Safe Use of Hand Held Hedge Cutters
Our hand held hedge cutter course runs frequently and is ideal for grounds maintenance, forestry, utility, conservation workers.
Along with those who just want to know how to use a hedge cutter safely.
Hand Held Hedge Cutter Course
The time has come for you to get your handheld hedge cutter qualification, you could be:
- new to the use of handheld hedge cutters
- 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 favourite site
There are many reasons why you have found your way to the hedge cutter course 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 handheld hedge cutters is here.
Not only is this a great starting place for those who have not used or had the experience of using handheld hedge cutters. 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 handheld hedge cutter course allows you plenty of time to learn to maintain and carry out the cutting. Along with discussions about hedge types and the importance of trimming hedges at the right time of the year depending on hedging species.
The place to start. . .
If you have never used any machinery before and want to gain some confidence the handheld hedge cutters 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 satisfaction is that you can see very clearly where you have been. Nothing like looking back over the hedge and thinking ‘I did that’ with a smile – albeit a tired smile.
The safe use of handheld hedge cutter course 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 handheld hedge cutters 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 have been doing it for over 40 years and things have changed, if so and you are faced with having to gain your handheld hedge cutters qualification 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 your 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 your 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 for you.
We provide award-winning training through tailored, flexible, friendly, and approachable trainers and assessors.
All courses are run in 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 you’ve completed the course doesn’t mean you can’t get in touch if you need more information or guidance.
City and Guilds accreditation
Is the certificate you will gain on successful completion of your handheld hedge cutter assessment.
A one-day course, with the assessment at the end of the day.
Group sizes are no more than four candidates to one trainer, so nice small group sizes. To allow for plenty of discussion and questions.
You will have access to the Lowe Maintenance portal on booking where you will find leaflets and updates to look through before attending the practical session.
On this handheld hedge cutter course you will be learning about:
- handheld hedge cutters maintenance
- how to sharpen blades
- the risks involved in using handheld hedge cutters and how to stay safe
- carry out pre-use checks
- difference between single and double sided hand held hedge cutters
- importance of biosecurity
- industry best practice
- what you need to do in an emergency
- how health and safety legislation will affect you
Also, a huge bonus for you is that you can hire one of our handheld hedge cutters at no extra cost – 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.
Candidate portal
On booking your course you will be given access to the candidate portal, where you will find lots of leaflets and documentation to read through, ideally before you attend the course. This helps you with the terminology during the course and gives you a heads-up of what to expect in any discussions and practical sessions. There could even be some videos we need you to watch to help embed your learning in preparation for your assessments.
Assessment
The handheld hedge cutter course is one day, with the assessment at the end of that day, you will be assessed by an independent City and Guilds assessor.
We may be stating the obvious and it is sad that we have to be saying this as it appears it is not common practice.
When attending a course with us, you must follow any instructions that are given when using any equipment and carrying out tasks, for the safety of all involved.
For further details please see our terms and conditions for courses.
You will require:
- Reading glasses (if applicable)
- Gloves – leather or anti vibration
- Helmet with ear defenders and mesh visor (brushcutter)
- Safety glasses
- Coveralls
- 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 it every 3 years. We can help. We tend to run the courses when the hand-held hedge cutters course is running. You just don’t re-sit 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 Hand Held Hedge Cutter – one-day refresher £150 +VAT = £180 per person
You will receive a Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion, valid for 3 years.
Testimonials
- Cost - £290
Training - £100 +£20 VAT
Assessment - £170 no VAT - Certification - City and Guilds
- Training - 1 day
- Assessment - Same day
Other courses of interest to you
- Chainsaw, Felling and Forestry
- Tree Climbing and Rigging
- Landbased Machinery
- Pesticides
- Livestock
- Pest Control
- Refreshers
- Online Courses
-
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.
As a result you may discover you do not need to do as many courses as you first thought!
You will require:
- Reading glasses (if applicable)
- Gloves – leather or anti vibration
- Helmet with ear defenders and mesh visor (brushcutter)
- Safety glasses
- Coveralls
- 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 hand held hedge cutters course is running. You just don’t 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 Hand Held Hedge Cutter – one-day refresher £150 +VAT = £180 per person
You will receive a Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion.
FAQ
Why do I need a hedge cutter ticket?
Under PUWER regulations anyone using machinery within their work must have adequate training whether it be formal or informal and must meet the requirements of their insurance company.
Hand held hedge cutters can be a dangerous piece of equipment, you are more likely to cut yourself with one than a chainsaw because they take time to cycle down and due to the scissor action of the blades.
What do you mean by non independant training?
Non-independent training and assessment mean that the training and assessment are completed at different times. So in the case of the handheld hedge cutter, all the training is done first and then each person is assessed separately. The training and assessment can be done by the same trainer/assessor or different ones.
What machines does it apply to?
Any machine you use in the workplace for cutting hedges, one-sided, double-sided, battery, electric, petrol, long reach, combi heads.
What is the minimum working distance?
The minimum safe working distance when using a hand held hedge cutter is 15m.
This is clearly shown on the safety pictorial label on the machines shaft.
If the sticker is missing – replace it!
Do I need to know species of hedges?
No. However, you will do a better job in the workplace if you can identify species and carry out work at the right time thus not damaging or killing the hedge by mistake.
As a result we do have a discussion and look at identifying species in the hedge.
Are there specialist trousers for extra protection?
Unfortunately not, due to the scissor action of the machines they easily cut through fabric. Even chainsaw trousers.
What PPE should I be wearing?
When using a hand held hedge cutter:
- helmet with metal mesh visor
- safety glasses
- ear defenders
- non-snag clothing, ideally coveralls
- gloves
- safety footwear
- personal first aid kit
Is it possible to sharpen hedge cutter blades myself?
Yes, you will cover this on the course and you’ll have the opportunity to have a go too.
