Safe Use of Brushcutters and Trimmers
Our one-day brushcutter & trimmer course and assessment run monthly is ideal for grounds maintenance, forestry, utility, conservation
Brushcutters and Trimmers
The time has come for you to get your brushcutter and trimmers qualification, you could be:
- new to the use of brushcutters and trimmers
- used them in the past
- have the opportunity for a new contract or tender
- need evidence of a certificate to show competence
- an awesome volunteer who wants to help out more on your site
There are many reasons on why you have found your way here and we understand you may have lots of questions. Or you know exactly what you are looking for.
No matter where you are coming from the place to start with using brushcutters and trimmers is here.
The great thing about our course is that you get both the brushcutter and the trimmers qualification at the same time. We register and assess you for both so in effect you get two for the price of one – amazing right!
Not only is this a great starting place for those who have not used or had the experience of using brushcutters, trimmers or strimmers. As folk tend to forget that we all have to start somewhere. It is perfect for those experienced users too. As in everything, there is always the potential to learn something new if you are open to the experience.
For those who have been working within the land based sector such as a:
- conservation worker
- volunteer for a local group
- budding arborist
- forester
- farmer
- gamekeeper
- landscaper
- utility worker e.g. rail, highways
Our 1-day integrated brushcutter and trimmers course allow you plenty of time to learn to maintain and carry out the cutting. Along with the opportunity to try out different cutting heads such as cord head, grass cutting blades and the shreader blade.Ā
On this strimmer and brushcutter course you will be learning about:
- brushcutter and trimmers maintenance
- how to sharpen blades and re-thread cord heads
- the risks involved in using brushcutters and trimmers and how to stay safe
- carry out pre-use checks
- difference between sything and swatting techniquesĀ
- the difference between PPE use dependant on cutting head
- importance of biosecurity
- industry best practiceĀ
- what you need to do in an emergency
- how health and safety legislation will affect you
Also, a huge bonus for youĀ is that you can hire one of our brushcutters and trimmers at no extra costĀ – how amazing is that!
You will have to bring your own PPE though it is not good practice to share sweaty helmets and gloves. But don’t worry we provide a thorough list of exactly what you need to bring with you so no hiccups on the day.Ā
The place to start. . .Ā
If you have never used any machinery before and want to gain some confidence the brushcutter course is a fantastic place to start and it is one of the good jobs.
You tend to get into a bit of a zone and totally focus on the job and the real satistaction is that you can see very clearly where you have been. Nothing like looking back over the job and thinking ‘I did that’ with a smile – abliet tired smile.Ā
Just try to dodge the smelly steaming piles, if nothing else you do learn quick too! š
The safe use of brushcutter and trimmers is not just about using a machine safely but making sure we protect not only you and others in the area but the environment in which you work.
Many of you are already actively using brushcutters and trimmers however you may have discovered that as a professional operator you need a certificate of competence to enable you to carry on doing so.
You may have been asked by:
- your quality assurance body
- your employer
- or a new contract opportunity to demonstrate competence through certification
You could be new to the job or been doing it for over 40 years and things have changed, if so and you are faced with having to gain your brushcutter and trimmer qualifications have you been:
- Struggling to find the right fit in terms of training provider?
- Confused by all the names, numbers and acronyms for the land based courses that are available to you?
- Worried you will get it wrong or waste you hard earned money?
- Concerned that it will feel like going back to school?
- Looking to gain a qualification to continue with jobs because legislation has changed?
- Offered a new and exciting contract, but need another ticket/qualification to seal the deal?
Then we can help you!
No matter which sector you are coming from, and the level of experience. We can work with you to understand your training needs, we can tailor a programme and provide courses that will be suitable to you.
We provide award winning training through tailored, flexible, friendly, approachable trainers and assessors.
All courses are run with small groups to ensure you have as much time as needed to learn and experience what is required for the assessments if you chose to take them. Trainers and assessors are experienced, friendly, and approachable.
As with all Lowe Maintenance courses, you get support and advice via email or on the phone if you need it in the future, just because youāve completed the course doesnāt mean you canāt get in touch if you need more information or guidance.
- Available Dates
- Cost - Ā£270
Training - Ā£100 +Ā£20 VAT
Assessment - Ā£150 no VAT - Certification - City and Guilds
- Length
One day includes training and assessment
Other courses of interest to you
- Chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting (CS30) Fell small trees up to 380mm (CS31)
- Fell and Process Medium Trees Over 380mm and upto 760mm (CS32)
- Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (CS38)
- Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (CS39)
- Aerial Tree Pruning (CS40)
- Aerial Tree Rigging (CS41)
- Ash Dieback, Risk Assessment, Work Planning and Methodology
- Manually Fed Wood Chipper
- Stump Grinder
- Hedge Cutter Handheld
- Leaf Blower
- Powered Pole Pruner
- ROLO Health, Safey and Environmental Awareness
- ATV Sit Astride (quad bike)
- ATV Sit In (Polaris/Gator)
- Pesticides
- Sheep Dipping
- Rat and Mice Poison
- Aluminium Phosphides (Phostoxin and Talunex)
-
You have probably noticed that there are even more courses than you thought possible.
It seems like there could be one for walking over lumpy ground soon!
With this in mind please feel free to give us a shout and ask for help in figuring out which ones will be right for you.Ā
As a result you may discover you do not need to do as many courses as you first thought!
Testimonials
You will require:
- Reading glasses (if applicable)
- Gloves – leather or anti vibrationĀ
- Helmet with ear defenders and mesh visor (brushcutter)
- Safety glasses
- Ear defenders and full clear visor (trimmer)
- Safety footwear
- Appropriate outdoor clothing
- Dinner and drinks
Do you need a refresher? HSE advises that you complete a refresher every 5 years, although some insurance companies state every 3 years. We can help. We tend to run the courses when the brushcutter and trimmer course is running. You just donāt resit the City and Guilds exam at the end of the day – unless you want to!
Equally, if you have a group of people we can put a date together just for you.
Safe Use of Brushcutter and Trimmer ā one-day refresher Ā£150 +VAT = Ā£180 per person
You will receive a Lowe MaintenanceĀ Certificate of Completion.
FAQ
Why do I need a brushcutter ticket?
Under PUWER regulations anyone using machinery within their work must have received adequate training whether it be formal or informal and must meet the requirements of their insurance company.
What do you mean by integrated?
Integrated training and assessment means that both the training and assessment are completed in the same day.Ā
The assessment part is made clear at the time as not to be mistaken for training.Ā
A great way to save you time and money through attending for only one day rather than two.Ā
What does the brushcutter ticket cover?
The City and Guilds qualification only covers the use of a brushcutter and/or trimmer, to include pre-use checks, maintenance and safe use.
You will carry out swatting and sything techniques safely.
What is the minimum working distance?
The minimum safe working distance when using a brushcutter or trimmer is 15m.
This is clearly shown on the safety pictorial label on the machines shaft.
If the sticker is missing – replace it!
Can I use a clearing saw blade?
Not with the brushcutter and trimmer course, the clearing saw has its own qualification which you would need to take seperatley if required.
Are there specialist brushcutter trousers for extra protection?
Yes, there are a range of brushcutter trousers that are available for extra protection.
Stihl, Oregon and Husqvarna brands are available. There is a jacket option available too.
What PPE should I be wearing?
When using a trimmer (cord head):
- plastic full-face shield (protection against resins)
- ear defenders
- non-snag clothing, ideally coveralls
- gloves
- safety footwear
- personal first aid kit
When using a brushcutter:
- helmet with metal mesh visor
- safety glasses
- ear defenders
- non-snag clothing, ideally coveralls
- gloves
- safety footwear
- personal first aid kit
Why use a plastic full-face visor for trimmer cord?
It is important that you use the correct PPE when switching from brushcutter to trimmer. The trimmer head requires you to wear the plastic full-face visor NOT the metal mesh visor.
The full-face plastic visor gives you the required level of protection from resins and saps from the plants you are trimming.
