Registration is closed with a waitlist

March 15, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Mad Co Tubing
726 NC-251
Marshall, NC 28753

This one-day course will introduce beginners to the fundamentals of safe chainsaw use. We’ll cover personal protective equipment (PPE), how to maintain a safe saw, starting the saw, the mechanics of safe body posture, as well as storm debris assessment. Participants will have a chance to be hands on and experience cut tree cookies as well as limbing.

This event is open to all and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. Kind, open-minded folks are welcome to join this safe space to learn this skill. Anyone who does not follow this guideline will be asked to leave.

Agenda:

10:00 a.m. Check in
10:20: Orientation
10:30: Training; PPE, Starting, Reactive forces
12:00 p.m.: Lunch (food will be provided by Marshall relief Alliance)
12:30 – 3:30: Field Stations
3:30: Fire Safety
4:00: Wrap up and Gratitude

Please bring:

• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Closed toes shoes, no crocs or rubber boots
• If you arrive with improper wear you will not be allowed to participate in the field portion.
• Skills Academy for Women will provide ALL the equipment. Folks are welcomed to bring their own saw for the maintenance portion of this workshop but saw will be provided by the Skills Academy for the field portion of this workshop.

Physical requirements for safely operating a chainsaw:

• Must be able to securely hold and control a chainsaw weighing 10-15 pounds (or more) extended periods.
• Must comply with wearing properly applied PPE at all times when handling a chainsaw, as well as wearing proper attire: Closed toed shoes, pants, warm cloths.
• You need to maintain solid footing and balance while operating, especially when cutting at different angles or on uneven ground.
• You must have full control of both hands to operate the throttle trigger and maintain a proper grip for operating safety features.
• Clear vision (with or without correction) to see cutting area, obstacles, and potential hazards. Depth perception is important for judging distances & angles.
• Ability to hear the engine’s performance and safety instruction/communications that might indicate problems.
• You need good hand-eye coordination and overall body control, the ability to react quickly to unexpected situations.
•  Mental alertness and focus and stamina to avoid fatigue-related mistakes, not under the influence of drugs, over the counter medications, or alcohol.
• 18 years or older

If you have questions about this event, please contact Mackenzie Alexander: 423-430-6679, malexander@forestguild.org