CHAINSAW QUALIFICATIONS

RE-CERTIFICATION Red cards are valid for one year from the date of issue. Firefighters must apply for re-certification to the FFSL Area Office. Firefighters must show they have completed a four-hour refresher course and meet the physical fitness standard yearly.

FIRE DEPARTMENT POSITION TASK BOOKS (PTB) Wildland Firefighter Type II (NWCG FFT1) PTB for fire departments can be initiated by the Fire Chief, F.D. Training Officer or Area FMO. The required training is listed in the current version of 310-1.

The trainee has three years from the first date of a trainee assignment to complete three separate training assignments. Evaluators must be either qualified in the position being evaluated or supervise the trainee. The final evaluator must be qualified in the position they are evaluating. PTBs above FFT1 have to be initiated by the Area FMO or DTO. For final certification of PTBs, the required training initiated as listed in the current 310-1 must be completed. The PTBs will be reviewed by the Area FMO or designee before being passed onto the UWTC for review and certification. If the UWTC approves the PTB for certification, a copy of the PTB will be made for the Area Office and the original PTB will be returned to the fire department. The UWTC will use PTB Checklist Form.pdf when reviewing fire department PTBs. This form can be found at (https://sites.google.com/utah.gov/ trainingtoolbox/home) - for QR code see 8.3 on page 202.

CHAINSAW QUALIFICATIONS

GENERAL Chainsaws can be a useful tool for fire suppression, fuels mitigation work and other natural resource management projects. However, in the hands of an untrained or inexperienced operator they can be deadly. Improper operation can increase costs, damage property and cause serious injury or worse. Even though they pose an inherent risk, chainsaws have become a necessary piece of equipment for much of the work we do. The safe and efficient use of these tools is essential to meeting many of our work objectives. Therefore, it is essential that the Division implement the following standards for the operation of chainsaws.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE All Division employees who operate a chainsaw will, at a minimum, successfully complete the S-212 Wildfire Power Chain Saws class. The class must be taught by someone qualified at the Single Resource and Faller 2 (FAL2) level. The class must also include a practical/field exercise where students can practice techniques and demonstrate their ability to safely operate a saw to perform limbing, bucking and falling procedures. Individuals must be currently first aid and CPR certified prior to being allowed to operate a chainsaw.

Employees who have successfully completed and have been evaluated in the field, will be qualified as a Faller 3 (FAL3). A Faller 1 (FAL1) receiving their initial evaluation from an agency outside of this Division will require the signature of the UWTC to be certified as a FAL1. FAL1 Position Task Book (PTB) will be initiated by the Division Training Officer and completed FAL1 PTB will be submitted to the training committee for certification. Refresher Training and field evaluations are required on a triennial (every 3 years) basis to maintain currency for FAL1. FAL2 and FAL3. Maintain currency by showing experience in IQS and completing the RT-212 on a triennial basis.

CERTIFICATION LEVELS FAL3 – Certification at this level permits the operator to perform limbing, bucking and falling operations in low complexity situations. Individuals certified at this level have limited experience and/or only require occasional use of chainsaws. After successful completion of the required training, written documentation, signed by the FAL2 or higher who conducted the course, will be submitted to the DTO stating the individual is competent at the 3 level. For fire qualified individuals the qualification will be listed on the Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) or a saw qualification card. For those not fire qualified a saw qualification card will be issued. Typical FAL3 cutting situations are on green trees with open lays, clear and open escape routes and safety zones. Chainsaw bar length will exceed the diameter of the tree being felled or bucked. FAL3 should whenever possible be supervised by a FAL2 or higher.

FAL2 – Certification at this level permits the operator to perform limbing, bucking and falling operations. Bar length may be restricted at the discretion of the evaluator as may the diameter of the trees. Individuals certified at this level have moderate experience and use chainsaws intermittently. After successful completion of the required training, written documentation, signed by the FAL2 or higher who conducted the course, will be submitted to the DTO stating that the individual is competent at the FAL2 level. For fire qualified individuals the qualification will be listed on the Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) or a saw qualification card. For those not fire qualified a saw qualification card will be issued.

Typical moderate complexity situations are on green or dead trees with open lays, clear and open escape routes and safety zones. Chainsaw bar length may be the same diameter of the tree being felled or bucked. FAL2 operators should be able to perform cutting activities from whichever side of the tree is the safest for the operator and be able to wield the chainsaw ambidextrously.

FAL1 – Certification at this level permits the operator to perform complex limbing, bucking and falling operations. Faller 1s can be restricted to bar length and tree diameter at breast height (DBH) at the discretion of the evaluator. Individuals certified at this level have extensive experience and maintain their proficiency through routine use of chainsaws. Individuals at this level must have previous experience as a FAL2 and successfully complete a Faller 1 course. The approved course must be delivered by a Faller 1-Certifier as well as all field evaluations. Written documentation, signed by the Faller 1-Certifier