This two-day chainsaw safety course is designed for women. Most participants will have little or no experience with a chainsaw, though this course is also an effective refresher for more experienced individuals who have developed some bad habits with a saw. This is the gateway course to learning more advanced practices.
The focus of this course is overwhelmingly on safety: safe posture, safe practices, safe clothing, safe habits. The first session will be mostly indoors as the leaders provide some basic information about chainsaws, maintenance, and safety clothing, introduce participants to good practices, and provide relevant background material. Attendees will have time in the afternoon to visit a local saw shop to obtain any safety equipment they may need. The second day (8:00-4:00) is intended to be a full day of practice and application.
The goal is that each student will leave the course being keenly aware of how to evaluate practices, and equipment for safety. It is also a goal that each student will have the opportunity to operate a chainsaw in a controlled and supervised setting. Most students in the course will practice starting a saw, making straight up-and-down cuts (bucking downed wood), as well as bore cuts. Students’ interests and aptitude always dictate the extent of the course. Some students may practice directional tree felling techniques, if they feel comfortable doing so.
Women, trans, and non-binary folks are welcome.
The estimated cost is $150. Scholarships are available from Women of the Maine Outdoors.
Register today! Participation is limited to 15 students.
FMI: contact Amanda Mahaffey, [email protected] or (207)432-3701.