Description

---

The Safe Use of Handheld Hedge Cutters course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate handheld hedge cutters 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 operate handheld hedge cutters, apply effective cutting techniques and carry out routine operator maintenance 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 working conditions.

---

Who Should Attend?

• Grounds maintenance personnel.
• Estate and parkland maintenance workers.
• Landscaping operatives.
• Forestry and countryside workers.
• Local authority and highways maintenance staff.
• Individuals with little or no previous experience using handheld hedge cutters.
• 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.
• Hedge cutter components and operating principles.
• Selection and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Pre-use inspections and defect reporting.
• Safe starting, operation and shutdown procedures.
• Safe cutting techniques for hedges, shrubs and ornamental planting.
• Safe working from ground level and around obstacles.
• Safe refuelling or battery management procedures.
• Routine operator maintenance, cleaning and blade inspection.
• Environmental considerations, wildlife awareness and nesting bird legislation.
• Safe storage and transportation of equipment.

---

Practical Training

• Carrying out pre-use inspections and safety checks.
• Familiarisation with hedge cutter controls and operating functions.
• Safe starting and stopping procedures.
• Applying correct cutting techniques to a variety of hedges and shrubs.
• Maintaining safe working distances and awareness of others.
• Cleaning, lubrication and routine operator maintenance.
• Safe shutdown, storage and transportation of equipment.

---

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 handheld hedge cutters 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.

---

Share this course:

     Tweet

---

Related courses

---

Plant & Machinerys Safe Driving For Work

Plant & Machinerys Ride-On Mowers - Safe Operation and Maintenance (Rotary)

Plant & Machinerys Trailor Course

Plant & Machinerys LGV Category C

Plant & Machinerys Container Straddle Carrier G1