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City and guilds level 2 – woodchipper training – GS037

Course overview 

This course is designed for Lancashire County Council employees, who, during their daily duties are required to use `Woodchipper` equipment, due to the nature of this course group sizes are restricted to a maximum of 5 people. 

Course aim 

This course has been developed to ensure that Lancashire County Council employees who are required to use `woodchipper` equipment are aware of the legal implications, Lancashire County Council policies and procedures and hazards associated with using `woodchipper` equipment. 

Learning objectives and equipment required 

  • Provide information on the legal responsibilities Lancashire County Council polices and procedures and risk assessments. 

  • Produce a site-specific risk assessment for wood chipping operations

  • State the principles of HSE legislation and safety guidelines for using a woodchipper

  • Select the appropriate PPE and state the maintenance requirements

  • Carry out operator checks and identify the safety features of a woodchipper

  • Carry out routine operator maintenance

  • Inspect and identify defects on the blades

  • Prepare machine prior to operation, start the machine, carry out safety checks and stop machine

  • Prepare a work area and a range of materials for chipping and identify hazardous materials not to be chipped

  • Use approved techniques to chip woody brash and both short and long sections of timber safely and effectively

  • State the procedure for removing blockages

  • State the safety and environmental factors associated with the disposal of woodchips and the various end uses of woodchips

  • Also, to understand the consequences of using equipment in relation to the possible exposure to HAVS and the necessity to manage/mitigate this exposure by using HAVTECH devices and following all LCC HAVS protocols

  • Provide knowledge of Health & Safety and PUWER legal requirements and the correct use of appropriate PPE regulations

Learning outcomes 

  • Create a safe working environment and compliance with legislation and Lancashire County Council polices and procedures

  • Understand the importance of carrying out pre-use checks on all woodchipper equipment and any related hazards when equipment is faulty/defective

  • Competency in being able to demonstrate the correct pre-use checks and operate safely in the workplace

  • Reducing risk of injury to operator and third parties and equipment damage prevention

Learning methods 

A range of teaching and learning methods including presentation and demonstration will be used with a focus on individual and group participation.

 Course duration 

 7 hours excluding any breaks 

 5 places maximum 

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