US Forest Service
Volunteer Chainsaw and Crosscut Saw Certification
Trails in the Chattahoochee/Oconee and Cherokee
National Forests require periodic maintenance. This task is
primarily handled by volunteers. In order to work as a volunteer,
you must sign a USFS Volunteer Agreement with the District(s) where you
plan to work. If you are a member of an organization, your organization
can submit a USFS Volunteer Agreement along with a membership list
instead of individual agreements.
Although many tasks such as cleaning water bars and
turnouts, trimming back foliage, and tread repair are mostly done on a
yearly basis for each trail, the removal of trees that fall across the trail is an
ongoing process year round. Chainsaws are the primary tools used
for this purpose except for Wilderness areas. Wilderness designation
permits only the use of traditional tools, so crosscut saws and axes are used
instead of chainsaws.
In order to use
a chainsaw or crosscut saw on National Forest lands, in addition to the
volunteer agreement you must be certified as a USFS "Sawyer" by
attending a certification class and have attended a CPR/First Aid Class
conducted by a nationally recognized organization. (Red Cross, Hospital,
Paramedic, etc.) A USFS Volunteer is considered a FS employee
while performing trail work when they have met these requirements.
Chainsaw and
crosscut saw certifications require different classes.
All sawyers must have
completed the Chainsaw Training Course or
the Crosscut Saw
Training Course developed by the USFS
Missoula Technology and Development Center.
Although Chainsaw Training and Crosscut Saw
Training are different classes, the Student Guide for the Chainsaw Class and
the Crosscut Saw Class are in the same
document. Contact your local USFS Ranger
District for a schedule of chainsaw and
crosscut classes in your area.
There are several proficiency levels of
certification.
A apprentice sawyer. These
sawyers have completed the nationally
approved classroom and field training for
general saw work (such as bucking, limbing,
and the first basic steps in felling) or
specialized uses (such as construction,
maintenance, and fencing). Generally, they
are trained at the local unit and must be
supervised by a B or C level sawyer during
saw work activity, which may include
slashing and felling in the least complex
situations. This certification expires 3
years after the date of issue. The certifier
has full authority to impose restrictions on
apprentice sawyers as deemed necessary.
B intermediate
sawyer. This level includes skilled saw
operators capable of performing only those
tasks as approved by a certifier and
documented on the back of the certification
card. During saw activities, intermediate
sawyers are not allowed to field certify
sawyers. Certification is restricted to C
advanced sawyers and C certifiers. This
certification expires 3 years from the date
of issue. The certifier has full authority
to impose restrictions on intermediate
sawyers as deemed necessary.
C advanced sawyer. At
this level of proficiency, advanced sawyers
are approved to handle complex sawing and
felling operations, including fireline
construction. They are qualified to conduct
classroom and field training at the A,
B, and C level. They are also allowed to
field certify A and B level sawyers.
They are not allowed to field certify at the
C level; this certification is restricted
to C sawyer certifiers. This certification
expires 3 years from the date of issue.
C sawyer
certifiers. The C sawyer certification
level includes individuals who are currently
C advanced sawyers and have been further
trained through a formal Regional program to
organize and conduct field certification
sessions. They have demonstrated
communication skills, the ability to
transfer and relate concepts to others, and
current knowledge of policy and regulations
pertaining to saws and related equipment.
This certification expires 3 years from the
date of issue.
A
sawyer must utilize the proper Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE). For
chainsaws, this includes a
Forest Service-approved hardhat, eye
protection, hearing protection, appropriate
gloves, long-sleeved shirt, chainsaw chaps,
and 8" water repellent or waterproof
leather boots. Crosscut saw and
axe use require only a Forest Service
approved hardhat, eye protection, leather
gloves, 8" water repellent or waterproof
leather boots and a long sleeved shirt. In addition to the Personal Protective
Equipment, a first aid kit
(Type IV) and a single-bit axe or maul (3-5
pounds) are needed. For chainsaw work, a chainsaw
wrench, chain sharpening tools and approved safety containers for fuel
and bar oil are additional requirements.
YOU MUST USE APPROPRIATE PPE DURING CLASSES!
ALTHOUGH THE USFS WILL PROVIDE BASIC
EQUIPMENT SUCH AS HELMETS AND CHAPS,
PERSONAL CLOTHING SUCH AS SHIRTS, GLOVES,
AND BOOTS WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
BEFORE ATTENDING A CLASS, PLEASE CHECK WITH
THE CLASS INSTRUCTOR AS TO WHAT YOU WILL
NEED TO PROVIDE.
