Land based Activities » Safe Use of Hedge Trimmers Training Courses

Locations: Dartmoor.

Course Aim

To meet the assessment criteria by displaying a level of underpinning knowledge and practical performance to comply with safe working practices.

Course Objectives

Unit 1 (Compulsory)

After completing the course the successful candidate will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge of legal and safety requirements relating to the use or movement of powered machinery on or near the public highway or areas of public access
• Demonstrate knowledge of Statutory guarding requirements, appropriate safety clothing and protective equipment
• Demonstrate loading the machine and materials
• Demonstrate either : Working with electrical equipment in outdoor situations (For Electrically powered hedge trimmers only) OR Fuel Storage and transportation requirements (For spark ignition powered or tractor mounted hedge trimmers only)
• Carry out pre-start checks, identify instruments, controls and safety decals
• Demonstrate knowledge of Risk Assessment, possible risks, hazards and warning signs and barriers

Unit 2 (Optional)

After completing the course the successful candidate will be able to operate Hand Held Powered Hedge Trimmers and be able to:

• Carry out routine maintenance tasks, fuel or connect power to the machine, test start machine and operate the Hedge Trimmer
• Demonstrate knowledge of reasons for cleaning the Hedge Trimmer, the need for inspection after use and leaving the site tidy

Unit 3 (Optional)

After completing the course the successful candidate will be able to operate Tractor Mounted Hedge Trimmers and be able to:

• Carry out routine maintenance, check trimmers attachment to tractor and demonstrate knowledge of attachment process
• Fuel tractor observing safety precautions, test start tractor and hedge trimmer and operate hedge trimmer, negotiate obstacles
• Demonstrate knowledge of cleaning the hedge trimmer and reasons for cleaning, the need for inspection after use and leaving the work area tidy

Unit 4 (Optional)

After completing the course the successful candidate will be able to operate a Tractor Mounted Verge Mower and be able to;

• Carry out routine maintenance, check verge mowers attachment to tractor and demonstrate knowledge of attachment process
• Fuel tractor observing safety precautions, test start tractor and mower and operate verge mower, negotiate obstacles
• Demonstrate knowledge of cleaning the verge mower and reasons for cleaning, the need for inspection after use and leaving the work area tidy
• Demonstrate knowledge of the most suitable time(s) of the year to undertake this operation and why

Unit 5 (Optional)

After completing the course the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the Principals of Hedgerow Maintenance and will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the functions of hedgerows, environmental benefits, constraints, maintenance and reasons for maintenance through trimming and/or hedge laying
• Demonstrate knowledge of different hedge shapes, and benefits
• Demonstrate knowledge of different hedge cutting mechanisms , suitability of equipment, timing of hedge trimming and knowledge of the factors affecting frequency.
• Demonstrate knowledge of establishment and maintenance of hedgerow trees
• Demonstrate knowledge of the results of inappropriate maintenance of hedgerows

Certification & Assessment

The Candidates are assessed on either Units 1 and 2 (certificate endorsed “Hand Held Powered Hedge Trimmer”)
Or Units 1 and 3 (certificate endorsed “Tractor Mounted Hedge Trimmer”)
Or Units 1 and 4 (certificate endorsed “Tractor Mounted Verge Mower”)

Certification
NPORS

Course Duration

2 Days