About this course

Build your skills in safe pole saw operation

A pole saw allows you to trim hard-to-reach branches while keeping within safe operating limits. This one-day, hands-on course will teach you how to prepare and operate a fuel or battery-powered pole saw, use correct trimming techniques and help protect tree health while pruning.

You’ll learn how to:

  • understand work health and safety (WHS) requirements for pole saw operations
  • assess trees and identify branches suitable for trimming
  • prepare a pole saw for safe operation
  • safely trim high branches within the equipment’s safe height and angle limits
  • trim excess branches to support healthy tree growth and minimise damage.

Whether you work in land management, property maintenance or a related industry, this course will help you develop practical skills to trim branches safely and effectively.

Is this course right for me?

Before registering, check that this course suits you. You’ll need to be at least 16 years old and have prior competency in Trim and Cut Felled Trees, which is a prerequisite for this course. You’ll also need to be physically able to lift, carry and operate equipment across uneven or rugged terrain. The course involves practical outdoor activities, so you should be comfortable standing, bending, kneeling and reaching for extended periods, as well as handling moderate loads. You’ll need to follow safety instructions and use the required personal protective equipment. If you meet these requirements and want to build your pole saw operating skills, click on the register now button.

At a glance:

Location: Statewide
Course duration: 1 day
Start date: Multiple intakes
Number of units: 1
Indicative fees: $360 GST-free
Accredited Course: Yes

Details

  • Prepare for trimming
  • Assess trees
  • Trim trees
  • Conduct operator maintenance

$360 GST-free

  • WHS requirements
  • Identify operational hazards and control measures
  • Pole saw design, components, servicing and chain sharpening
  • Start-up and shut-down procedures
  • Assessing trees for trimming requirements
  • Trimming requirements

  • Participants are provided with the Workspace Training’s Chainsaw Operation: Beginner to Advanced manual.
  • This course is delivered using both indoor and outdoor instruction.

Participants must:

  • Have successfully completed Trim and Cut Felled Trees prior to attending this course (proof of prerequisite qualification required).
  • Be 16 years of age or older.
  • Have the physical strength, stamina, and overhead mobility to lift, carry, hold, and maneuver extended fuel or battery-powered pole saws across uneven or rugged terrain.
  • Be physically capable of standing, bending, kneeling, and reaching overhead for extended periods while supporting elevated tool weight and managing vibration.
  • Supply and wear full mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during practical activities (including cut-resistant chaps/trousers, steel-cap boots, safety helmet with face shield and hearing protection, eye protection, and heavy-duty gloves).
  • Not have disqualifying medical conditions that could impair balance, shoulder/arm strength, overhead reach, vision, or spatial judgment.
  • Strictly follow Work Health and Safety (WHS) directives and instructor safety commands.
Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Capability Requirements

To complete this course successfully, participants will need:

  • Reading: Interpreting pole saw manufacturer manuals, operating height/angle limits, chain maintenance specifications, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and pruning guidelines.
  • Writing: Completing pre-operational equipment checklists, risk assessment forms (Job Safety Analysis / Take 5), and job hazard logs.
  • Numeracy: Assessing working heights and safe angle limits, calculating overhead clearance distances, measuring branch diameters, and mixing 2-stroke fuel ratios where fuel-powered units are used).
  • Oral Communication & Hearing: Communicating effectively with ground crew and spotters, maintaining clear situational awareness of falling overhead debris, and obeying immediate verbal safety cues.
  • Digital Literacy: Basic computer or smartphone skills.

This course is mapped to the following national unit of competency,



Additional Information

For information on students rights and responsibilities, and the Tocal College Code of Practice see Industry qualification student policies.



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