Powered Pole Pruner

Course Description

Powered pole pruners are powerful and dangerous tools and it is essential when using them that you have total confidence and expertise to avoid accidents. This one day training course covers the safe and effective use of a powered pole pruner. For those wishing to obtain a licence to practise or a regulated qualification, the course leads to the Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Using a Powered Pole Pruner. Learning outcomes include: completing basic environmental checks prior to work; identifying required PPE, reporting on its condition and locating standard markings; identifying health and safety features required on a pruning saw; identifying faults and defects and deciding which the operator can remedy and which require a service engineer's attention; carrying out routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction book; preparing the pruning saw with the correct fuel and oil mix and chain lubrication; starting the pruning saw safely; carrying out pre-cutting safety tests and stating procedures if the saw fails those tests; completing a risk assessment and stating possible hazards; assessing and explaining the terms tension and compression in timber; adopting safe procedures to remove a trapped guide bar; using correct pruning methods; clearing pruned branches safely; and organising site safety. Course sessions cover: HSE legislation and safety guidelines; safety features of a powered pole pruner; maintaining the chain; maintaining the guide bar; engine maintenance; starting the pruning saw and pre-cut checks; and clearing and tidying the working area and pruning saw checks. Suitable for forestry, arboriculture, agriculture, horticulture, woodland, local authorities, conservation, construction and land-based industries. A minimum level of fitness is required. An experienced operator course is also available.