Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Aerial Tree Pruning (C&G NPTC) 0039-31

Course Overview:

Unit 302 – Aerial Tree Pruning

2 days training will provide the knowledge, understanding and skills required to carry out aerial tree pruning safely and to industry standards in line with current legislation.  Topics covered include risk assessment, emergency planning, legislation, industry best practice, tree condition and working at height assessment, pruning techniques, tools and aerial pruning.

To gain this qualification candidates must successfully complete a one-to-one practical assessment with oral questioning by a City & Guilds NPTC approved assessor.

Chainsaws are potentially hazardous machines and could cause serious injury or even death.  A reasonable level of physical fitness is therefore required to undertake the practical elements of this course..

Candidates MUST provide their own tree climbing equipment compliant with LOLER Regulations.  This means providing a receipt of purchase if equipment is less than 6 months old.  Or, produce evidence the equipment has been thoroughly examined by a “competent person” within the last 6 months.  In addition, weekly inspections must have been carried out and recorded, with documentation available to verify this.

Equipment:

Our instructor has provided the following kit recommendation.

• Approved tree climbing harness in good condition, CE marked with leg loops
• 2 x Climbing ropes – minimum 11.7mm, 35-50m in length with manufacturers eye
• 6 x self-locking 3 movement Karabiners
• Friction device for each main line and short strop, either mechanical or rope ie zigzag or prussik loops
• Spare prussik loop for rescue
• 1 x adjustable strop for climbing and rescue recommended 5m in length must have a manufacturers eye
• 1 x Set of climbing spikes
• Teufeleberger multi saver 2m
• 1 x Steel core flip line 3m or 5m with adjuster and soft link for cutting
• 1 x Top handled chainsaw
• Climbers may carry a knife with either a lockable folding blade or a fixed blade held in a protective sheath
• 1 x Rigging line and pulley block with compatible dead eye

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Safety helmet (the HSE Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) recommends a mountaineering-style helmet complying with BS EN 12492)
• Hearing protection complying with BS EN 352
• Eye protection/ mesh visor complying with either BS EN 1731
• Gloves appropriate to the task and subject to the operator’s risk assessment
• All round leg and groin protection complying with BS EN 381-5.  AFAG strongly recommends Type C leg protection for aerial work.
• Chainsaw boots with good grip and ankle support complying with BS EN ISO 17249
• Non snag outer clothing (preferably high vis)
• Personal first-aid kit, incorporating a large wound dressing, barrier gloves, plasters and a whistle

Not sure if this is the right course for you?

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