Chainsaw training is an advanced training for Early Response Team members. A special credential will be issued by the Conference Disaster Response Committee to participants who successfully complete the training.

Participants will be expected to provide their own steel toed shoes and approved gloves.  The cost of training will include the purchase of an approved chainsaw helmet, which will be provided at the time of training. The Conference will provide chaps as well as saws and other equipment. Registration is open but priority will be given to those who have current ERT credentials. Those with out-of-date credentials or who have not yet taken ERT training will be accepted on a space available basis but will not receive chain saw credentials until they receive current ERT Credentials.  

Rio Texas Conference Chainsaw Protocols

Chainsaw Training is done by the Rio Texas Conference. The following protocols are established relative to chainsaw operation by Early Response Teams. 

  1. Only trained chainsaw operators may operate chainsaws.

  2. A current ERT Badge is required in order to be trained as a chainsaw operator.

  3. Chainsaw operators must be at least 18 years old. (This is the minimum age for ERT members.)

  4. Chainsaw operators must complete the conference chainsaw training including the following elements:
    a. Classroom instruction in chain saw safety, maintenance, operation and cutting
    procedures.
    b. Field demonstrations of chainsaw operation and cutting procedures by qualified instructors.
    c. Hands on instruction for volunteers in chainsaw operation and cutting procedures.

  5. Operators must use all personal protective equipment including helmet, ear protection, eye protection, steel toed shoes, protective chaps, and approved gloves when operating a chain saw.

  6. Only Conference owned or approved chain saws may be used.

  7. A Permission to Enter Property and Liability Waiver must be signed by the property owner before a chain saw crew can work on a site.

  8. Each chainsaw operator must sign a Liability Waiver before deploying on a chain saw team.

  9. Each chainsaw crew must have a designated safety officer who will monitor safety procedures on the work site.

  10. Chainsaw crews must abide by all ERT protocols adopted by the Conference Disaster Response Committee.

    CHAINSAW CLASS IS PENDING CONFIRMATION

    OF INSTRUCTOR AND SITE-STAY TUNED !

ERT Skid steer training is a specialized training for Early Response Team members. A special credential will be issued by the Conference Disaster Response Committee to participants who successfully complete the training. In order to maintain currency, each person trained must operate the skid steer at least one time every three years. Failure to do so will require retraining. The Conference will make every effort to provide opportunities for “seat time” to those who have been trained.

When skidsteer training is available, an e-mail notification will go out to announce the class.  Class size is limited to 6 people per session and registration will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.  Class sessions will be three hours and 1/2 hrs. in duration. 

THE NEXT SKID STEER TRAINING IS MARCH 23, 2024 IN KERRVILLE

Choose one of the two time sessions : 8:30 - 12 noon or 12:30 - 4:00 pm