Chainsaw operating cadre established

0 Photo

Chainsaws are potentially dangerous machines that can cause major injury if used by untrained people. The Occupational Safety & Health Ordinance and subsidiary legislation require anyone who uses a chainsaw at work to have received adequate training and be competent in its use for that type of work.

Police officers from the Emergency Unit, Police Tactical Unit (PTU) and Traffic units are often confronted with the need to arrange for the emergency clearance of fallen trees. Obviously it would be far more efficient if the Force had trained operators within its own ranks.

With that in mind, a cadre of 32 officers taken from those units underwent chainsaw training at PTU. Prior to that, the Force had obtained suitable personal protective equipment, to protect officers from the health risks associated with the use of chainsaws (hearing, eye, head, leg and feet protection). Specialist instructors organised by the Occupational Safety and Health Council conducted the training. The one-day intensive course consisted of a lecture, practical training and a written examination.

All candidates successfully completed the training and passed the examination. As a result the Force procedures for emergency clearance of fallen trees can now be amended to provide enhanced service to the public.