The chainsaw driver's license is mandatory for some operations. For example, when private individuals want to cut their own firewood in the forest. Commercially active people must always be able to show a chainsaw license. But what is taught during the corresponding course? Who offers such training and what costs should be expected? You can find answers here.
Need and Benefit
The saw license is always necessary if commercial activity with a chainsaw is intended. But private individuals also need it if they want to cut or cut firewood in the forest themselves. Foresters or forest owners want and need to protect themselves to some extent.
The chainsaw driving license can also be useful and sensible for other reasons. It increases safety when using the saw, can prevent injuries and also makes work more efficient.
Providers
Corresponding courses for the sawing license are offered by various places. These include:
- Fire department
- Chain saw manufacturer
- Hardware stores
- Forester
Contents
Basically the following content is taught in the courses:
- Safety – consisting of safety clothing and safety when handling the saw as well as securing the surrounding area
- Starting and handling the saw
- targeted use of force
- various sawing techniques for efficiently shredding wood
- Tree felling techniques
- Information on maintenance, care and handling of the tool
As a rule, the courses consist of a theoretical part, in which the necessary knowledge is imparted, and a practical part, in which exercises take place. The courses can be held in halls and workshops or directly in a separate forest section.
The theoretical section also contains regulations that apply in the respective federal state and must be adhered to when using the saw. However, there are some differences between the different courses and providers.
Duration
The duration of the course depends on the respective content of the chainsaw course. As mentioned, there can be significant differences. For private individuals who just want to become more familiar with the handling or who want to cut their own firewood, courses lasting one to two days are sufficient.
The chainsaw course for commercial use covers more comprehensive content. Therefore the course duration is longer. Three to five days should be allowed for.
Differences
Differences in duration, content and costs arise from various factors. These include:
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Aim of the course and type of certificate
For private use, the course generally teaches less content. The courses are therefore shorter and cheaper. For commercial use of the saw, more content needs to be conveyed. Therefore, the courses are longer and more comprehensive – and therefore more expensive.
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State
Depending on the federal state, various regulations must be met. This results in differences in content, duration and costs.
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Providers
Fire department, hardware store or manufacturer of the saw - depending on the provider of the course, there can be significant differences.
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Type of chainsaw
Speed, type of drive and power represent crucial differences. An electric chainsaw, for example, must be treated differently than a model that runs on gasoline. The type of drive or chain speed also determines what protective clothing is required and how the course must be designed.
Costs
The price for the course should be between 100 and 400 euros. The price difference depends on the length, the content conveyed and the type of certificate. Other factors include equipment, utensils and exercises. If the practical part of the course takes place in a forest and trees are felled, the course costs are usually higher. The same applies if safety clothing and a chainsaw are provided or have to be rented.
Even if you have to buy a saw, clothing and protective equipment. These must also be included in addition to the course costs.
Requirements
The requirements for the chainsaw license are specified by the respective accident insurance company and can therefore differ slightly. In general, the following points apply:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Wearing appropriate protective clothing
- Participants of the course must not be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- working chainsaw
- physical and mental he alth
Tips
If you want or need to get a chainsaw license, you should take the following information into account:
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What is the saw license needed for?
Private individuals who simply want to disassemble firewood themselves or use the saw in their own garden can benefit from the safety instructions. Learning how to use the saw efficiently under professional guidance is also an advantage. However, the course and certificate should match the intended use. This allows problems to be avoided on the one hand and course costs to be saved on the other.
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What content does the chainsaw course include?
As many different providers and prices as there are, the content conveyed is also very different. When choosing, care should be taken to ensure that the provider presents the content transparently and that it fits your needs.
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Compare prices:
If the apparently same course costs 100 euros from one provider but 300 euros from another provider, many understandably decide depending on the price. However, several factors should be taken into account in a meaningful comparison. These are the points already mentioned, such as the content taught in the course, duration, type of certificate and equipment provided.
The cost points should also be compared individually. Is it really cheaper to rent protective clothing and equipment for the course? Or can savings be made here if clothing and equipment are purchased directly and are therefore available for future missions?
Tip:
First and foremost, it is of course important to obtain comprehensive information about the type of note and to compare individual cost items in detail.
