Bucking: identify site risks; understanding compression and tension wood; limbing and bucking techniques; handling spring poles
• -        Basic Chainsaw Maintenance: fuel and lubrication; PPE and tools required; parts of the chain and cutter tooth; sharpening; other regular maintenance

Date:    Saturday June 6, 2026

Time:    9am to 4pm with working lunch (Bring your own lunch.) 

Venue: Norfolk County Shop, 8 Schellburg Ave, Simcoe, ON N3Y 2J4

Cost:    $100 for NWOA members and $130 for non NWOA members.  This includes coffee and snacks for the day but no lunch.  Please bring your own lunch.

RSVP:   Be sure to reserve your place (There is a maximum limit of 15 participants and a minimum of 6) by emailing jdewitt2025@outlook.com.com if you wish to attend.  We will confirm receiving your email upon receiving it and notify you at the beginning of May with any updates or as they happen.