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N602 Chainsaw: Maintenance & Cross Cutting (NPORS)

This practical NPORS N602 Chainsaw: Maintenance & Cross Cutting course teaches safe use, daily maintenance, and cross-cutting techniques. Candidates learn how to select the right saw and PPE, carry out pre-use checks, sharpen and maintain chains and guide bars, recognise tension/compression, and operate safely in line with legislation and industry best practice. The course ends with theory and practical assessment.

 

Who should attend?
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  • New or occasional users who need formal training and assessment

  • Operatives who need an NPORS Operator Card for compliance/site access

  • Employers upskilling grounds, estates, landscaping or utilities teams

  • Operators due a refresher (skills update and re-test)

Lumberjack Cutting Down Trees

Course Objectives

By the end of training, candidates will be able to:

  • Explain industry hazards and operator responsibilities

  • Use the manufacturer’s handbook and identify major components

  • Identify key controls and explain their functions

  • Service and maintain the saw; sharpen/adjust the chain with the correct equipment

  • Complete pre-operational checks to manufacturer and legal requirements

  • Select a suitable machine and ancillary tools for the task

  • Identify, wear and maintain PPE for chainsaw work

  • Carry out site/work-area safety checks and environmental considerations

  • Operate the saw safely and efficiently; recognise tension vs compression when cutting

  • Store, transport and handle fuel/saw correctly; manage arisings/disposal

  • Complete end-of-shift and shutdown procedures

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Duration

  • Novice course: 2 days (max training ratio 4:1:1; max 4 novice tests) NPORS

  • Refresher testing: Up to 4 tests

  • Experienced worker test: N/A for this category

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Location

Bowtec Training Facility or 
On-Site (subject to suitability assessment)

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  • Successful candidates receive an NPORS Operator Card (Traditional or CSCS-affiliated, depending on requirements).

  • Traditional NPORS Card: typically 3–5 years validity. 

  • NPORS CSCS Card: commonly 2 years, renewable upon achieving the relevant NVQ

Certification Validity

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Other Information

Do I need previous chainsaw experience?
No. The novice course is suitable for beginners. If you’re already experienced and just need a refresher/retest, we can arrange that.

What happens if I fail?
If you don’t pass the theory test, you can usually re-sit it soon after. If you fail the practical, we’ll schedule a retest once any gaps are addressed.

What do I need to bring?
A valid photo ID (passport or driving licence). Wear appropriate PPE (chainsaw-rated trousers, boots, gloves, eye/face and hearing protection, helmet). We supply the saw and consumables for centre-based courses; on-site courses can use client equipment if suitable.

Is this a training course or just a test?
It’s a full training course with theory and practical instruction followed by assessment. (Note: there is no stand-alone “experienced worker test” option listed by NPORS for N602.)

Can Bowtec deliver this at our site?
Yes. Provided you have a safe work area, suitable timber for cross-cutting, and compliant PPE/equipment. We’ll advise on requirements.

How long does the card last?
Traditional NPORS cards are typically issued for 3–5 years. NPORS CSCS cards are usually 2 years and renewed via the relevant NVQ route

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