Meeting Notes BOISE, IDAHO 1/29-30/02

***(EDITED 4/6-05 FROM ALBQURQUE MEETING 3/21-05)***

[CHANGES FOR THE *SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM HANDBOOK*]{.underline}--[FSH
6709.12]{.underline}

**Terminology** needs to be consistent with the H&S Code Handbook FSH
6709.11.

**Volunteers** are FS employees. A Line Officer will be responsible for
verifying or providing training and certification.

**Training** needs for crosscut saw operators will be assessed
individually.

The Forest Service Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Operations Program is
designed to protect Forest Service employees, volunteers, and the public
when performing brushing, bucking, limbing, felling, and construction
activities by establishing national direction based on recognized
industry standards, procedures, and practices.

**Chain saw chaps**--only GSA chaps that meet MTDC standards are
allowed.

*[RESPONSIBILITIES OF LINE OFFICERS]{.underline}*

**Regional Foresters/Station Directors**

-   Ensure overall compliance with the chain saw and crosscut saw
    requirements set forth in section (ADD funding wording from the
    blasting program--6709.12).

-   Appoint or hire a regional chain saw/crosscut saw program
    manager/coordinator.

    -   There may need to be a chain saw and a crosscut saw coordinator
        when no candidates have the required skill and knowledge of both
        tools (6709.11-Chapter 20-22.48b3).

-   Issue the Letter of Designation for the Saw Program Managers and Saw
    Coordinator(s) from the Regional Foresters.

**Forest Supervisors/Unit Managers/District Rangers**

-   Administer the chain saw and crosscut saw program policy and ensure
    employee compliance with prescribed practices and procedures.

-   Appoint or hire a forest lead program instructor/coordinator. There
    may need to be a chain saw and crosscut instructor/coordinator when
    no candidates have the required skill and knowledge of both tools.

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-   Carry out the administrative aspects of the saw program.

-   Sign saw safety certificates.

-   Determine the overall unit needs for saw operations.

-   Consult with the Forest Coordinator to determine whether or not an
    employee is considered trained, qualified, and certified; if not,
    the District/Unit Manager has the ultimate authority to revoke
    certificates at any time.

*[RESPONSIBILITIES OF SAFETY PERSONNEL]{.underline}*

**Regional, Forest, Station, and District Safety and Health Managers**

-   Ensure hearing conservation plans are in place.

-   Establish the program in conjunction with the saw program
    manager/coordinator.

-   Monitor the overall program.

-   Review annually all saw incident/accidents with saw program
    manager/coordinator.

*[RESPONSIBILITIES OF SAW PROGRAM STAFF]{.underline}*

**Regional Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Program Managers/Coordinators** (C
Certification)

-   Train, evaluate, certify, and recertify Forest Lead Program
    Certifier/Instructors.

-   Evaluate saw operators and instructors by making unannounced field
    visits of crews.

-   Sign the Chain Saw/Crosscut Saw Safety certificates for Forest Lead
    Program Coordinators/Instructors and maintain/file certification
    records.

-   Serve as the primary contact in the region for each forest or unit
    and make sure information is consistent.

-   Participate in chain saw and crosscut saw accident investigations.

    -   Ex. Collect and review the investigation reports.

**Forest Lead Program Coordinators/Instructors**

-   Train, evaluate, certify, recertify and assist forest instructors.

-   Sign the Chain Saw/Crosscut Saw Safety certificates for forest
    instructors and maintain certification records.

-   Collect, review and forward to the Regional Chain Saw Program
    Manager/Coordinator all saw incidents/accidents.

-   Assist program managers in determining saw skill levels and training
    needs.

**Chain saw and crosscut saw operators**

-   Perform all work as described by their current level of
    certification.

*[CHAIN SAW AND CROSSCUT SAW OPERATIONS STANDARDS
(Reserved)]{.underline}*

*[TRAINING]{.underline}*

Chain saw training will include/incorporate the MTDC *Chain Saw and
Crosscut Saw Training Course* or the S-212 Wildland Fire Chain Saws
training program.

Crosscut training shall use the appropriate portions of the MTDC *Chain
Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course*.

Crosscut saw training will be based on the crosscut portion of the MTDC
*Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course*. At all levels of
certification the complexity of the assignment must be determined by the
individual sawyer.

The complexity of the material to be cut, not the diameter, determines
the skill level required to safely complete a sawing task.

Complexity is determined by evaluating the amount of material, size,
bind(s), topography, stability, proper equipment, personal experience,
and any other factors that will affect the saw operation.

**ADDED:** Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw C level training is acquired
through the above training courses, years of experience, and other
C-level training courses.

*[CERTIFICATION]{.underline}*

Chain saws are used for many different tasks which include but are not
limited to tree falling and bucking, construction, brushing, pruning,
and trail work. Because of the wide range of use and different skills
needed to perform different tasks, the standard Classifications "A-B-C"
may not fit.

Instructors can issue certifications to meet these needs when adequate
training has been completed. Adequate training shall address all
associated skills and safety concerns. Crosscut saw operations is an
area where the standard "A-B-C" based classification may need to be
tailored to more accurately describe an operators skill and knowledge
level.

**Class A and Class B**--Forest Lead Program Coordinator/Instructor
and/or District/Unit Coordinator/Instructor will schedule, coordinate,
and conduct training and certification. District/Unit Instructors may
sign and issue certification cards when approved by the Forest Lead
Program Coordinator/Instructor.

**Class C**--The Forest Program Lead Coordinator/Instructor will
schedule and coordinate training and certification.

Initial certification of C Certifiers is conducted by a C Certifier (can
be a Regional or Forest Program Lead Coordinator/Instructor) and is
evaluated by an independent consultant. The independent consultant may
be a private sector professional qualified as an expert in the field, or
a fully qualified "C" certifier from a separate administrative unit.

C Certifiers need to be recertified every 3 years.

The initial certification of C Sawyers is conducted by a C Certifier
(can be a Regional or Forest Program Lead Coordinator/Instructor).

**CHANGED:** Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Operators Certification Card
Validation. Validation of Chain Saw/Crosscut Saw Operators Certification
Cards, Form FS-6700-37, for applicants who have successfully completed
training requires the appropriate signatures corresponding to the level
of certification, such as the approving official, Line Officer, etc)

**CHANGED:** Revocation and Suspension. Certification cards may be
revoked or suspended by the approving official or Line Officer if Saw
Operators or Coordinators/Instructors:

-   Fail to conform to the required knowledge and skills of the
    certification level for which they are certified.

-   Exhibit unsafe behavior.

Persons that have been certified may need to be reevaluated if they were
certified by Instructors who have had their cards revoked.

*[CERTIFICATION--GENERAL]{.underline}*

**ADDED:** Forest Service Certifiers can recommend certification for
nonfederal employees but cannot certify them.

The Forest Lead Program Coordinator/Instructor and an independent
consultant sawyer, both with demonstrated instructor skills, shall
conduct the C Certifier certification. The instructors have complete
authority to limit the scope of the certification. At their discretion,
they may impose time, project, or size limitations.

-   Ex. Class A or temporary employees need to saw every year or at
    least prove their ability in the field.

The Forest Lead Program Instructor shall ensure that a record of
training is completed and maintained for each person who successfully
completes the training and certification.

**CHANGED:** Class A Valid for 3 year.

**CHANGED:** Class B and C Valid for 3 years.

A refresher shall be held annually (for all certification levels) that
covers policy, direction, safe operating procedures and review of any
incidents or accidents that have occurred. This may be done as a
tailgate session prior to the start of a project or a classroom session.

**ADDED:** Class C is based on complexity of saw assignment, not just
the diameter of tree.

The Forest or Unit Safety and Health Manager/Coordinator and the Forest
Program Lead Coordinator/Instructor shall schedule and coordinate
training and certification.

The initial certification of C Certifiers is conducted under the
supervision of an independent consultant sawyer and a Forest Service C
Certifier. The independent consultant sawyer serves as an evaluator who
recommends certification.

-   C Certifiers need to be recertified every 3 years.

The initial certification of C Sawyers is conducted by a C Certifier.
This can be a Regional or Forest Program Lead Coordinator/Instructor
(who is a C Certifier).

-   C Sawyers need to be recertified every 3 years.

Regional and Forest Program Lead Coordinator/Instructors (who are C
Certifiers) can recertify C sawyers and C Certifiers.

All Regional and Forest Coordinators/Instructors need to be recertified
at the C level every 3 years by a C Certifier and evaluated by an
independent, consultant sawyer.

*[QUALIFICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION]{.underline}*

**CHANGED:** All saw operators are not necessarily expert sawyers. A
Certifier needs to identify operating limitations or modifications of
Class A and B and C sawyers on the reverse side of the certification
card when appropriate. Limitations should refer to saw operations such
as \"limbing only,\" \"bucking only,\" \"limbing and bucking only,\" or
\"brushing only.\" The *Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Evaluation Form* has
specific information to be used for certification purposes.

**Class A**--Basic saw operators using saws for felling and bucking are
limited to smaller diameter material and lower cutting/sawing
complexity. Certification is primarily limited to brushing and bucking
activities. The instructor certifying the operator shall set the size
and complexity of the material. Minimum requirements include the
successful completion of the MTDC *Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training
Course* or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Course *S-212
Wildland Fire Chain Saws* training program. Supplemental course
materials for saw operations can also be used in addition but not as a
substitute.

Minimum training shall include classroom instruction on Forest Service
policy and operational procedures. Additional field training will be
determined by the instructor, based on previous experience and field
examination of trainee.

The course is performance or skill based and can be MODIFIED to meet the
specific project needs based on the complexity of the saw assignment.

-   Classroom (classroom may be in the field) instruction: The
    instructor shall introduce and review Forest Service policy and
    procedures, proper maintenance and care of a saw, and the use of
    applicable safety equipment.

-   In the field, training will focus on the hands-on sawyer practices
    of felling, brush cutting, and bucking of small diameter, low
    complexity materials. At the end of the course, the students will be
    required to pass certification from a Forest Service Program
    Certifier/Instructor. To tailor the certification to specific work
    applications, the certifier may modify the certification at the
    request of the operator\'s immediate supervisor.

**CLASS B**--For Class B certification, intermediate saw operators using
saws for felling and bucking are required to complete the MTDC *Chain
Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course* or the National Wildfire
Coordinating Group *S-212 Wildland Fire Chain Saws* training program
(for fire operations). Supplemental materials can be used in addition
but not as substitutes. Class B operator certification includes skills
in felling, bucking, and brush cutting of materials up to 24 inches in
diameter. The course is performance or skill based and can be MODIFIED
to meet specific project needs based on the complexity of the saw
assignment.

-   Classroom (can be field classroom) instruction with review of Forest
    Service policy and procedures as well as proper personal protective
    equipment.

Class B sawyers can conduct training for Class A and B sawyers if a
Class C sawyer or certifier signs off on the certification to perform
this function. Class B sawyers successful at training Class A and B
sawyers should be considered for advancement to Class C Sawyer
certification.

**Class C**--As certified, advanced saw operators are considered skilled
in complex sawing operations such as felling, bucking, etc.

-   NOTE restrictions or modifications on the sawyer's certification
    card.

*[RECERTIFICATION]{.underline}*

**CHANGED:** All recertifications are valid for THREE years. Minimum
recertification requirements include:

-   Classroom (can be a classroom in the field) review covering policy
    (the *Health and* *Safety Code Handbook*, Emergency Evacuation
    procedures, the JHA, and situational awareness).

    -   May involve applicable safety films (or other materials) and
        regional/forest statistics on saw incidents/accidents.

-   Hands-on field review involving the Certifier will require that the
    operator perform work with material relevant to the certification.

*[CLASS OF CERTIFICATION]{.underline}*

**ADDED:** Supplemental course materials for saw operations can also be
used in addition but not as a substitute (for what?).

**Class A**--Class A operator certification is primarily limited to
brushing and bucking activities. The instructor certifying the operator
shall set the size of material smaller in diameter and lower in
complexity. Minimum training requirements include classroom instruction
on Forest Service policy and procedures. Additional field training will
be determined by the instructor based on previous experience and the
field examination of the trainee.

The training course is performance or skill based and can be MODIFIED to
meet the specific project needs and the complexity of the saw
assignment.

-   Classroom (classroom may be in the field) instruction shall last 2
    to 4 hours. The instructor will introduce and review Forest Service
    policy and procedures, proper maintenance and care of a saw, and the
    use of applicable safety equipment.

-   In the field, training will focus on hands-on operation of the saw
    in the practices of felling, brush cutting, and bucking of small
    diameter material of low complexity. At the end of the course, the
    students will be required to pass certification from a Forest
    Service Program Certifier/Instructor. The certifier may restrict the
    certification at the request of the operator\'s immediate supervisor
    to tailor the certification to specific work applications.

**Class B**--MODIFIED to be consistent with requirements for Class A

**Class C**--MODIFIED to be consistent with requirements for Class B

**ADDED:** In the field, training will focus on hands-on operation of
saws in the practice of brushing, bucking, and felling of materials. At
the end of the course, the student will be required to be CERTIFIED by
two C Certifiers or one C Certifier and EVALUATED by an independent
consultant sawyer.

**ADDED:** *[PROCESS FOR SAW PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION]{.underline}*

NEED wide notification about C Certification training for crosscut
sawyers and a current list of Regional Saw coordinators.

*[PROGRAM MONITORING AND EVALUATION]{.underline}*

MOVED responsibilities for appropriate positions to the responsibility
section, left "a through j" in this section.

*[SPECIALITY CHAIN SAW AND CROSSCUT SAW OPERATIONS
(Reserved)]{.underline}*

NEED requirements for use of saws when tree climbing, power trimming
with a pole saw, etc. Scott Bushman has info on arborist training.

-   Contact Scott Bushman @

*[ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION]{.underline}*

The Forest Saw Program Coordinator needs to be involved in
investigations of saw accidents resulting in serious injuries. The
Regional Saw Program Coordinator needs to be involved in investigations
of saw accidents resulting in fatalities. Dan Castillo has a checklist
(for what?).

-   Contact Dan Castillo @