Plant & Machinerys
Safe Use of Brushcutters
Assessment type
Training only (attendance)
Integrated training and assessment (ITA)
Minimum duration
1 Day
Course delivery
Practical
On site
Description
The Safe Use of Brushcutters course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate hand-held brushcutters in accordance with current industry 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 prepare and operate a brushcutter, select and use appropriate cutting attachments, including nylon line heads and metal blades where appropriate, and maintain safe working practices whilst 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 working conditions. As all training is delivered on-site at the customer's premises, delegates develop their skills using equipment and working environments that reflect their day-to-day operations wherever possible.
Who Should Attend?
- Individuals with little or no previous experience operating brushcutters.
- Grounds maintenance and landscaping personnel.
- Estate, forestry and countryside workers.
- Local authority and highways maintenance operatives.
- Existing operators wishing to refresh or formalise their skills.
- Employers seeking to improve operator competence and workplace safety.
What You Will Learn
- Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
- Hazard identification and safe systems of work.
- Brushcutter components, controls and operating principles.
- Selection and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Pre-use inspections and defect reporting.
- Selection of appropriate cutting heads and metal blades for different vegetation types.
- Safe use of nylon line heads and metal cutting attachments.
- Safe start-up, operation and shutdown procedures.
- Safe cutting techniques for grass, weeds, scrub, brambles and light woody vegetation.
- Hazards associated with blade use, including kickback and thrown objects.
- Working safely on slopes, uneven ground and around obstacles.
- Environmental considerations, including wildlife awareness and habitat protection.
- Routine maintenance and daily operator checks.
Practical Training
- Carrying out pre-use inspections and safety checks.
- Preparing and adjusting the brushcutter for safe operation.
- Selecting and fitting appropriate cutting heads and metal blades.
- Familiarisation with controls and operating techniques.
- Safe starting and handling procedures.
- Safe operation using nylon line heads.
- Safe operation using metal cutting blades where appropriate.
- Cutting grass, weeds, scrub, brambles and light woody vegetation safely and efficiently.
- Working safely around obstacles and across varying terrain.
- Cleaning, routine maintenance and post-operation checks.
Assessment
Delegates are assessed throughout the course by 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 hand-held brushcutter 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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