Pennsylvania Equine Council has for the last two years has offered two Level 1 chainsaw safety classes each summer to assist folks interested in maintaining trails, get the training they need. Most volunteers helping on public trails typically only need to know how to buck downed trees and take down the occasional small tree. Agencies would prefer to have their personnel handle the more difficult jobs like leaning trees and downed trees under pressure. Program leaders are from the Game of Logging.
The Game of Logging (GOL) is widely acknowledged as the premier chainsaw safety and productivity training program in the country, offering hands on chainsaw safety training in a competitive environment. Top instructors across the country combine demonstration with participation to teach chainsaw safety, productivity, conservation and cutting techniques.
There are currently seven training organizations that cover 30 states. Regional competitions are held annually by each training organization followed by a national competition for professional loggers as well as landowner participants.
At this time GOL offers four levels of chainsaw safety training, as well as skidder, forwarder, clearing saw, gentle logging and storm damage training. The training is offered to professional loggers, foresters, college students, forest landowners, casual users, city-parks and utility workers, firemen, and anyone interested in learning any of the chainsaw safety techniques.
Here’s a video showcasing more pictures from one class day: (16) Chainsaw Training Class – YouTube