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Brushcutters
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable course members to:
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state and comply with safety and legal requirements of a brushcutter/trimmer, with an emphasis on safe practices, warning signs and guards
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state and identify the correct protective clothing to wear and the standards required perform routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s handbook
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identify faults and defects on a brushcutter/trimmer and decide which the operator can easily remedy, and which should be referred to a specialist engineer
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identify which cutting head to select for the relevant operating conditions
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carry out fuel mixing correctly and be able to start the brushcutter/trimmer from both a hot and a cold condition in a safe manner
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operate the brushcutter/trimmer in a safe manner having regard for the safety of themselves, the public, property and environmental factors
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plan systematic working operations
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use the manufacturer’s instruction book and parts list
The use of the manufacturer’s instruction book is stressed at all times to ensure maintenance and adjustments are carried out to manufacturers’ recommendations.
Who is the Course For?
Any person employed in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping and grounds maintenance who is or will be required to operate brushcutters/trimmers. Inexperienced members may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information supplied.
The course is usually run following the Lantra Integrated Training and Assessment route resulting if successful in the award of a Lantra Awards Certificate of Competence. However, if required the course can make use of the NPTC schedule adhering to performance criteria required for successful completion of the NPTC assessment.
Duration/Format
One or two days depending on experience
Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:6
Course Content
Introduction
Safety/standard markings
Protective clothing
Components and maintenance
Fuelling and starting
Testing the Brushcutter/Trimmer
Checking the Brushcutter/Trimmer
Safe operation in a variety of operating conditions
Round up and conclusions
Equipment required:
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASKED TO BRING:-
Brushcutters/trimmers complying with safety regulations (1 each)
Operators’ instruction book and service manual for all machinery
Notebook and pencil
Ear defenders
Safety goggles and other protective clothing
Fuel in appropriate container for own brushcutter
Tool kit for own brushcutter
Venue
Dry, clean workshop with adequate work benches with light and heating if necessary. Suitable site for practical operation including foliage requiring at least two different cutting heads
Small Engine Maintenance
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable course members to:
understand the basic principles of small engines
identify the basic components of small engines
carry out daily maintenance
carry out safe refueling
carry out pre-start checks
Who is the Course For?
This is a fundamental course designed for ground staff and all persons who operate small engines.
The course can be adapted to suit any range of small machines encountered in land-based industries, to enable swift transfer of learning to the work environment.
An EKT Certificate of Attendance is awarded upon completion of the course.
Duration/Format
One day: 6 hours
NVQ/SVQ Linkage
This course will support learning towards ‘Amenity Horticulture’ NVQ/SVQ units ‘Maintaining Turf’, and ‘Maintaining Safe and Healthy Work Practices’ level 2.
Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:6 Min: 1:3
Course Content
Introduction
Types of small engines
Engine components
Safe handling and transport
Workshop safety
Preparation for maintenance
Fuel
Pre-start checks
Recap
Facilities/Equipment required:
Unless using an equipped workshop, course members will be asked to bring example machines to include petrol 2 and 4 stroke, and diesel. Examples of machines are leaf blowers, hedgetrimmers, brushcutters, small mowers, rotavators
Manufacturers handbooks
Spare parts
Fuel
Oil
If possible, dismantled engines to show workings
Adequate hand tools/equipment
Venue
Warm well lit room with adequate tables and chairs. Workshop with solid level floor and adequate bench space for each course member. Washroom/toilet facilities.
Pedestrian Mowers
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable course members to:
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identify components of mowing machines
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carry out daily/basic routine maintenance
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carry out pre-start checks
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operate the mowing machine safely
Who is the Course For?
This is a fundamental course designed for ground staff and all persons interested in mower operation.
Duration/Format
One day: 6 hours - Best time is between October and March.
Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:6 Min: 1:3
Course Content
Introduction
Safe Handling and transport
Workshop safety
Machine components
Cutter adjustment
Daily maintenance
Transmission systems
Height of cut
Fuel
Practical operation
Final session
Facilities/Equipment required:
Mowers: at least one between two
Manufacturers handbooks for each range of mowers
Spare parts/materials
Fuel Oil
Adequate hand tools / equipment
Venue
Workshop with solid level floor and adequate bench space for each course member.
Suitable outdoor area for practical
Washroom/toilet facilities.
Ride On Mowers
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable candidates to:-
identify the risks associated with the use of ride-on mowers
select appropriate PPE
identify and understand the function of all instruments and controls
carry out daily checks as indicated in the operators manual
carry out pre-start checks
identify and report any faults
adjust the cutting mechanism to acheive the required standard
operate the machine in a safe and competent manner
perform after-use maintenance
understand requirements for travelling on the public road
be able to load and transport the machine (if appropriate)
Who is the course for?
Anyone required to use a ride-on mower as part of their work. This would include novices and experienced operators who require certification or their skills updating.
The course is usually run as a Lantra ITA, and those reaching the required standar will receive a Lantra Certificate of Competence. Alternatively the course can be follwed by the NPTC assessment.
Duration
One or possibly two days, depending on the experience of the candidates and equipment used - extra time will be needed where cylinder or mixed machines are to be covered.
Instructor/candidate ratio
Max 1:4 with at least two machines (one of each type of cutting mechanism)
Course Content
Introduction
Legislation
General Safety Code
Risk Assessment
Types of cutting mechanisms
Controls and instruments
Daily and pre-start checks
Starting and stopping
Safe methods of operation
Working on slopes
Transportation
Operating on the highway
Facilities/Equipment required
Trainees will be asked to bring:-
PPE including safety boots and ear defenders
Passport photos for certificates
Venue:
Workshop facilities
Suitable ground nearby for operating.
If possible, a suitable wash-off area.
HedgeTrimmers
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable course members to:
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Comply with safety and legal requirements, with an emphasis on safe practices, warning signs and guards
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State the recommended protective clothing for safe operation in all conditions
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Carry out all pre-start checks for faulty or dangerous components
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Prepare the area for work
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Plan systematic working operations
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Start up and operate the machine safely, in a range of different conditions
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Use the manufacturer’s instruction book and maintain the machine
Who is the Course For?
This course is for any person who uses, or will be using, a hand held or tractor mounted hedge trimmer
Certificate of Competence in the
Safe Use of Hedge Trimmers
The course can lead to practical assessment of hedge trimmer operation and can be run as a Lantra ITA. This includes pre use checks and maintenance; identification of controls and instruments and operating the machine to trim length of hedge side and top (including around obstacles). Assessment is conducted in the context of either a hand held hedge trimmer or tractor mounted hedge trimmer or tractor mounted, used as verge mower only. Certificate is endorsed accordingly.
Duration/Format
One day
Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:4 (novices) 1:6 (experienced) Min:1:2
Course Content
Legislation
Protective clothing
Safety checks to the machine
Fuels and Lubricants
Starting the machine
Safe operation of the machine
Hedge shapes and cutting techniques
Working on the public highway
Working above the ground level
Maintenance of the machine
Facilities/Equipment required:
Each course member will be required to bring their own Hedgecutter (electric or petrol - please state which), together with instruction manual and tool kit, plus fuel etc as required. PPE.
Venue:
Warm, well lit classroom/workshop and suitable hedging. Course members will not be required to work from height on this course.
Pole Pruners
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable course members to:
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To enable course members to:
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Complete basic environmental checks prior to work operations
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Identify the necessary personal protective equipment required, report on its condition and locate standard markings
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Identify the health and safety features required on a pruning saw
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Identify faults and defects on a pruning saw and cutting equipment and decide which the operator can remedy and which require a service engineer’s attention
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Carry out correctly all routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction book and/or the Lantra Awards workbook
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Prepare the pruning saw for use with the correct fuel/oil mix and chain lubrication
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Start the pruning saw for use with the correct fuel/oil mix and saw chain lubrication
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Carry out pre-cutting safety tests and state the procedures if the pruning saw fails these tests
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State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or operational tasks and complete a risk assessment
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Assess and explain the terms ‘tension’ and ‘compression’ in timber
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Adopt safe procedures to remove a trapped guide bar
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Use correct pruning methods
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Clear theh pruned branches in a safe manner
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Organise site safety and state procedures required
Who is the Course For?
This course is suitable for you if you work in one of the following industries: Forestry, Arboriculture, Agriculture, Horticulture, Woodland, Local Authorities, Conservation, Construction, Land-based. Note: Due to the nature of the training a minimum level of fitness is required for specific operations. Whilst we
would not want to disadvantage anyone it is an essential requirement
Those wishing to obtain either a to or a regulated qualification can then move on to the Lantra Awards or NPTC Level 2 Award in Using a Powered Pole Pruner
Our course might take you longer than the one day if you are inexperienced, and therefore require more time to fully understand all of the course information.
Alternatively our refresher course is for anyone with experience of using a Pole pruner and will provide you with the opportunity to practice and update your skills, and gain certification.
Duration/Format
One day
Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:4
Course Content
HSE legislation and safety guidelines
Safety features of a powered pole pruner
Maintaining the powered pole pruner chain
Maintaining the guide bar
Engine maintenance
Starting the pruning saw and pre-cut checks
Clear and tidy working area and pruning saw checks
Facilities/Equipment required:
Each course member will be required to bring their own Pole pruner (electric or petrol - please state which), together with instruction manual and tool kit, plus fuel etc as required. PPE.
Venue:
Warm, well lit classroom/workshop and suitable site for practical operation including material to be cut.
Stump Grinders
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable course members to:
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Produce a site specific Risk Assessment for stump grinding operations
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State the principles of HSE legislation and safety guidelines for using a stump grinder
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Select the appropriate PPE and state the maintenance requirements
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Carry out operator checks and identify the safety features of a stump grinder
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Carry out routine operator maintenance
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Inspect and identify defects on the grinding mechanism
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Prepare machine prior to operation, start the machine, carry out safety checks and stop machine.
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Prepare a work area and a range of stumps for grinding and identify hazardous materials not to be ground
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Use approved techniques for safe and efficient stump grinding of a range of stump sizes
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State the procedure for removing blockages
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Re-instate ground and deal with arisings
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Prepare machine for transport and storage
The use of the manufacturer’s instruction book is stressed at all times to ensure
maintenance and adjustments are carried out to manufacturers’ recommendations.
Who is the Course For?
Any person employed in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, landscaping and grounds maintenance that is or will be required to operate Stump Grinders. Inexperienced members may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information supplied.
This is an Integrated Training and Assessment (ITA) course, and successful candidates
will receive a Certificate of Basic Training and ID card
Duration/Format
One day
Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:4 for novices
Max: 1:6 for experienced operators (Evidence of experience required)
Course Content
Introduction
Risk Assessment
Legislation
Personal Protective Equipment
Pre-use checks
Safety Features
Routine checks and maintenance
Grinding mechanism
Start machine and carry out safety checks
Preparation of site , machine and materials
Operation of Stump Grinder
Unblocking Stump Grinder
Re-instate ground and deal with arisings
Cleaning, transport and storage
Equipment Required
Stump Grinder complying with safety regulations as per AFAGSafety Guide 606
Operator’s instruction books and service manuals for all machinery
Trainees will be asked to bring:-
Notebook and pencil
Safety Helmet
Ear defenders
Visor or Safety goggles
Gloves with close fitting cuffs
Safety boots
Hi-viz clothing
Passport photos for Skills ID card
Fuel in appropriate container for own machine
Tool kit for own machine
Venue
Dry, clean workshop with light and heating (if necessary).
Suitable site for practical operation including stumps to be ground
Wood Chippers
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable course members to:
Produce a site specific Risk Assessment for wood chipping operations
State the principles of HSE legislation and safety guidelines for using a woodchipper
Select the appropriate PPE and state the maintenance requirements
Carry out operator checks and identify the safety features of a woodchipper
Carry out routine operator maintenance
Inspect and identify defects on the blades
Prepare machine prior to operation, start the machine, carry out safety checks and stop
machine.
Prepare a work area and a range of materials for chipping and identify hazardous
materials not to be chipped
Use approved techniques to chip woody brash and both short and long sections of timber
safely and effectively
State the procedure for removing blockages
State the safety and environmental factors associated with the disposal of woodchips
and the various end uses of woodchips
Prepare machine for transport and storage
The use of the manufacturer’s instruction book is stressed at all times to ensure
maintenance and adjustments are carried out to manufacturers’ recommendations.
Who is the Course For?
Any person employed in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, landscaping and grounds
maintenance who is or will be required to operate Woodchippers. Inexperienced
members may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information
supplied.
This is an Integrated Training and Assessment (ITA) course, and successful candidates
will receive a Certificate of Basic Training and ID card
Duration/Format • One day
Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:4 for novices
Max: 1:6 for experienced operators
Machine: trainee ratio = 1:4 (1:6 for refresher training)
Course Content
Introduction
Risk Assessment
Legislation
Personal Protective Equipment
Pre-use checks
Safety Features
Routine checks and maintenance
Cutter and anvil checks
Start machine and carry out safety checks
Preparation of site, machine and materials
Operation of woodchipper
Unblocking woodchipper
End uses of woodchip
Cleaning, transport and storage
Trainees will be asked to bring:-
Notebook and pencil
Safety Helmet
Ear defenders
Visor or Safety goggles
Gloves with close fitting cuffs
Safety boots
Hi-viz clothing
Passport photos for skills ID card
Venue
Woodchipper complying with safety regulations as per AFAG Safety Guide 604
Operator’s instruction books and service manuals for all machinery
Fuel in appropriate container for own machine
Tool kit for own machine
Dry, clean workshop with light and heating (if necessary).
Suitable site for practical operation including material to be chipped
Abrasive Wheels
COURSE OBJECTIVES
As a result of this course, participants will be able to:
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Understand the nature of the hazards and identify the causes
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Identify and understand requirements and responsibilities under the current legislation
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Understand the characteristics of abrasive and their action
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Understand and interpret the marking system of abrasive wheels
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Recognise the need for careful handling of abrasive wheels and carry out visual check and ring tests (bench grinders)
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Understand and identify what speeds should be adhered to in wheel selection
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Identify main components and understand their functions
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Mount an abrasive wheel and /or a diamond blade
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Understand the difference between truing and dressing a wheel, undertake dressing a wheel and identify dressers (bench grinders)
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Adjust work rests correctly (bench grinders)
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Use operating precautions and be aware of avoiding hazardous conditions
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Demonstrate their knowledge on abrasive wheels and diamond blades
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Carry out daily maintenance on petrol powered machines
Who is the Course For?
Farmers, managers, fitters, foremen and workers who are required to use abrasive wheels or petrol powered saws and supervise their use.
Duration/Format · One day
This course can be registered with Lantra as an Integrated Training and Assessment course resulting, should the candidate meet the required standard, in a certificate of competence. Alternatively an EKT certificate of attendance can be issued to cover the Mounting of Abrasive Wheels.
Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:6 Min: 1:2
Course Content
GENERAL:
Introduction and aims of course
Legislative responsibilities
Abrasive wheel characteristics and cutting action
Abrasive wheel composition and marking system
Wheel and spindle speed
Inspection, handling, storage and transport
Personal Protective Equipment
Abrasive wheel components
Hazards arising from use of abrasive wheels and saws
ABRASIVE WHEELS:
Mounting an abrasive wheel
Adjustment of work rests
Truing and dressing the wheel
Mounting a diamond blade
Fault finding
PETROL DRIVEN SAWS:
Diamond blades
Maintenance
USE OF EQUIPMENT:
The safe use of equipment
Practical Assessment and Assessment of Underpinning knowledge
Facilities/Equipment required:
Venue
Work place, adequate and complying with workplace regulations with materials to cut and grind and clamping equipment.
Room with table and chairs.
Trainee
Eye protection (CE EN166 B)
Suitable protective workshop clothing
Bench mounted grinder, petrol driven saw, and hand held machines (relevant to each course) in safe working order.