Operating a chain saw is inherently hazardous. Proper maintenance, personal protective equipment, and correct technique are critical components of safe chain saw operation. Potential injuries can be minimized by using proper personal protective equipment and safe operating procedures.

Everybody who operates a chainsaw in the BSA must have proper training. We are offering a FISTA/BSA Chainsaw Safety Basic Course on October 28 at Camp Brunswick. FISTA (Forest Industry Safety and Training Alliance) is an industry standard training, that is applicable outside of Scouting.

The Order of the Arrow - Otyokwa Lodge has generously supported this event, to keep costs as low as possible. Training is provided by a professional trainer. 

Scouters who complete FISTA training can operate chainsaws at Camp Phillips and Camp Brunswick, and will become more confident in their chainsaw skills at home or work. 

October 28- FISTA Basic Chainsaw Operations

9am to 6pm (lunch provided)
Cost: $150 per person

Course Description:

This chainsaw class is for beginners with minimal chainsaw experience. We will be covering the following areas in chainsaw safety and operation.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Chainsaw features
• Reactive forces of the chainsaw
• Safe use of the chainsaw
• Introduction to daily maintenance - how to properly maintain your saw and address problems you may accrue with the saw
• The Bore Cut
• Hinge establishment and importance in tree felling
• Open Face Notch
• Evaluation before felling and hazards
• 45 degree exit plan
• Spring pole evaluation and how to handle them
• Limbing and bucking techniques

Each person must come to class prepared to cut wood.  This means wearing the proper PPE, which includes chainsaw chaps/pants, hard hat with full visor and/or safety glasses, gloves, protective toe boots (cut resistant if available), and hearing protection, a chainsaw in proper working order. The council will provide bar oil and ethanol free 50:1 mixed gas if desired. Attendees of this course will also receive a BSA Chainsaw Safety Training card and training will be logged on My.Scouting.

Who is invited: Any BSA volunteer, 18 years of age or older, who assists in firewood processing, road and trail maintenance or hazard tree removal. 

Why take this training: This training covers both the FISTA (Forest Industry and Safety Training Alliance) basic chainsaw course and BSA chainsaw training curriculum which is required to operate a chainsaw on property operated by the Chippewa Valley Council. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a FISTA and BSA training card.

October 29th- FISTA Intermediate Chainsaw Operations

9am to 6pm (lunch provided)
Cost: $150 per person

Course Description:

This course is intended for participants who have completed the basic chainsaw training.  This course involves more hands- on training, reading pressure, more practice on limbing and bucking techniques as well as additional felling practice.

• Refresher on body mechanics and proper body positioning
• Refresher on PPE
• Chainsaw safety feature overview
• Hands-on chainsaw sharpening in the field
• Proficient use of wedges
• Proper tree felling evaluations
• Spring pole demonstration and proper spring pole cutting techniques
• Proficient use of the bore cut
• More field time demonstrations
• Introduction to storm damage cleanup

Each person must come to class prepared to cut wood. This means wearing proper PPE, which includes chainsaw chaps/pants, hard hat with visor and/or safety glasses, gloves, protective toe boots (cut resistant if available) and hearing protection, a chainsaw in proper working order (make sure chainsaw is sharp). The council will provide bar oil and ethanol free 50:1 mixed gas if desired. Students must have completed FISTA basic chainsaw operations to attend this training. Sorry, you are not able to take the basic and intermediate course on the same weekend. 

Any questions? Contact:

Scott Simpson scott.simpson@scouting.org