Chainsaw license

A chainsaw license (also chain saw license ) is a qualification certificate that is not precisely defined in the individual German federal states for private self-buyers of firewood and commercial users of chainsaws . Minimum requirements for the course are set by the statutory accident insurance carriers.

proof

Whether such proof is required depends on the forest owner. It is usually required in the state forest . In forests certified according to the PEFC forest certification system, private self-recruiters will generally require it from 2013. In the case of commercial workers, however, expertise is required.

Course content

Polter wood sawn to a manageable length

firewood

The course content is not structured uniformly across Germany. A distinction is made as to whether the user only needs the chainsaw to procure firewood, or whether the user, as a forest owner, carries out work on a larger scale and accordingly requires more knowledge. The course can consist of eight or sixteen lessons. Four hours of theory and eight hours of practice in the forest. The course contents are:

Accident prevention regulations according to the guidelines of the agricultural trade association
Personal protective clothing
Chainsaw safety equipment

Performance class operating materials

LGB regulations (safety rules, special fuel regulation, health protection)

Sharpen the chain in theory and practice

Maintenance and care of the chainsaw

Simple cutting exercise in the forest

Felling exercise (only for the two-day course; not compulsory for processing lying wood by self-recruiters)

For fire brigades and commercial users such as horticulturists and landscapers, the scope of training is greater because wood is also cut under tension here. The horticultural trade association requires a 5-day chain saw course.

The course explains how to use chainsaws safely, as well as the structure and function of personal protective equipment (especially forest helmets and cut protection trousers ).

State chainsaw courses

In Bavaria , the state forest administration conducts 1,000 to 1,200 free chainsaw courses per year. This was objected to by the Bavarian Supreme Audit Office in 2016. Chainsaw courses are useful, but the implementation is not a state task, at least cost-covering participation fees would have to be charged.