Interesting Information & Technical Tips and Links
A Plus Training Solutions - Change of Training Recognition Effective January 2021. "Certificates of Competency "
"This is to advise that, as of 1st January 2022 A Plus Training Solutions Pty Ltd will no longer provide "Statements of Attainment" as recognition of training / assessment to participants on completion of our training courses. For the last twelve (12) years we have delivered our quality, specialised training services, the vast majority of which resulted in AQF, nationally recognised "Statements of Attainment" (issued in partnership with Equip-Safe RTO #0846) within the Vocational Educational Training (VET) System. After twelve (12) years providing training within the VET system we have become frustrated and somewhat disillusioned with the ever more intrusive compliance requirements and constant changes to the "Units of Competency" that our training aligns to. This has resulted in many of these units becoming very procedurally heavy and in my opinion, has diluted their relevance to the actual task skills and knowledge. After much consideration, we have decided that we now need to provide more meaningful training than is currently possible within the constraints of the VET system. For this reason, despite the exceptional working relationship with the great people at Equip-Safe, we have decided to make this change to cease (on good terms), our partnership with Equip-Safe and leave the VET system.What Now:
A Plus Training Solutions Pty Ltd will continue to provide the same high quality, focussed training courses that we have been providing for the last twelve (12) years. By leaving the VET system, we will be less inhibited to adjust our courses to concentrate on more relevant, targeted skills and knowledge for our course participants and so better meet client / industry training needs. Recognition of Training: From 1st January 2022 recognition of course completion will be "Certificates of Competency" (still able to meet OHS act compliance requirements) to those participants / organisations needing tangible evidence of training. Our wish is to continue to serve all our clients within our new format, however, we understand and regret that this new direction may not suit some of our clients. For those who we will not be able to serve in our new format, we wish you all the very best with fulfilling your future training needs. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our many clients who have made our successful business possible through your support over the last twelve (12) years and look forward to working with you in the years to come.Worksafe W.A. "Quick Cut Safety"
""People using concrete and masonry cutting and drilling equipment face a wide range of hazards, such as silica dust, toxic exhaust fumes, saw kick-back, blade fracture, falling walls, electrocution, vibration, noise, slips, falls and manual handling. Most at risk are operators of hand-held concrete and masonry saws. They are more prone to the violent forces unleashed when a saw blade jams inside a cut than fixed saws. These forces, commonly referred to as kick-back, push-back or pull-in, are difficult and sometimes impossible to control, and place the operator at risk of serious and potentially fatal injury ..................." This new complete, updated 2019, document can be accessed on Worksafe WA website:("Code of Practice CONCRETE AND MASONRY CUTTING AND DRILLING - 2019")
Quick Cut Saw Course Outline
Combined Pole Saw & Tree Pruning Course: 1 day.
A comprehensive, full day course Operate a pole saw & Prune shrubs and small trees.
These 2 courses are a fantastic fit as they are both heavily based on Australian Standard: AS 4373 - 2007 Pruning Amenity Trees.
Trainees will be trained in correct operation and maintenance of pruning tools including pole saws. They will get an opportunity to try out and compare current (petrol powered) and the latest (battery powered) pole saw technology.
Trainees will learn about tree biology and how correct targeted pruning cuts can make a huge difference to a tree's long term health and safety. They will also learn about formative pruning of young trees to achieve strong healthy trees for the long term safety and benefit of the environment.
Level 1 Chainsaw Course: 1 day
For those who want a really comprehensive chainsaw training course for their operational staff, we continue with our 1 day, level 1 chainsaw course which includes Operate and maintain chainsaws as per AS/NZS 2727 - 1997
Contact us for details of this awesome course!
Chainsaw and its related training is our passion and as such we are determined to continue to deliver courses of the highest quality to our clients.
Please feel free to contact me by email or phone if you would like to discuss dates or any other aspect of our training.
WorkSafe WA Safety and health alert 61/99 Employee dies in wood chipper accident
In a tragic incident in WA, "A 16-year-old casual employee received fatal injuries when the in-feed rollers of a mobile trailer-mounted wood chipper drew him into the machine."
This prompted WorkSafe WA to issue a Safety Alert outlining the hazards associated with the use of mobile chipper / mulchers. In their alert WorkSafe have made a number of recommendation for these machines.
Recommendations:
Among other things, in their alert WorkSafe say "
It is necessary to provide a safe system of work and to comply with the appropriate safeguarding of machinery standards. General safety principles must be observed including:
- Develop written work procedures based on a safe system of work and the manufacturer's recommendations for the particular machine.
- It is imperative that operators are competent through adequate training, instruction and appropriate supervision prior to and when using the machine."
Check out our course outline (Operate Mobile Chipper / Mulcher Course)
Work Cover NSW Hand Held Cutting Saw SAFETY ALERT
 web.jpg "Quick Cut Saws are subject to extreme kickback hazards")
In a recent incident in NSW, "a worker was severely injured when he lost control of a hand-held concrete saw, resulting in it striking him on the shoulder and cutting his neck."
This prompted WorkCover NSW to issue a Safety Alert outlining the hazards associated with the use of hand held cutting saws (particularly when used to cut concrete). In their alert WorkCover say that when a hand-held saw is rotating, reactive forces can occur causing the operator to lose control of the saw resulting in the possibility of serious or fatal injuries......Action Required: WorksCover states....."Operators must be given training and instruction on the safe use of hand-held concrete saws" There are some simple ways to avoid this problem.....(Check out our course outline (Hand Held Concrete Cutting Saw Course)
Cutting Poly Pipe with a Chainsaw
 web.jpg "Cutting Poly Pipe with a chainsaw presents some unique hazards")
 web.jpg "technique is critical when cutting poly pipe with a chainsaw")
In addition to our traditional forest, arborist and council clients, a growing part of our chainsaw safety training is now being delivered to chainsaw operators cutting medium to large diameter poly pipe in the mining and irrigation industries. From this involvement, we have developed a good working knowledge of what works and what doesn't when it comes to cutting this material.
Problem 1: Chain Stretch: To avoid contamination of the material paraffin is used instead of chain/bar oil. Paraffin has very poor lubricating qualities which leads to chain stretch as a major issue. To reduce the chain stretch it is important to use the best cutter type for the job and to ensure it is kept as sharp as possible. Square / Full Chisel chain works best as it feeds into the poly better and so requires less down force to make it cut.
Problem 2: Engine Heat Seizure: Another problem with poly pipe is where the poly chips are drawn into the cooling system of the saw. They melt onto the hot cylinder fins, clogging them up. This can result in the saw overheating and costly engine damage. There are some simple ways to avoid this problem.....Download and print off this complete document by following this link: (Tips for Cutting Poly Pipe with a Chainsaw")
Cut Poly Pipe with a Chainsaw Course Outline
Worksafe W.A. "Chainsaw Safety"
"A chainsaw in untrained hands is a lethal weapon. Most injuries are deep gashes to the hands, knees, feet and head..................." This complete document can be accessed on Worksafe WA website:(Worksafe WA "Chainsaw Essentials")
"Ring Saw" Safety and Tips
In order to increase the depth of cut when cutting concrete, as an alternative to the standard Quick Cut Saw the Ring Saw was initially developed by Partner as the K950 Ring Saw, (and now continues as Husqvarna's K960 and K970 -Ring Saws). The advantage of the ring saw is its ability to cut much deeper than a standard cut off saw. (eg. 14" ring saw can cut to a depth of 260mm, compared to a 16" quick cut only able to cut to a depth of 150mm). In order to achieve this, ring saws utilise a unique peripheral drive system to the ring. While it works well, it cuts much slower than a conventional quick cut saw (around half as fast) , and it is prone to damage if any lateral loads are applied to the ring in use. The best way to maximise the benefits of the ring saw is to use it in conjunction with a standard 16" quick cut saw with a pre-cut blade. Use the, faster cutting, 16" disc to pre cut to 150mm depth, and then complete the cut with the slower but deeper cutting ring saw. Due to the wider cut of the ring saw you will need to use a special pre-cut quick cut blade.Two really good videos can be accessed on the following links:
Video Clip "Partner K950 Ring Saw Operation"
Video Clip "Partner K950 Ring Saw maintenance"
Ring Saw Course Outline
"Quick Cut Saw: Diamond Blade Information"
The Concrete Drilling and Sawing Association is a US based organisation whose Code of Ethics demands that they pursue the highest standards of safety, quality and integrity for this industry. "This article will discuss the use of diamond tools, primarily saw blades, and provide recommendations for their cost-effective use."
("Diamonds Don't Wear...Or Should They?") A great article for anyone in the concrete cutting industry. Well worth a look.
Chainsaw Operator's Manual
Forestworks in cooperation with forest and manufacturer industry experts from all over Australia have put together a very complete chainsaw safety manual covering chainsaw safety, maintenance and cross-cutting techniques. It is aligned to current AQF Units of Competency as well as Australian Standard, AS2727-1997 It can be purchased from CSIRO Publishing at:
(Chainsaw Operators Manual) It is very good and well worth the money!
Manufacturer Publications
Some really good chainsaw usage and safety material is available from the major manufacturer's (US websites mainly). (listed alphabetically)
When accessing this information remember that it will relate to US models which may vary slightly from what comes to Australia. The safety side of things should still be relevant.
Echo has a website where you can access their chainsaw safety manuals as well as operators manuals for each model of chainsaw and quick cut. These can be accessed at:
"Echo Chainsaw Safety and Operators Manuals"
Husqvarna incorporates chainsaw safety and maintenance instructions into their operators manuals for each model of chainsaw and quick cut. These can be accessed at:
"Husqvarna Operators Manuals"
"Chainsaw Sharpening Fact Sheet"
Oregon produces a chainsaw safety and maintenance instruction booklet. This can be accessed at:
"Oregon Maintenance and Safety Manual"
Stihl has a website where you can access chainsaw safety, sharpening and operators manuals for each model of chainsaw and quick cut. These can be accessed at:
"Stihl information library"
Vintage Chainsaws
If you have an interest in old chainsaws, there is a very good website that you should visit. It has a very comprehensive list of old chainsaw makes and models that make it easy to identify, date and get technical information for almost any old saw. It can be accessed at:
"Chainsaw Collectors Corner" It is also very good!
Technical Tips
Why does my chainsaw leak oil? Most chainsaws will leak oil when they are stored. Here is why:
"Why does my chainsaw leak oil?"
