| The following documents are for event coordinators, organizers, and instructors holding a PCTA saw training. You can find the PCTA saw program policy, instructor evaluation forms, the classroom presentation, and more. If you have questions about any of the documents, please contact Ian Nelson, PCTA’s Saw Program Coordinator, at [email protected]. |
 Photo by Barbara McLean |
Program Foundation Documents
| PCTA Saw Program Policy | Overview of the PCTA Saw Training and Certification Program. Updated November 2017. |
| PCTA Saw Program Vision and Purpose | Vision and purpose statements for PCTA Saw Program crafted by PCTA volunteers and staff. December 2018. |
| PCTA Saw Program Approval Letter | This letter recognizes the PCTA Saw Program as an approved cooperator saw program which meets the requirements of FSM 2358. Updated February 2018. |
| USFS Saw Program Policy Word | PDF |
US Forest Service Manual that establishes consistent National training, evaluation, and certification requirements for the use of chain saws and crosscut saws by employees, volunteers, training consultants, and cooperators on National Forest System lands. Updated July 2016. |
| USFS Saw Operations Guide |
US Forest Service guide (v. 1.3.2) that defines common terms and definitions and identifies implementation standards for chain saw and crosscut use by Forest Service employees, volunteers, training consultants and cooperators. Updated February 2017. |
| VSI Teaching Tool Kit | List of items that make up PCTA’s teaching tool kit, which facilitate a saw training course both in the classroom and field. Updated March 2020. |
| VSI Course Checklist | Checklist of items required to facilitate the classroom portion of a saw training course. Updated September 2019. |
| OHLEC Field Guide Card | OHLEC cards to be distributed to saw attendees. Updated March 2020. |
| Complexity Hazard Chart | Complexity Hazard Chart corresponding to OHLEC. Updated March 2020. |
| Saw Certification Card | A certification card is valid only when signed and distributed by designated PCTA staff. Certification cards will be distributed to saw training attendees once they have submitted current First Aid and CPR certification and successfully completed an official PCTA saw training under an approved instructor. Updated April 2018. |
| Saw Training Course Application Word | PDF |
The application template for the PCTA saw training. Applications will typically be offered through an online form located on the PCTA website. Updated March 2020. |
| Class Sign-in Sheet and Report Form | Sign-in sheet and report form for students and instructors. Record travel and prep time. Indicate if instructors are volunteers, agency partners, or nonprofit staff. Updated March 2018. |
| VSI Recruitment Process | This document outlines key steps in recruiting and enrolling a sawyer as a Volunteer Saw Instructor-in-Training. Updated May 2020. |
| VSI Mentor Responsibilities | Coaching actions of a VSI-T Mentor, to ensure Volunteer Saw Instructor-in-Training success. Updated May 2020. |
| VSI-T Expectations | A catalog of what will be expected of a Volunteer Saw Instructor-in-Training. Updated May 2020. |
PowerPoint Presentation
| “Saw Training for Volunteer Sawyers” Presentation (PPT) | Entire PowerPoint presentation for the classroom portion of the saw training. Provides a program overview as well as initial saw safety, knowledge and skills. Updated March 2020. |
| Saw Safety Procedures (PDF) | Portion of PowerPoint presentation in PDF format covering saw safety program, requirements, and situational awareness. Updated March 2020. |
| Bind Analysis & Cutting (PDF) | Portion of PowerPoint presentation in PDF format covering types of binds, types of cuts, general considerations, and hazard tree scenario. Updated March 2020. |
| Crosscut Saw Specific Training (PDF) | Portion of PowerPoint presentation in PDF format covering crosscut saw tools, parts, maintenance, use, and safety. Updated March 2020. |
| Chain Saw Specific Training (PDF) | Portion of PowerPoint presentation in PDF format covering chain saw components, maintenance, use, and safety. Updated March 2020. |
| Additional Chain Saw Maintenance and Filing (PDF) | Portion of PowerPoint presentation in PDF format covering additional chain saw maintenance and filing techniques. March 2020. |
| Saw Lessons Learned (PDF) | Portion of PowerPoint presentation in PDF format covering the Lessons Learned. March 2020. |
Crosscut or Chain Saw-Specific Documents
| Crosscut Saw Field Evaluation Form Word | PDF | Saw operator field evaluation form for crosscut saw (bucking only). Updated January 2018. |
| Crosscut Saw Initial Certification Quiz | Saw training attendees seeking their initial crosscut saw certification are required to fill out the quiz prior to the training and and bring it with them. Updated September 2019. |
| Crosscut Tools Checklist | Tools and items needed for crosscut saw training and testing. Updated February 2020. |
| Chainsaw Field Evaluation Form Word | PDF | Saw operator field evaluation form for chain saw (bucking only). Updated January 2018. |
| Chain Saw Initial Certification Quiz | Saw training attendees seeking their initial chain saw certification are required to fill out the quiz prior to the training and and bring it with them. Updated September 2019. |
| Chain Saw Tools Checklist | Tools and items needed for chain saw training and testing. Updated February 2020. |