DNA: STORM RESILIENCE TRAINING

Storm resilience training for your horticultural business

By Matt Ross

Storm damage is an ongoing threat to the welfare of horticultural business throughout Victoria. In June 2021, a number of NGIV member businesses received significant damages to their properties and many were unable to continue operating due to power outages, stock, infrastructure, water damage and crop loss.

One member nursery received $200,000 worth of damage. Numerous large trees came down damaging poly tunnels, the shade-house, drainage, irrigation systems, vents, stock and more. They were also without phones and internet for several days, which meant no sales or dispatch, and temporary closure.

Horticultural businesses are then faced with the lengthy and potentially costly clean up in the aftermath of a storm. Businesses will sometimes tackle felled trees themselves with a chainsaw in a bid to get up and running.

However, it’s vital that chainsaws are used in a safe and proper fashion and without receiving accredited training it’s always a risk to the health and safety of the operator.

And that’s where NGIV Partner, DNA Training, comes in. With decades of experience in delivering tailored training solutions to the horticulture industry, DNA Training believe that upskilling horticultural employees with one of their chainsaw operator courses is an asset to the business.

‘We frequently here from horticultural business who need to remove felled trees in order to continue operating. Having an employee who is trained to use a chainsaw can help save time, money and personal injury,’ explains Belinda Tardini of DNA Training.

John Suckling of Graham’s FacTree, who grow and import fruit tree cultivars for commercial fruit orchardists, underwent DNA Training’s ‘Operate and Maintain Chainsaws’ course. ‘Even though I’ve been using a chainsaw all my life, I learnt so much during the course, and only now appreciate I wasn’t using it in a safe or efficient fashion. Since the course I’ve been using the chainsaw to manage trees which were encroaching on our crops,’ enthused John.

And it’s not just businesses who see the sense in receiving accredited training in chainsaw use. Mitchell Shire Council started a community program to develop a ‘Storm Resilience’ training group, now in its second year of running up at the beautiful Tallarook State Forest. Women from rural properties undertook DNA Training’s a 3-day ‘Storm Resilience’ training course to learn how to use a chainsaw and chipper safely, as well as vital first aid skills.

One student, Genevieve Spiteri, attended the Mitchell Shire Council ‘Storm Resilience’ training group in May last year. Geneviene said, ‘I would really like to commend the women’s chainsaw course. Hugh and Simon were the perfect trainers, they were positive, thorough, and patient. Using a chainsaw is not easy but they made me feel reassured and confident. After the training I had such adrenaline and felt pumped! I’m so excited to practice the skills that I’ve attained. My husband was so impressed with all the knowledge I have using and maintaining a chainsaw, I even taught him a thing or two. Thank you for the opportunity I really appreciate it’

Councils throughout Victoria are now taking a step in the same direction and creating their own ‘Storm Resilience’ plan, nominating grounds staff, parks and garden maintenance teams, to complete training in Chainsaw, Chipper/Mulching and First Aid, so that they are prepared for the next storm in their region.

Michael Tregonning, Coordinator Parks and Bushland, at Manningham Council recently placed 35 staff through chipper and chainsaw training with DNA Training Solutions to prepare his team for storm damage in their municipality.

‘The safety of my staff is the highest priority and the use of arboricultural tools, such as chainsaws and chippers, are one of my highest risk areas. With increased storm activity brought on by climate change it is imperative that my entire Parks team are ready to undertake the clean-up of fallen trees and branches if required.

‘The last thing I want is a member of my team be sent out to use equipment they are not familiar with as this could result in an injury. We have encountered some significant storm events of late and one that comes to mind was in the Dandenong Ranges last year. During that event we deployed staff to help Yarra Ranges with the clean-up, however, some of the staff that went could not undertake chainsaw or chipper operation due to not being certified. I am now comfortable that everyone has the experience and knowledge to use this equipment safely and we are ready for future events in Manningham and other municipalities if required.’

At DNA Training we believe the right equipment is essential to training so we use the STIHL MS261 Chainsaws and VERMEER BC700XL Chipper for our students. We offer the ‘Storm Resilience’ training course, which was developed using our trainers and assessors’ expertise, having worked in the State Emergency Services (SES), and as paramedics, nurses, and arborists.

The program is specifically tailored to help those from beginner to intermediate level, to help build their independence and confidence so that they can clear away storm damage and provide first aid to family, friends, and neighboring properties in an emergency.

With many horticultural grower sites located on large, rural plots surrounded by trees and forests, DNA Training’s course in ‘Storm Resilience’, including safe and efficient use of chainsaws and chippers, and first aid, can save businesses time, money and most importantly look after the health and safety of their employees.

Manningham Council Chipper and Chainsaw Team

Adelina Carnevale (Director of DNA Training) presenting gift packs to the Women in Chainsaw Group

More information

To find out more about our ‘Storm Resilience’ training course contact DNA Training on (03) 9070 1111 or admin@dnatraining.com.au.

Storm damage is an ongoing threat to the welfare of horticultural business throughout Victoria. In June 2021, a number of NGIV member businesses received significant damages to their properties and many were unable to continue operating due to power outages, stock, infrastructure, water damage and crop loss.

And that’s where NGIV Partner, DNA Training, comes in. With decades of experience in delivering tailored training solutions to the horticulture industry, DNA Training believe that upskilling horticultural employees with one of their chainsaw operator courses is an asset to the business.