OPEN Lantra Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting course

Chainsaws are among the most useful and powerful tools used across forestry, arboriculture and grounds maintenance. However, without the correct training and handling, they can also present significant risks to both the operator and those nearby.

Our chainsaw training course is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to operate safely, maintain equipment correctly, and work in line with current health and safety requirements.

On successful completion of training and assessment, delegates will achieve Lantra certification.

How is our chainsaw training course provided?

This chainsaw maintenance course combines theoretical learning with hands-on practical training. 

Participants will learn how to correctly maintain a chainsaw, carry out pre-use checks and operate the machine safely. The course also covers cross-cutting techniques, timber handling and stacking.

The training is designed to prepare attendees for the Lantra assessment, ensuring they meet the required standard.

Course Assessment

This chainsaw refresher course no longer offers the option to integrate the assessment within the training day. 

You must now complete the assessment on a separate day. This approach ensures:

• a higher and more consistent safety standard
• independent assessment of competence
• improved operator confidence and ability

All candidates must complete the standalone assessment to gain certification.

What is covered in the chainsaw refresher course?

You’ll work on a number of appropriate techniques and safety guidelines, with key maintenance issues covered.

You’ll also go over cross-cutting, handling and stacking timber.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to: 

• Maintain a chainsaw safely and effectively
• Maintain the saw chain, guide bar and power unit
• Carry out pre-start checks and safety tests
• Identify faults and report issues
• Start and operate a chainsaw safely
• Cross-cut timber using correct techniques
• Handle and stack timber safely
• Work in line with current health and safety legislation

Course content

This 2-day chainsaw training course includes both theory and practical instruction, covering:

• HSE legislation and safety guidelines
• Chainsaw components and maintenance equipment
• Saw chain maintenance
• Guide bar maintenance
• Power unit maintenance
• Pre-start checks and safety procedures
• Safe starting techniques
• Cross-cutting timber
• Handling and stacking timber

Plus, you will need to complete a 2-hour assessment on another day to gain your Lantra certification.

Who should attend our chainsaw maintenance course training?

This chainsaw refresher course is suitable for anyone working in:

• forestry
• arboriculture
• landscaping
• estates maintenance
• grounds maintenance

In order to complete this refresher course, you will need to have completed a form of chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting training or a chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting training. 

It is ideal for:

• new operators requiring formal training
• employees needing certification for workplace compliance
• individuals progressing into chainsaw-based roles

If you are 16 years of age or over and want to develop your knowledge, understanding and practical skills, while gaining recognised proof of competence, this course is suitable for you.

Whether you are starting out in the workplace or are already established in your role, this qualification will help you build confidence and ensure you are working to current industry standards and best practice.

Due to the practical nature of this course, a reasonable level of physical fitness is required for certain tasks. While we aim to be as inclusive as possible, this is an essential requirement to ensure all participants can safely complete the training and assessment.

How long is our chainsaw training course?

Our chainsaw training courses are two days and a 2-hour assessment on another day. 

Training and the assessment are both completed at our site in Motcombe, Dorset, by one of our experienced instructors. 

Group bookings are available for businesses and organisations needing to train multiple operators, with maximum numbers 4 candidates per course.  

Is this chainsaw refresher course accredited?

This chainsaw and cross cutting course is a level 2 Lantra course. On completion of the 2-hour assessment, you will receive a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification from Lantra. 

It is important to remember, you won’t receive this qualification on completion of the second day of training. Those looking to gain the certificate must sit the assessment on a separate day. 

What is needed for the course?

We will provide the following for you to participate in the course:

• Chainsaw, as per HSE Guidance (maximum recommended guide bar length of 380mm/15")*
• Chainsaw maintenance tools to allow for basic operations, such a sharpening to be completed
• Sharpening kit, appropriate to saw being used
• Combi spanner
• Range of small paint brushes
• Bar groove scraper
• Small callipers (measuring chain)
• Machine specific tools (Allen keys, talks drive bits etc)

You’ll also need protective wear to ensure health and safety: 

• Work gloves
• Steel toecap boots
• Overalls or suitable clothing for workshop

Finally, you will need specific PPE and equipment for when working with the chainsaws. 

• Climbing helmet incorporating face and hearing protection with a chin strap (within service date minimum of 5 years) BS EN 397/ BS EN 14052/ BS EN 12492
• Hearing protection - EN 352
• Chainsaw trousers, type c* - EN 381-5
• Chainsaw boots* - BS EN IS 17249
• Gloves - BS EN 381-7
• Personal first aid kit
• Whistle
• Petrol/oil mix in an appropriate container
• 2 stroke oil for mixing
• Chain oil (vegetable oils are recommended)

Book your chainsaw training course with us today

If you’re looking to complete a chainsaw maintenance course and cross cutting refresher course with Lantra certification, get in touch today to secure your place.

Call us on 01305 848454 or submit a form and we will get back to you shortly. 

Chainsaw training course FAQs

Q: Why is the assessment completed separately?
A: The separate assessment ensures a higher safety standard by independently testing each candidate’s competence after training.

Q: Is there an integrated assessment option?
A: No, this course no longer offers integrated assessment. All candidates must complete the standalone Lantra assessment.

This assessment can be done at our training site on a separate day to the training. 

Q: How long does the course take?
A: The course includes 2 days of training plus a 2-hour assessment on a separate date.

Q: Do I need previous experience?
A: Yes. This course is designed for individuals who already have some experience using a chainsaw and are capable of meeting the required standard.

Before attending, you must have completed Chainsaw Maintenance (Training Only) and Cross-Cutting (Training Only), or an equivalent course covering the same units.

If you’re unsure whether your previous training meets this requirement, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.

Q: What qualification will I receive?
A: Successful candidates will receive a Lantra Level 2 certificate, once they have completed the 2-hour assessment at our training facility.

Please note that if you complete this course you will be able to proceed to do the following qualification;

- Lantra Chainsaw Felling and Processing Trees up to 200mm course 

Please note that if you complete this course you will NOT be able to proceed to do the following qualification;

- NPTC City and Guilds Chainsaw Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm