Are competence certificates necessary to use garden machinery?

Just rang HSE, they said that there was no legal requirement to hold a strimmer/brushcutter proficiency test unlike the use of chainsaws. Sorry Andrew this is what I meant. But yes I understand what you mean by some organisations require things on top of what the legislation states. Thankyou

Andrew Bentley said:

Just this week I spent a day training and being assessed for my Lantra Brush cutter award. It was pretty technical, being mostly about maintaining the machine rather than the technique of using it (Although we did spend about an hour 'in the field' being assessed for this). I am not very mechanically minded and spent all day thinking I wouldn't pass! Fortunately I did, and I can now apply for various roles in nature conservation work, which require this certificate....

It also means I can use a brush cutter for my voluntary work with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers - the certificate needed for their insurance cover. So yes, having the right certificates can certainly help 'get' jobs etc.

Jamie Sessford said:
Not wishing to stray too far off topic here but what is the neccesity to possess the nptc strimmer/brushcutter competency? I have been booked onto the course for bout 18 months but I have never heard of any employer expecting there workers to possess this.

Replies

PRO

Phil Voice July 1, 2010 at 11:24am

I'm impressed with the speed with which the government is repealing and reassessing so many of these silly laws.

I believe that on the job instruction and experience is vital but competence certificates tend to breed complacency.
Dan Frazer Gardening July 1, 2010 at 5:46pm

I wouldn't be surprised if some council workers have forgotten how to use the machines properly! They tend to sleep on the job, don't they? especially folk from Ayrshire! ;) (sorry Neil)
PRO

Paul @ Ashgate Garden Care July 1, 2010 at 9:08pm

I think the council are covering them in case something goes pear shaped and they get a claim from a worker.

Under the PUWER 1989 regs any operator has to be shown how to use any tool by a competent person.With chainsaws you have to have a certificate stating you have reached a recognised standard ( most) other equipment just training.

By issueing a certificate of competence from a recognised training provider they are prooving that training has been given and are satisfying the H&S regs. (ie covering their backs).
PRO

Paul @ Ashgate Garden Care July 1, 2010 at 9:09pm

Can't see how their safety certificates expired although all training should be machine specific.
Jamie Sessford July 2, 2010 at 7:06am

Not wishing to stray too far off topic here but what is the neccesity to possess the nptc strimmer/brushcutter competency? I have been booked onto the course for bout 18 months but I have never heard of any employer expecting there workers to possess this.
Jamie Sessford July 2, 2010 at 9:34am

Just rang HSE, they said that there was no legal requirement to hold a strimmer/brushcutter proficiency test unlike the use of chainsaws. Sorry Andrew this is what I meant. But yes I understand what you mean by some organisations require things on top of what the legislation states. Thankyou

Andrew Bentley said:
Just this week I spent a day training and being assessed for my Lantra Brush cutter award. It was pretty technical, being mostly about maintaining the machine rather than the technique of using it (Although we did spend about an hour 'in the field' being assessed for this). I am not very mechanically minded and spent all day thinking I wouldn't pass! Fortunately I did, and I can now apply for various roles in nature conservation work, which require this certificate....

It also means I can use a brush cutter for my voluntary work with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers - the certificate needed for their insurance cover. So yes, having the right certificates can certainly help 'get' jobs etc.

Jamie Sessford said:
Not wishing to stray too far off topic here but what is the neccesity to possess the nptc strimmer/brushcutter competency? I have been booked onto the course for bout 18 months but I have never heard of any employer expecting there workers to possess this.
PRO

Gary RK July 2, 2010 at 6:52pm

I guess in this case it shows how a total lack of training/experience still allows this person to get away with it...Lucky guy....

You watch this and JUST know what's about to happen...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM2z8DMDCAE&feature=player_embedded