City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in The Safe Use of Brushcutters and Trimmers (Unit 0014-21)

Description

Course Overview:

The City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in The Safe Use of Brushcutters and Trimmers (Unit 0014-21) is designed for individuals who are required to operate brushcutters, trimmers, or strimmers as part of their work or for personal use. Brushcutters and trimmers have become essential tools for efficient grounds maintenance, particularly for cutting vegetation in areas that are difficult to access with larger equipment.

This course aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to safely operate these machines, minimise associated risks, and work efficiently. It covers the proper use, maintenance, and safety measures to ensure operators are fully prepared to handle these tools effectively, while understanding the hazards they pose to themselves and others.

By the end of the course, participants will be confident in using a brushcutter or trimmer safely, maintaining it to manufacturer standards, and complying with environmental and safety regulations.

Course Objectives:

• To understand the safe operation and preparation of brushcutters, trimmers, and strimmers.
• To gain knowledge of routine maintenance procedures for machines, cutting heads, and blades.
• To learn how to correctly set up the equipment and safety harness for use.
• To master the correct techniques for cutting vegetation with both trimmer and brushcutter heads.
• To understand how to clean and prepare machines for transport and storage.
• To select, maintain, and fit the appropriate cutting heads for different tasks.
• To identify the correct personal protective clothing (PPE) for brushcutter and trimmer operation.
• To assess the work site for potential hazards and environmental considerations.
• To safely fuel, start, and operate the machine, including cutting a test area.

Course Content:

• Machine Preparation: Preparation of the machines for safe and effective use, ensuring readiness for operation.
• Machine Maintenance: Learn the necessary maintenance procedures for brushcutters and trimmers, including checking and maintaining cutting heads and blades according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Setting Up Equipment: Preparing the machines and setting the harness correctly to ensure safety and comfort for the operator.
• Vegetation Cutting Techniques: Using both trimmer and brushcutter heads to cut vegetation to prescribed standards, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
• Cleaning & Storage: Cleaning and preparing machines for transport and storage, ensuring they remain in good condition.
• Maintenance Systems: Understanding and maintaining the engine, drive system, and gearhead to extend the lifespan of the machine.
• Cutting Head Selection & Maintenance: Selecting the appropriate cutting head for different tasks and maintaining and fitting cutting heads as required.
• Personal Protective Clothing (PPE): Identifying and using the correct PPE to minimise risk when operating brushcutters and trimmers.
• Site Inspection & Hazard Identification: Inspecting the work site, identifying hazards, and ensuring that it is safe to operate the machinery.
• Environmental Considerations: Understanding the environmental impact of the work and using machines in a manner that minimises harm to the surrounding environment.
• Fueling & Starting the Machine: Safe fuelling procedures, starting the machine, and performing a pre-use check.
• Test Cutting Area: Cutting a test area to demonstrate the operator’s competence in using the brushcutter or trimmer safely and effectively.

Assessment: Participants will complete practical and theoretical assessments to demonstrate their competence in using, maintaining, and operating brushcutters and trimmers safely.

Upon completion of the course, delegates will be well-prepared to use brushcutters and trimmers for various grounds maintenance tasks, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.