Evaluation & Implementation of chainsaw operator certification

Project Manager: Billy Robb, 'A1' Arborists

Project Partners: City & Guilds, CTFC, ENFE, IPC, KWF, OC-ANB, Skovskolen University

Project Period: 01 Oct 2009 - 30 Sep 2011

Project Description: The need for a European chainsaw certificate or 'licence' has been proposed by various organisations, individuals and meetings for a number of years now.

The project objective is to produce a recognised chainsaw certification & examination standard for use throughout Europe. The project aims to set the standards and develop a scheme for examination procedures that are applicable in every European country and are supported by the relevant industry sectors and fully consulted upon prior to acceptance and implementation.

A priority of the project is that quality training and an independent competence assessment will lead to reduced accidents and fatalities of chainsaw operators throughout Europe. A review of chainsaw accidents across Europe is currently being undertaken with early indications suggesting that every year on average 6-12 chainsaw operators per country are fatally injured. Another priority is to enhance mobility between chainsaw operators and employment opportunities throughout Europe with a recognised European chainsaw certificate. This will become important as the European labour market opens up in 2011.

Upcoming events:

• 16-17th March in Brno, Czech Republic - 'The Establishment of EFESC'
• 27th June-01st July 2011 in Brno, Czech Republic - 'Standards Setting & Technical Evaluation Event'

Downloads:

• ECC Press Release
• EFESC Founding Event Flyer