A chainsaw is one of the most powerful hand-held tools you will ever use. It can cut hardwood in seconds, which is exactly what makes it so useful and so dangerous. Every year in the UK, hundreds of chainsaw-related injuries are reported, and the majority of them happen to people who have had little or no formal training.
So why is chainsaw training essential for safety? Because knowing how to start the machine is not the same as knowing how to use it properly.
The Risks Are Real
Most chainsaw injuries involve the legs, hands, and arms. Kickback, where the guide bar is thrown back towards the operator, is one of the most common causes of serious accidents. It happens fast and without warning, usually when the nose of the bar catches on a branch or log. Without training, you simply will not know how to position yourself or the saw to reduce this risk.
Other frequent causes of injury include cutting under tension without recognising it, poor footing on uneven ground, and not wearing the correct protective equipment. These are all things that a good training course will address before you ever pick up the saw.
What Proper Chainsaw Training Covers
At DTE Academy, our City & Guilds NPTC Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting course is built around two core units. The first focuses on understanding how the chainsaw works, including its components, maintenance requirements, and correct fuelling and chain sharpening. The second unit moves into practical cross-cutting technique, covering tension and compression, pivot points, body positioning, and safe working practices on site.
You will also learn how to carry out a proper risk assessment before starting any cut. This is not a box-ticking exercise. It is the single most important habit you can develop when working with chainsaws, whether commercially or on your own land.
It is Not Just for Professionals
A common misunderstanding is that chainsaw training is only for people looking to become tree surgeons. That is not the case. Farmers, estate workers, landowners, and conservation volunteers all benefit from knowing how to handle a chainsaw safely. If you are going to use one, you should know what you are doing.
Book Your Place
We run our chainsaw courses regularly at our base in Shoreham, Kent, with all equipment provided and meals included throughout the day. No previous experience is needed.
If you would like to find out more or check upcoming dates, get in touch with us today.