Plant & Machinery
This course provides training and assessment in the safe inspection, preparation, operation, maintenance and storage of handheld hedge cutting equipment used within grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, estate management, local authority, environmental conservation and rural industries.
Handheld hedge cutters are widely used for vegetation management and hedge maintenance activities across a wide range of operational environments. Improper equipment selection, inadequate maintenance, poor operator technique and ineffective risk management can result in significant injury to operators, third parties, property and the environment. This course has therefore been developed to promote safe working practices, operational competence and compliance with legal duties.
The course is intended for individuals who are required to undertake hedge cutting operations as part of their workplace responsibilities and provides a structured framework for developing the knowledge, practical skills and occupational competence required to safely plan, prepare, undertake and complete hedge cutting activities using handheld powered equipment.
Successful completion of the programme supports learners in applying safe systems of work, undertaking equipment inspections and maintenance activities, applying effective risk control measures, carrying out hedge cutting operations to required standards and maintaining environmental responsibilities throughout the work process.
Relevant legislation includes but is not limited to:
1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
2. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998
3. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
4. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)
5. Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
6. Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
7. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
8. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
9. Environmental Protection Act 1990
10. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
11. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
12. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
National Occupational Standards (NOS) referenced include, but are not limited to:
1. Maintaining health, safety and security during land-based operations.
2. Preparing, operating and maintaining powered hand-held equipment.
3. Carrying out vegetation management and grounds maintenance activities.
4. Assessing and controlling workplace hazards and risks.
5. Maintaining equipment used within land-based industries.
6. Protecting the environment during operational activities.
This UKRS Course Standard is a non-regulated competence-based training and assessment programme and does not constitute an Ofqual-regulated qualification, RQF qualification, SCQF qualification or formal Award. Certification is issued in accordance with UKRS accreditation requirements and must not be represented as a regulated qualification issued by an Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation.
Select a county from the drop down box to find your nearest UKRS accredited training provider delivering this course.
