Why Do I Need Chainsaw Training?

Chainsaw operation is recognised as one of the most hazardous activities in the forestry, arboriculture, and land management industries. Falls, kickback, struck-by incidents, and cutting injuries are among the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities in these sectors.

That's why nationally recognised chainsaw training is not just best practice — it's increasingly a legal requirement.

What Does the Law Require?

Work Health and Safety legislation in Australia requires employers to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. For chainsaw operation, this means ensuring workers are competent before they pick up a saw. Competency is most commonly demonstrated by holding a relevant unit of competency from the national training framework.

Relevant current chainsaw unit identities include:

• AHCMOM213 – Operate and maintain chainsaws
• FWPCOT2254 – Maintain chainsaws
• FWPCOT2273 – Trim and cut felled trees

WorkCover NSW and WorkSafe ACT actively investigate chainsaw incidents and will scrutinise whether operators held appropriate training at the time of injury.

Who Needs Chainsaw Training?

Anyone who operates a chainsaw in the course of their work should hold appropriate competencies, including:

• Arboricultural and tree service workers
• Forestry and plantation workers
• Local government parks and gardens teams
• ACT Parks and Conservation Service staff
• Electrical service companies with vegetation management crews
• Rural landholders managing their own properties (where commercial training is recommended)

Why Train with Lemke Timber Training?

Lemke Timber Training (RTO #91379) has been delivering nationally recognised chainsaw training in the ACT and Southern NSW since 2008. Our courses are:

• Practical and hands-on — assessed in the field, not just in a classroom
• Small classes — 4 to 12 participants, ensuring individual attention and genuine skill development
• Delivered at our Kowen Pine Plantation facility or at your workplace (mobile training available throughout NSW and the ACT)
• Nationally recognised where currently advertised — successful learners receive a Statement of Attainment listing the units completed

Do Competencies Expire?

National units do not expire. LTT and many employers use a three-year currency cycle for chainsaw work. Refresher activity provides current evidence of competency; it does not automatically issue a duplicate national outcome. Learn more about refresher training.

Ready to Book?

View our chainsaw courses or get in touch to discuss your requirements. We come to you — minimising travel costs for your team.