LTG 2008

COURSE OBJECTIVES
To enable course members to:

• state and comply with safety and legal requirements of a brushcutter/trimmer, with an emphasis on safe practices, warning signs and guards
• state and identify the correct protective clothing to wear and the standards required perform routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s handbook
• identify faults and defects on a brushcutter/trimmer and decide which the operator can easily remedy, and which should be referred to a specialist engineer
• identify which cutting head to select for the relevant operating conditions
• carry out fuel mixing correctly and be able to start the brushcutter/trimmer from both a hot and a cold condition in a safe manner
• operate the brushcutter/trimmer in a safe manner having regard for the safety of themselves, the public, property and environmental factors
• plan systematic working operations
• use the manufacturer’s instruction book and parts list

The use of the manufacturer’s instruction book is stressed at all times to ensure maintenance and adjustments are carried out to manufacturers’ recommendations.

Who is the Course For?
Any person employed in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping and grounds maintenance who is or will be required to operate brushcutters/trimmers. Inexperienced members may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information supplied.

The course is usually run following the Lantra Integrated Training and Assessment route resulting if successful in the award of a Lantra Awards Certificate of Comepetnce. However, if required the course can make use of the NPTC schedule adhering to performance criteria required for successful completion of the NPTC assessment.

Duration/Format

One or two days depending on experience

Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:6

Course Content
Introduction
Safety/standard markings
Protective clothing
Components and maintenance
Fuelling and starting
Testing the Brushcutter/Trimmer
Checking the Brushcutter/Trimmer
Safe operation in a variety of operating conditions
Round up and conclusions

Equipment required:
CANIDIATES WILL BE ASKED TO BRING:-
Brushcutters/trimmers complying with safety regulations (1 each)
Operators’ instruction book and service manual for all machinery
Notebook and pencil
Ear defenders
Safety goggles and other protective clothing
Fuel in appropriate container for own brushcutter
Tool kit for own brushcutter

Venue
Dry, clean workshop with adequate work benches with light and heating if necessary. Suitable site for practical operation including foliage requiring at least two different cutting heads