UPCOMING COURSES
01-08-2027 8:00 am - 01-10-2027 6:00 pm
S-112 Courses
Pleasant Valley Grange -Placerville Ca.
Price: Free
S-112
Introduction to Chainsaw Operations
A hands-on chainsaw training course designed to build the knowledge, confidence, and practical field skills needed to safely operate a chainsaw during wildland fire, prescribed fire, fuels management, and natural resource operations.
Course Information
Foundational chainsaw training built around safe, practical field operations.
NWCG S-112 Introduction to Chainsaw Operations introduces students to the safe use, inspection, maintenance, handling, and operation of chainsaws in a wildland environment.
The course combines classroom instruction, instructor demonstrations, and extensive hands-on field exercises. Students develop safe operating habits while learning to evaluate hazards, properly maintain equipment, safely start and handle a saw, and perform common cutting operations.
Field training provides students with opportunities to practice chainsaw operations under direct instructor supervision. Training progresses from basic chainsaw fundamentals into practical limbing, bucking, brushing, tree assessment, and introductory felling operations.
The three-day format provides additional time for practical exercises, instructor coaching, repetition, and development of safe chainsaw operating techniques.
This course is designed to establish a strong foundation for continued chainsaw experience and additional training opportunities in wildland fire, prescribed fire, fuels reduction, forestry, and vegetation management.
Course Skills
- Chainsaw safety
- Personal protective equipment
- Hazard recognition
- Chainsaw inspection
- Routine maintenance
- Chain and bar inspection
- Safe starting procedures
- Body positioning
- Saw control
- Reactive forces
- Kickback awareness
- Limbing techniques
- Bucking techniques
- Brushing operations
- Tree assessment
- Basic felling techniques
Prerequisites
Students must arrive prepared for active classroom and field training.
Three-Day Course Itinerary
Training progresses from chainsaw fundamentals to practical field operations.
Day 1 — Chainsaw Fundamentals & Safety
Safety • Equipment • Maintenance • Saw HandlingDay 2 — Limbing, Bucking & Cutting Operations
Practical Cutting • Binds • Limbing • BuckingDay 3 — Tree Assessment & Basic Felling
Assessment • Escape Routes • Felling • Field ExercisesRequired Materials & Equipment
Come prepared for three days of active outdoor training.
Required PPE
- Approved hard hat
- Safety glasses / eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Work gloves
- Chainsaw chaps
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Sturdy leather work boots
Chainsaw Equipment
- Chainsaw, if required
- Appropriate guide bar and chain
- Scrench / combination wrench
- Chain file
- Filing guide
- Approved fuel container
- Bar and chain oil
- Felling wedges
Personal Field Gear
- Water / hydration
- Lunch and snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Notebook and pen
- Sunscreen
- Personal medications
- Small field pack
Field Training & Safety
Safety is the foundation of every chainsaw operation.
Chainsaw operations involve inherent hazards. Safety is the primary focus of this course. Students are expected to demonstrate good judgment, follow instructor directions, maintain appropriate spacing, wear required PPE, and immediately stop operations whenever an unsafe condition exists.
Field exercises are conducted under instructor supervision. Instructors may stop, postpone, relocate, or modify any activity because of student performance, weather, equipment condition, environmental hazards, available cutting material, or other operational safety concerns.
Who Should Attend?
Designed for students developing practical chainsaw skills for work in the field.
