Arboriculture, Grounds Maintenance, Landscaping and Building, Plant & Machinery
Powered pole pruners are widely used within arboriculture, forestry, grounds maintenance, estates management, local authority operations, utility vegetation management and wider land-based industries to safely undertake branch reduction and pruning activities from ground level.
The use of powered pole pruners presents significant hazards including contact with moving cutting components, falling branches, overhead obstructions, manual handling risks, environmental hazards and exposure to noise and vibration. Inadequate training may result in injury to operators, third parties, property and the environment.
This Course Standard provides learners with the knowledge, practical skills and workplace competence required to safely inspect, prepare, operate, maintain and store powered pole pruners whilst implementing appropriate risk controls and safe systems of work.
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 1998 (PUWER)
3. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
4. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)
5. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (where applicable)
6. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
7. Environmental Protection Act 1990
8. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
9. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
10. Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
11. Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
National Occupational Standards (NOS) referenced include, but are not limited to:
1. Maintain powered cutting equipment in a safe and serviceable condition.
2. Carry out pruning operations on trees and woody vegetation.
3. Maintain health, safety and environmental good practice in land-based industries.
4. Prepare and maintain equipment used in arboriculture operations.
5. Assess risks and implement safe systems of work within arboriculture activities.
This standard supports employers, training providers and learners by establishing a consistent benchmark for powered pole pruner training and assessment.
Select a county from the drop down box to find your nearest UKRS accredited training provider delivering this course.
