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CS30.1.08: Sharpening The Chain

This section, CS30.1.08, is one of those potential stumbling blocks, as being able to sharpen the chain properly can be quite a lengthy process when you first start doing it. Accuracy is important, as is removing all previous damage.

CS30.1.08 consists of both practical tasks and questions, so it's worth making sure that you're happy with it. Find out more after the jump...

It should be really easy - just grab a file of the right size and use it at the right angle across the chain cutters; sort the depth gauges out and away you go. Sounds simple, but in practice it taxes a lot of people and even within the industry there's a fair amount of debate as to why people can't seem to sharpen their chains properly!

Along with having to be happy about your chain sharpening, you'll also need to answer a couple of questions about sharpening and maintaining the chain. Make sure you're OK with the effects of incorrect depth gauges, wrong angles and different cutter lengths. For the exact lowdown on the actual activities and criteria that go with section, listen to the audio...

CS30.1.07: Replacing The Chain

CS30.1.07 deals with the information needed to select a replacement chain for a given saw. One of the common (and valid) answers when asked 'How do you ensure you get the right chain?", is to provide the guide bar length. This is not necessarily the best way, find out more after the jump...

The problem with chain length is that it is not just specific to the guide bar length; the make of chainsaw will also have a bearing.

This means that if you ask for a chain to fit an 18" guide bar, you might get the right length, or you might not. An 18" bar on a Stihl chainsaw will likely need a different length chain to the 18" bar fitted to Husqvarna, and that's where the problem starts. Anyway, listen to the assessment activity and relevant criteria for this section...

CS30.1.06: Chain Components

CS30.1.06 covers chain components and their function. The criteria shown for this activity does not actually supply all the information needed to answer the questions you're likely to get. So what's missing? Find out more after the jump...

Although not mentioned in the assessment schedule, you will need to demonstrate knowledge that you know the different types of cutter profile, their uses and (dis)advantages - on top that asked for in the criteria. Let's start with the criteria first...

For more information on the chain components, check out this previous post: Chain Components.

CS30.1.05: Chainsaw Safety Features

CS30.1.05 covers the safety features of the chainsaw; you'll need to identify and provide a short explanation of those safety features. There are ten listed features and a number of optional extras that could be fitted, but you're really only interested in those main features. Find out more after the jump...

So, optional 'safety' features such as heated handles, easy-start systems or manual oilers can be forgotten about for the purposes of the assessment. For the full list of the criteria, listen to the audio...

CS30.1.04: Advantages Of A Workshop

CS30.1.04 asks you to demonstrate your knowledge of the advantages of carrying out chainsaw maintenance in a workshop. Find out more after the jump...

This is a pretty simple question, and you should be able to get this one without any other input - with better heating and lighting in a workshop, it's a more comfortable environment to be in.

But, more than that, you've probably got better access to tools and spares in your workshop than you would have in the field. Access to a vice means that you can hold the saw securely whilst you sharpen it, making sharpening more accurate. Anyway, here's the audio...

CS30.1.03: Emergency Planning

CS30.1.03 covers emergency planning details. This is a very important part when you're out working, and especially on a new site; knowing what to do, who to call and where to go in the event of an accident could mean the difference between life and death. When you've got a seriously injureed casualty laying on the ground, it's no time to start looking up in the A-Z Guide to find out where the nearest hospital is. Find out more after the jump...

Emergency planning then is critical, and just jotting down a few pieces of information can make all the difference in an emergency situation - but as well as the items listed in the assessment schedule, make sure that everyone knows where the first aid kit actually is, where the keys to vehicles / gates are and that the vehicle you may have to use is not blocked in and is facing the right way - reversing the van with a trailer / chipper attached to it in an emergency is not easy, so face it the right way round as soon as you get on site.

CS30.1.02: Risk Assessments

CS30.1.02 covers risk assessments, and you will be asked about what goes in to making a risk assessment and the areas that it should cover. Find out more after the jump...

You will not be expected to create, or complete, a risk assessment form; but you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge of risk assessments, mentioning that they should be relevant to the...

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