LTAP Chainsaw Safety, Precision Felling & Maintenance

About the Course

This Chainsaw Safety course will cover safety and risk management, chainsaw operation/handling, chainsaw cutting, felling procedures, specialized cutting situations, and chainsaw maintenance.

Safety and Risk Management

Risk Management, HOPE, Personal Protective Equipment, Command Response Communication System, Emergency Preparedness

Chainsaw Operation/Handling

Chainsaw Selection, Chainsaw Safety Features, Reactive Forces, Starting Techniques, Ergonomics

Chainsaw Cutting

History & Development of the Face Notch and Back Cut, Function of Hinge Wood, Precision Cutting Methods, Limbing and Bucking Techniques

Felling Procedures

Five Step Felling Plan, Tree Felling, Pull Lines, Wedges, Mechanical Advantage

Specialized Cutting Situations

Hazardous Cutting Situations After Storms, Spring Poles, Understanding Tension and Compression Wood

Chainsaw Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance, Sharpening and Bar Maintenance

Who Should Attend?

This is a great introductory or refresher course for personnel and supervisors who regularly use the chainsaw, as well as the novice or occasional user. All attendees must bring their hard hats, as well as eye and ear protection to the program.

Course Times

Breakfast/Check-In 7:30AM Class 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

**Please note that there will be a maximum of 20 students per organization allowed per class until the class overall capacity has been reached*

Chainsaw Safety Course Dates & Locations

11/18/2025: Lake Charles CLOSED

1. White Oak Landing
2. Lake Charles, LA 70615

11/19/2025: Patterson

1. Patterson Area Civic Center
2. 116 Cotton Road Patterson, LA 70392

11/20/2025: Gonzales - CLOSED

1. Lamar Dixon Expo Center Banquet Rooms, 2nd Floor of Main Office
2. 9039 S. St. Landry Ave Gonzales, LA 70737

11/21/2025: Luling - Breakfast/Check-In 8:00AM Class 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

1. Edward Dufresne Community Center
2. 274 Judge Edward A. Dufresne Parkway
3. Luling, LA 70070

Instructor: Rip Tompkins

Rip Tompkins, a nationally recognized chainsaw operation and safety instructor. He impresses even the most experienced chainsaw users with his skill in previous classes. Many participants rated his class as one of the best that they have ever attended. Rip is Vice President of ArborMaster Training, Inc., and has extensive experience in using of chainsaws as well as in tree climbing, rigging and rescue systems. His class is designed to help prepare all crew members and supervisors deal with routine chainsaw use and handling tree damage and debris after storm events. The training sites were selected to allow plenty of outside demonstrations of proper chain saw use in a natural setting.

Fees & Cancellations for Chainsaw Safety:

$35 for Public Agencies / $70 Private Agencies

Fees cover all materials, breakfast, and lunch. Credit card payments are accepted through the online registration system. Checks or money orders are also accepted.

Make checks payable to LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY mail to:

1. LTAP-Technology Transfer/LTRC
2. 4099 Gourrier Avenue
3. Baton Rouge,LA 70808-4443
4. ATTN: Victor Lockwood

Registration is required one week in advance of class. Failure to cancel at least 72 hours prior will result in a forfeit of the registration fee. Participant substitution is available.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs):

Professional Development Hour (PDH) credit will be awarded as follows: six (6) PDHs for Chainsaw Safety. The Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) is a Louisiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, approved Sponsor/Provider of Continuing Professional Development.

Questions?

Contact the LTAP Office via:

Phone: (225) 767-9717

Fax: (225) 767-9156

Email: victor.lockwood@la.gov

The Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is a cooperative effort between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Louisiana State University (LSU). LTAP serves the needs of local transportation agencies and is a part of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC).

www.louisianaltap.org