Plant & Machinerys
Safe Use of a Forest Forwarder
Assessment type
Training only (attendance)
Integrated training and assessment (ITA)
Minimum duration
1 Day
Course delivery
Verbal questioning
Observation
Practical demonstrations
Description
The Safe Use of a Forest Forwarder course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely inspect, operate and maintain a forest forwarder in accordance with current forestry best practice and relevant health and safety legislation.
Combining classroom-based learning with extensive practical training, delegates will develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to carry out pre-use inspections, safely operate a forest forwarder, load, transport and unload timber, undertake routine operator maintenance and work efficiently whilst maintaining safe working practices and minimising risks to themselves, others and the surrounding environment.
Training is delivered in line with the UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Course Standard, ensuring a structured, competence-based approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application in realistic forestry working conditions.
Who Should Attend?
- Forestry and woodland workers.
- Forestry contractors.
- Estate and woodland managers.
- Agricultural workers involved in timber extraction.
- Individuals with little or no previous experience operating a forest forwarder.
- Existing operators wishing to refresh or formalise their skills.
What You Will Learn
- Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
- Hazard identification and safe systems of work.
- Components and operating principles of a forest forwarder.
- Selection and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Pre-use inspections and defect reporting.
- Safe starting, operation and shutdown procedures.
- Principles of timber extraction and forwarding operations.
- Safe loading, transporting and unloading of timber.
- Maintaining machine stability and load security.
- Working safely on slopes, uneven ground and in woodland environments.
- Safe use of cranes and load handling equipment fitted to the forwarder.
- Routine operator maintenance and daily checks.
- Environmental considerations, including soil protection, watercourses and wildlife.
Practical Training
- Carrying out pre-use inspections and safety checks.
- Familiarisation with machine controls and operating functions.
- Safe starting and stopping procedures.
- Loading timber using the forwarder's crane.
- Transporting timber safely across varying terrain.
- Unloading timber safely and efficiently.
- Working safely on slopes and in restricted woodland areas.
- Carrying out routine operator maintenance and cleaning.
- Safe shutdown and storage procedures.
Assessment
Delegates are assessed throughout the course through practical observation and instructor questioning to confirm their knowledge, understanding and practical competence. Assessment is conducted against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria specified within the relevant UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Course Standard.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will receive a UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Accredited Certificate, demonstrating that they have successfully achieved the learning outcomes and assessment criteria specified within the relevant UKRS Course Standard.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Delegates should be physically capable of safely operating a forest forwarder and possess a sufficient understanding of spoken and written English to fully participate in training and assessment.
Course Duration
Course duration will vary depending on delegates' previous experience, the number of delegates attending and the level of competence to be achieved. Training is tailored to individual requirements and may be delivered for novice operators, experienced operators or as refresher training.
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