Training Courses

Groundbased Arboriculture inc Stump Grinder and Woodchipper Use

A range of training courses are available relating to groundbased arboriculture including:

• Stump Grinders
• Woodchippers
• Brushcutters/Trimmers

Stump Grinders

Course Objectives

To enable course members to:

• Produce a site specific Risk Assessment for stump grinding operations
• State the principles of HSE legislation and safety guidelines for using a stump grinder
• Select the appropriate PPE and state the maintenance requirements
• Carry out operator checks and identify the safety features of a stump grinder
• Carry out routine operator maintenance
• Inspect and identify defects on the grinding mechanism
• Prepare machine prior to operation, start the machine, carry out safety checks and stop machine.
• Prepare a work area and a range of stumps for grinding and identify hazardous materials not to be ground
• Use approved techniques for safe and efficient stump grinding of a range of stump sizes
• State the procedure for removing blockages
• Re-instate ground and deal with arisings
• 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 per machine type for novices (CLMC36X)
One day for experienced operators (Evidence of experience required) (CLMC36R)

Woodchippers

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 per machine type for novices (CLMC35X)
One day for experienced operators (Evidence of experience required) (CLMC35R)

Brushcutters/Trimmers - Maintenance And Operation

Course Objectives

To enable course members to:

• state and comply with safety and legal requirements of a brushcutter/trimmer, with an emphasis on safe practices, warning signs and guards
• state and identify the correct protective clothing to wear and the standards required
• perform routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's handbook
• 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
• identify which cutting head to select for the relevant operating conditions
• 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
• operate the brushcutter/trimmer in a safe manner having regard for the safety of themselves, the public, property and environmental factors
• plan systematic working operations
• 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.

Duration/Format

Two days for novices (CLMC08X)
One day for experienced operators (Evidence of experience required) (CLMC08R)

Hand Held Hedge Trimmers

Course Objectives

Following successful completion of the course, trainees will be able to:-

• Understand Legislation, Health and Safety, Risk Assessment relating to hand held hedge trimmers
• Choose Machine type/suitability for work to be undertaken
• Identify and maintain PPE for hedge trimmer use an operation
• Identify key controls and functions
• Prepare hedge trimmer for operation
• Carry out routine maintenance
• Operate machinery safely and efficiently
• Awareness of working at heights
• Environmental considerations
• Discuss hedge types and finishes
• Dispose of arisings
• Store and transport hand held hedge trimmers

Who is the Course For?

Those wishing to update their skills in using hand held hedge trimmers and/or satisfy H&S legislation regarding the Safe Use of hand held hedge trimmers at Work. And anyone needing to use hand held hedge trimmers as part of their work

Duration/Format

1 day - with option of 2 for those with little experience.