OPEN Lantra Using a Powered Pole Pruner course

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.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to:

• Complete basic environmental checks prior to work operations
• Identify the necessary personal protective equipment required, report on its condition and locate standard markings
• Identify the health and safety features required on a pruning saw
• 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
• Carry out correctly all routine 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 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 pruning saw fails these tests
• State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or operational tasks and complete a risk assessment
• 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 and state the procedures required.

Trainee to bring         

• Hedgetrimmers - at least 1 machine between 2 trainees
• Operator instruction books
• Tool kit and fuel in appropriate container
• Clean filter funnel;  cleaning cloths
• Eye protection goggles (to EN 166) for maintenance
• Light protective gloves for handling fuel/oil
• Helmet
• Eye & full face protective goggles/visor
• Ear defenders
• Gloves
• Steel toe-capped boots
• Ideally non-snag outer clothing adequate to protect against flying debris
• Packed lunch