When
September 03, 2026
Time
8:00am - 4:00pm EST
Contact Hours
8
Location
Marshall Center (Band Room)
8800 Courthouse Rd
Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22553
Description
Chainsaws are powerful tools that can make quick work of cutting and tree removal—but they can also cause serious injuries when used improperly. This course provides practical guidance for anyone who operates or works around chainsaws, from professional crews and public works employees to contractors, property owners, and homeowners. Participants will learn to recognize common hazards, use appropriate protective equipment, and apply safe work practices to reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality.
Accident Case Studies:
Real-world accident cases involving chainsaw operations are used to illustrate common hazards and demonstrate how seemingly routine tasks can result in severe injury or fatality.
Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing:
Participants will review the types and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including chainsaw chaps, gloves, hard hats, protective footwear, eye and face protection, hearing protection, and other recommended safety gear.
Chainsaw Safety and Safe Work Practices:
The course provides an in-depth review of chainsaw safety, including selecting the appropriate saw, pre-use inspections, maintenance, proper operating techniques, avoiding kickback, troubleshooting common problems, and safe shutdown and storage practices.
Power Line Hazards:
Working near electrical lines presents serious and potentially fatal risks. Participants will learn about hazards associated with operating chainsaws and removing trees or limbs near overhead power lines, including how tree limbs and equipment can become pathways for high-voltage electricity.
Other Worksite and Environmental Hazards:
Chainsaw operations involve hazards beyond the saw itself. Topics include heat stress, lightning, poisonous plants, insects and bees, uneven terrain, and other environmental and jobsite hazards that may be encountered during chainsaw work.
By the end of the course, participants will have a better understanding of chainsaw-related hazards and practical strategies for working safely, recognizing dangerous conditions, and reducing the risk of injury—whether on the job or at home.
Instructor
Tony DeCresie
Tony DeCresie brings a very diverse and extensive background spanning numerous industries and businesses – working with both public and private entities. He is a nationally recognized and awarded training manager with several different organizations over the past 25 years.
Tony’s primary area of focus revolves around transportation, highway & road work site safety training and heavy equipment operations safety.
Summary of Qualifications:
Ex-DOT Certified Safety Manager
Previous minority owner of Long Haul Trucking Business
Previous Director of Dump Truck Fleet Operations in private sector
CDL & Highway Road Work Site Safety Operations
Heavy Equipment Operations Management
Well versed in broad spectrum of OSHA and DOT Safety Training Topics
Freight Brokerage Association – Director of Training
Development of In-House Safety Training Programs
Trailering and Load Securement
Roadside Inspections, DOT Compliance Audits and Fleet Safety.
Excavation & Trenching Safety (Competent Person Certification)
Asphalt and Paving Operations
Road and Bridge Maintenance Operations and Safety
Public Works Operations Safety
Registration and Payment
The following registration fees cover the session, all course materials and meals:
Local Government: $85.00
State/Federal: $140.00
Private Industry: $325.00
Click here for UVA TTA's general registration information, cancellation policy, and refund policy. UVA TTA accepts the following credit cards: American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. Credit card information cannot be taken over the phone. Alternatively, after registering you can print out a voucher to send in with your payment. After you have completed the transaction you will receive an automatically generated email confirming registration and payment if applicable. Final confirmation and instructions will be sent out during the week prior to the class date.
Special Registration Instructions for Employees of the Virginia Department of Transportation
VDOT employees must register through the VDOT Virtual Campus. Registration fees and related expenses for all VDOT employees will be paid from the VDOT Learning Services Center budget. Registrants should contact their District Training Coordinator or the VDOT Learning Services Center (Central Office employees) for instructions on how to seek reimbursement for travel expenses.
Due to current travel restrictions, VDOT employees are strongly encouraged to attend U. Va. TTA workshops on a day trip basis. Overnight travel requires permission from your District Administrator or Chief -- and in some cases higher levels of authority. If you require overnight lodging to attend a U. Va. TTA workshop, consult with your supervisor, District Training Coordinator, or VDOT Learning Services Center on travel approval procedures.