Using a chainsaw in a public place

[NorfolknGood]

Just out of interest how would an individual stand in the eyes of the law if he/her used a chainsaw without suitable PPE, without insurance or training in a public place with no warning signs etc?

[neiln]

perhaps I should have said 'There are a couple of small woodlands near me....'

 

yes I was thinking that next time a pro is there working, if I know when that will be and can offer in advance, I could offer to buck up stuff as they drop it.  Suspect many pros would be more nervous of an unknown volunteer with a chainsaw than happy with the offer though, which would be understandable!  still, I can offer.

[Stubby]

2 minutes ago, neiln said:

perhaps I should have said 'There are a couple of small woodlands near me....'

 

yes I was thinking that next time a pro is there working, if I know when that will be and can offer in advance, I could offer to buck up stuff as they drop it.  Suspect many pros would be more nervous of an unknown volunteer with a chainsaw than happy with the offer though, which would be understandable!  still, I can offer.

Are they extracting or leaving as habitat piles ?

[Dan Maynard]

The nearest experience I have is wildlife trust volunteering, where anybody can rock up and join in with hand tools but only people who have CS30/31 and have been assessed by a member of WT as competent are allowed to use a chainsaw. I think it's down to WT insurance.

In this case I guess it would be a question of how the council permits the volunteers to operate.

I've also volunteered in our churchyard and one of the local farmers tends to rock up with a chainsaw and flat cap PPE. I have said my piece and can't watch, but what can I do?

You need to get on and get your 30/31 really.

[Stubby]

I am , of course making an assumption here Re they being volunteers . Some one may be getting paid ?  

[Dan Maynard]

I am , of course making an assumption here Re they being volunteers . Some one may be getting paid ?  

Ah yes, if someone's being paid then it's H&S at W/PUWER because it's a workplace. Employers liability insurance needed even if volunteers helping, and they need to be competent for the tasks being carried out.

[neiln]

habitat piles like stag beatle homes in biggin wood, the other woodland I guess habitat but it seems more clearance and brash burning.  larger pieces such as 18" long rounds of 24-30" diameter oak are just left with no specifc habitat creation afaik.  a few bits have been carved, ( there's an owl, a woodpecker and a dog) and one piece of oak seems to have been partially milled.  i suspect it may have been to create a few plaques/signs that have appeared saying 'oak' 'ash' 'hazel' ad such like.

 

Dan I suspect you are right, i Imagine someone from WT or similar is being paid to do the chainsaw work and perhaps give instruction/guidance, the friends group though are volunteers.  it makes sense though that they would not like a non paperwork holding/non assessed volunteer operating a chainsaw for insurance/legal reasons.  Right, I'll not bother to mention I could help then, as without the paperwork, I can't

[jfc]

The nearest experience I have is wildlife trust volunteering, where anybody can rock up and join in with hand tools but only people who have CS30/31 and have been assessed by a member of WT as competent are allowed to use a chainsaw. I think it's down to WT insurance.

In this case I guess it would be a question of how the council permits the volunteers to operate.

I've also volunteered in our churchyard and one of the local farmers tends to rock up with a chainsaw and flat cap PPE. I have said my piece and can't watch, but what can I do?

You need to get on and get your 30/31 really.

Dan's post has got it right in my experience.

[Stere]

Local WT you need c31 etc and a volunteer wouldn't remove wood logs as dead wood is  habitat although the wardens no doubt usually taking some logs home perks of the job etc.

 

No oppurtunity for free wood if that was what you were angling after?

 

Would open a can of worms with other volunteers if they saw you carting of logs anyway?

Edited May 23, 2020 by Stere

[Wonky]

I'm not really sure of op question, it’s a bit vague.  
 

1st, are you with another person or persons

2, if you are do they have permission/ or you have permission

3, in the eyes of the H&s (this only really counts if you were to have an accident) you need to be qualified, to be insured by someone, no ticket no insurance!.. and if you hurt yourself or someone else and not wearing ppe.. that’s a get out clause for insurance.

 

i do volunteer with the local council ranger. He checked all my tickets and every time I rock up he looks me over, I got told off for using a saw without gloves... They are very strict with the rules.. no one is even allowed to pick up the strimmer, even thou most peeps use them at home.

apparently, I’m the only person that uses a saw from the volunteering guys.  I guess I’m lucky, but it means the ranger can get on and do other stuff 
 

so in today’s litigation society, if someone lets anyone lose without a ticket on public land they’re asking for problems at some point in time.  Unless your really good friends and they have watched you and Are helping training you up..  But you must have ppe.

 

Does anyone have contact details about volunteering  for the WT with a saw.

and as I said I do have ppe and tickets ???

cheers

Edit  I should have said I’m in  east sussex

Edited May 23, 2020 by Wonky
Add location East Sussex

[Khriss]

On 03/08/2014 at 15:53, NorfolknGood said:

Just out of interest how would an individual stand in the eyes of the law if he/her used a chainsaw without suitable PPE, without insurance or training in a public place with no warning signs etc?

. Hhhhhhhmmmmmm....... See below... ?