Top Handles and proof of training.

[GardenKit]

There has been much debate on this forum in the past with regards to the need to provide your CS39 when buying a top handle.

 

The dealer trade magazine "Service Dealer' has just published this article on the subject may which may be of interest.

 

The AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association) recently repeated its advice to manufacturers and distributors of chainsaws asking them to remind their dealers that top handle saws must only be supplied to bona-fide tree surgeons or operators trained (with proof of training) in their use.

They say "The reason for this is because we are aware that some dealers are offering these products via distance or internet sales for general sale and supply to members of the public, instead of restricting the sale to trained professionals."

"This has resulted in a growing concern from several market surveillance authorise (MSA's)in the EU, including the UK. As a direct consequence of this intelligence the MSA's placed an item on the agenda of the Machine Directive Working Group to discuss the banning of such products, and this remains the case today."

"Until recently the UK has been portrayed as a shining example of how the industry self regulates in this area, although some holes are beginning to appear in the UK, which need to plugged or we're likely to receive special attention from the authorities"

 

I am not about to argue the rights or wrongs of this, but it is obviously causing current concern, so I would urge all prospective purchasers to willing and gladly produce their certificates, and those who want a top handle but do not have the training to get the training before putting their dealer on the spot.

 

The last thing the industry need is a ban on these saws.

[Starscream]

What?? Ban top handled chainsaws? So would I have to prune a tree with my ms461 or something?!?! Seems a bit unlikely to me. Having the directive to produce a cs39 certificate is not outside of the realms of possibility and probably a good thing.

[Stoatally]

Where's the problem? I bought a standard chainsaw without any need to produce a C30/31, what's so special about a top handled saw?

[stihlmadasever]

Whats next having to produce your cs30/31 to buy some crap chainsaw at B&Q?

Anyone can get a top handled saw off ebay,no questions asked.I appreciate the intention of regulatory bodies but were adults,let us buy what we want.

[skyhuck]

Where's the problem? I bought a standard chainsaw without any need to produce a C30/31, what's so special about a top handled saw?

 

You can use it with one hand, freeing the other hand up for amputation.

[stihlmadasever]

You can use it with one hand, freeing the other hand up for amputation.

 

[woody paul]

You can use it with one hand, freeing the other hand up for amputation.

 

You can use a normal format saw and cut you foot or feet off.

[spudulike]

I guess we have to ask if this AEA have the power or authority to ban the sale of top handled saws and if their banning would be a good thing when climbers would then be forced to use ground saws for limbing and pruning work which in itself would cause more injury than the use of a few uneducated people using top handled saws in an unsuitable manner.

[skyhuck]

You can use a normal format saw and cut you foot or feet off.

 

If you can't comprehend that top handled saws are any more dangerous than rear handled saws, I'm not sure you should be using any saws

[Logrod]

You'd have to ban the use , banning the sale wouldn't matter if individuals could still buy abroad or buy secondhand