Safe Use of Woodchippers (Novice)
Price: POA
Duration: 1 Day
Location: Portadown, Northern Ireland
Learn how to operate this powerful machine safely and confidently with our one-day LANTRA accredited Safe Use of Woodchippers (Novice) course. This hands-on training programme provides essential practical skills alongside key health and safety knowledge, ensuring both operators and employers meet the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Who Should Attend?
This course is suitable for:
- Arboriculture
- Forestry and woodland industries
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance
- Utilities and vegetation management
- Estate and land management
- Local authorities and conservation work
- Horticulture and land-based industries
Inexperienced operators may require additional time to fully develop their skills during training.
Course Aim
To provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate woodchippers, recognise hazards, apply safe systems of work and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer and legislative requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, delegates will be able to:
- Produce a site-specific risk assessment for woodchipping operations
- Understand relevant HSE legislation and safety guidance
- Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and explain maintenance requirements
- Carry out pre-use checks and identify woodchipper safety features
- Perform routine operator maintenance
- Inspect blades and identify defects
- Prepare the machine for use, including starting, stopping and safety checks
- Prepare work areas and materials for chipping and identify hazardous materials that must not be chipped
- Use approved techniques to chip woody brash and both short and long timber safely
- State correct procedures for removing blockages
- Understand safety and environmental considerations for woodchip disposal and end use
- Prepare the machine for transport and storage
Assessment Method
Learners will be assessed through:
- Integrated training and assessment
- Classroom theory and practical instruction
- Hands-on machine operation
- Blockage removal practice
- End-of-course assessment
Certification
Upon successful completion, learners will receive a LANTRA Certificate of Competence, demonstrating they have been trained to operate woodchippers safely and in compliance with PUWER regulations.