Brushcutter/Trimmer Short Course, NPTC

This two-day training course is designed for novice users and is suitable for those employed in forestry, agriculture, horticulture, landscaping and grounds maintenance who are required to operate a brushcutter/trimmer.

This course covers:

• health and safety
• legislative requirements
• blade sharpening and changing
• safe operation for dealing with grass and woody weeds.

You are required to provide your own tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Tools:

• brushcutter in good condition with cutting adaptor bolts
• all guards for brushcutter
• manufacturer's instruction book
• manufacturer's tool kit
• two stoke fuel mixed to manufacturer's recommendations in an approved container
• clean filter funnel
• cleaning cloths.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• eye and full-face protective goggles or visor (to EN166)
• ear defenders
• working gloves, adequate to protect hands against flying debris
• working trousers, adequate to protect legs against flying debris
• safety boots with steel toecaps.

Please note that the list of PPE is essential for training, however the tools can be supplied by Brackenhurst if training is carried out on campus. All candidates should however be aware that they must provide their own tools and equipment for the NPTC assessment.

The wearing of adequate personal protective equipment is insisted upon by the Health and Safety Executive and must be worn during the course.

Assessment
This independent assessment will be arranged by the NPTC Coordinator at a mutually convenient date for you and the assessor.

Delegates must stipulate at the time of application which unit they wish to be assessed on (i.e. brushcutter, clearing saw or trimmer).

Place of study
Study takes place at the Brackenhurst campus. Located near the market town of Southwell and just 14 miles from Nottingham city centre, Brackenhurst is an idyllic 200 hectare estate with specialist units, making it a unique place to learn. Brackenhurst benefits from:

• purpose-built teaching facilities
• an equestrian centre
• a brand-new Veterinary Nursing Building and Animal Unit.

New student accommodation is also available and students have on-site access to:

• a library
• a careers service
• computing facilities
• a shop
• a cafe
• a bar.

Tour the Brackenhurst campus on an Open Day

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Find out more about the facilities at Brackenhurst

Course content:

• health and safety legislation affecting the use of these machines
• the principal hazards associated with their use, and the risk control measures available
• environmental considerations
• the selection and use of appropriate personal protective clothing
• the components and their maintenance
• possible safety related faults and their identification
• the selection and use of the appropriate cutting head
• safe operation in a variety of operating conditions
• after care and safe transportation.