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The chainsaw license, also known as a chainsaw license, is mandatory for certain activities. We have put together the most important information about courses, obligations and costs for you.
In a nutshell
- Obligation to have a chainsaw license outside of your own property
- also necessary for neighborhood help
- Distinction between "small" note (firewood note) and "large" note
- Minimum requirements specified by DGUV Information 214-059
- Minimum age 18 years
Is a chainsaw license compulsory?
In a nutshell: As soon as you want to carry out work with a chainsaw outside your own property, you must obtain a chainsaw or motor saw license. This means that you can work in your own garden or in the woods without a permit. However, as soon as you want to work on public land or third-party land or on third-party property, you must be able to prove that you have completed the relevant training course together with proof in the form of a chainsaw license. This is the case, for example, if you want to saw firewood or fell trees in the forest or at the neighbor's. Proof is also mandatory for certain professions (e.g. woodworker or forester).
Notice: Although the chainsaw license is not mandatory on your own property, it is still useful. You will not only learn safety-relevant information on the correct use of the chainsaw, but also various cutting techniques in theory and practice.
courses
Colloquially, one often speaks of the "small" and "large" chainsaw license. The "small" course, officially known as "simple chainsaw license" or "firewood license", consists of a module in which
- the sawing of lying wood
- the felling of so-called weak wood (up to a breast-height diameter of 20 centimeters)
is mediated. This basic course, which usually lasts one to two days, is often referred to as "Module A" and is split into two modules (= courses) by some providers.
Building on this, you can complete "Module B" in which you will learn these skills:
- Felling trees with a diameter of up to 25 centimeters at breast height
- Sawing and processing of these trees
For the so-called "big chain saw license" you also need "Module C", which teaches how to work with chain saws in work baskets. The “Big Chainsaw Certificate” covers a total period of five days.
course content
The minimum requirements for the chainsaw courses are specified by the German statutory accident insurance in DGUV Information 214-059. In addition, the course content varies slightly from provider to provider, but the following content is always covered:
- Accident prevention regulations
- Importance and components of personal protective equipment
- relevant safety equipment on the chainsaw
- Function, structure, care and maintenance of the chainsaw
- handling of supplies
- Processing of lying wood
- different cutting techniques
- Detection of dangerous wood tension
In addition, the courses are always split into a theoretical and a practical part. The "small" chainsaw license usually includes modules A and B, which are completed in eight to 16 hours (i.e. one to two days). Courses for professional use usually last several days.
Notice: If you want to carry out so-called hazardous felling, you need additional certificates. You can acquire these in advanced courses.
providers
There are a large number of providers where you can complete the desired certificate:
- Hardware stores (usually just “firewood bills”)
- Supplier of garden and forest machines
- Manufacturer of chainsaws
- forestry and hunting operations
- nurseries
- state forest administrations (not in all federal states)
- local forest offices
- fire Department
- DEKRA
- MOT
When choosing a provider, make sure that it is certified by forestry associations or chain saw manufacturers.
Notice: Sometimes online courses are also offered. However, since the prescribed practical part is missing here, these courses are often not recognized for the desired certificate.
costs
The costs for the course and certificate vary depending on the provider and the scope of the course. For the "small firewood ticket", which consists of modules A and B, fall on average about 100 EUR but can also be cheaper or more expensive. for every additional module you have to come with me about 300 to 400 EUR calculate.
Tip: If, on the other hand, you want to acquire the certificates as part of an apprenticeship or professional activity, the employer usually assumes the costs.
prerequisites and requirements
In order to take a chainsaw course and acquire the desired certificates, you must fulfill certain obligations:
- Minimum age 18 years
- mental health
- presence of protective equipment
saw helmet
The protective equipment consists of
- saw protection pants
- Saw helmet with face and hearing protection
- saw protection shoes
and is provided by some providers. You should find out more about this before booking the course.
Notice: In exceptional cases, the chainsaw license can be obtained from the age of 16. However, this only applies to trainees (e.g. in forestry or in tree nurseries) for which proof is part of the training.
frequently asked Questions
Do I need a chainsaw license if I just want to help the neighbor?Even if you "just want to help the neighbors", obtaining a chainsaw license is mandatory, after all you will not be doing this work on your own property. Even if you don't fear reporting, the consequences can be devastating. If, for example, an accident occurs and there is damage to property or even personal injury, you are not insured without proof and have to pay for the damage yourself - if it gets really bad, this can even ruin you financially.
What happens if I saw firewood in the forest without a chainsaw license?If it is your own forest, nothing happens. If, on the other hand, you want to cut down trees and/or firewood in a public forest, forest owners and forest offices always want to see the corresponding permit. After all, in the event of an accident, they would be the ones who would be legally prosecuted and responsible for damages. If you are still out and about in the forest without a license and are caught, this will cost you a fine of up to EUR 500.
How long is the chainsaw license valid?The period of validity is not stipulated by law and can therefore vary. As a rule, a certificate once acquired is valid indefinitely, provided that it was completed for private use. Other rules often apply to professionally or commercially required certificates, which usually have to be acquired again within three years or the knowledge demonstrably refreshed. Sometimes, however, the validity of the privately acquired certificate can only be valid for a limited time. You can obtain the relevant information from the respective course provider.