Using a Powered Pole Pruner

PREREQUISITES

Learners are asked to comply with the following requirements:

Powered pole pruner as per HSE guidance.
PPE to include safety helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, protective gloves, and safety boots.
Operator’s maintenance kit and equipment as per pre-course handout. 2-stroke fuel and saw chain oil.

NB: Instructors have been instructed not to undertake training where learner’s protective equipment does not meet appropriate requirements.

INTRODUCTION

Learn how to safely and effectively operate this potentially dangerous tool on our 2-day training and
assessment course.

OVERVIEW

You’ll need to be confident operating and maintaining powered pole pruners to minimise the risk of accidents. Our course will give you that confidence and is ideal if you work in a number of industries, from agriculture to woodland.

THE FINER DETAILS

This is an integrated training and assessment course and you’ll receive a certificate upon successful completion. You’ll learn health and safety requirements and how to maintain the machine. Pre-cutting tests will be explained before you move on to practical work.

SESSIONS

• HSE legislation and safety guidelines
• Safety features of a powered pole pruner
• Maintaining the powered pole pruner chain
• Maintaining the guide bar
• Engine maintenance
• Starting the pruning saw and pre-cut checks
• Clear and tidy working area and pruning saw checks.

Worth Noting: There is a physical element to this course. As a result, a moderate level of fitness is an essential requirement.

WHAT WILL BE COVERED

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Complete basic environmental checks prior to work operations
• Identify the necessary personal protective equipment required, report on its condition and locate standard markings
• Identify the health and safety features required on a pruning saw
• Identify faults and defects on a pruning saw and cutting equipment and decide which the operator can remedy and which require a service engineer’s attention
• Carry out correctly all routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction book and/or the Lantra Awards workbook
• Prepare the pruning saw for use with the correct fuel/oil mix and chain lubrication

• Start the pruning saw for use with the correct fuel/oil mix and saw chain lubrication
• Carry out pre-cutting safety tests and state the procedures if the pruning saw fails these tests
• State the possible hazards/risks when carrying out maintenance or operational tasks and complete a risk assessment
• Assess and explain the terms ‘tension’ and ‘compression’ in timber
• Adopt safe procedures to remove a trapped guide bar
• Use correct pruning methods
• Clear the pruned branches in a safe manner
• Organise site safety and state the procedures required.