EKT 2010

Course Objectives
To enable course members to:

• Identify the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required
• Report on its condition and locate standard marks
• Identify health and safety features required on a pruning saw
• Identify faults and defects on a pruning saw and equipment and decide which the operator can remedy and which require a service engineer’s attention
• Carry out routine operator maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction book and/or the Lantra Awards workbook
• Prepare the pruning saw for use with the correct fuel/oil mix and saw chain lubrication
• Start the pruning saw for use with the correct fuel/oil mix and saw chain lubrication
• Carry out pre-cutting safety tests and state the procedures if the pruner fails these tests
• State the possible hazards / risks when carrying out maintenance or operation tasks
• Assess and explain the terms ‘tension’ and ‘compression’ in timber
• Adopt safe procedures to remove a trapped guide bar
• Use correct pruning methods
• Clear the pruned branches in a safe manner
• Organise site safety, state the procedures required and complete a risk assessment.

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 powered pole pruners. Inexperienced members may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information supplied.

Duration/Format
1 day per machine type for novices or 2 days if no CS30 held
1 day for experienced operators (Evidence of experience required)

External Qualifications

The course is designed to prepare candidates for assessment for NPTC Certificate of Competence unit CS 48

Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max = 1:6
Machine: trainee ratio = 1:2

Course Content
Introduction
Risk Assessment
Legislation
Personal Protective Equipment
Pre-use checks
Safety Features
Routine checks and maintenance
Start machine and carry out safety checks
Preparation of site, machine and materials
Operation of Powered Pole Pruner
Cleaning, transport and storage

Facilities/Equipment required:
Venue
Dry, clean workshop with light and heating (if necessary). Fire extinguisher.
Suitable site for practical operation including trees to be pruned

Trainees will be asked to bring
Powered Pole Pruner complying with safety regulations
Operators’ instruction books and service manuals for machine
Notebook and pencil
PPE to include:-
- Safety Helmet
- Ear defenders
- Visor or Safety goggles
- Protective gloves
- Safety boots
- Hi-viz clothing
Fuel and oil in appropriate container(s) for own machine
Tool kit for own machine