Description

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The Safe Use of Petrol-Driven Handheld Machinery course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely inspect, operate and maintain a range of petrol-driven handheld machinery 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 safely operate a variety of petrol-driven handheld machines, carry out pre-use inspections, undertake routine operator maintenance and apply safe working techniques 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 relevant to the equipment being used.

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Who Should Attend?

• Agricultural and estate workers.
• Grounds maintenance personnel.
• Landscaping operatives.
• Forestry and countryside workers.
• Local authority and highways maintenance staff.
• Individuals required to operate petrol-driven handheld machinery.
• Existing operators wishing to refresh or formalise their skills.

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What You Will Learn

• Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
• Hazard identification and safe systems of work.
• Types and applications of petrol-driven handheld machinery.
• Selection and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Pre-use inspections and defect reporting.
• Safe starting, operation and shutdown procedures.
• Safe handling, refuelling and fuel storage.
• Safe operating techniques appropriate to different equipment.
• Routine operator maintenance and daily checks.
• Safe transportation and storage of machinery.
• Environmental considerations, including noise, vibration and wildlife protection.

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Practical Training

• Carrying out pre-use inspections and safety checks.
• Safely starting and stopping petrol-driven handheld machinery.
• Applying safe operating techniques appropriate to the equipment being used.
• Refuelling machinery safely.
• Carrying out routine operator maintenance and cleaning.
• Identifying common faults and reporting defects.
• Safe shutdown, transportation and storage procedures.

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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.

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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.

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Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Delegates should be physically capable of safely operating petrol-driven handheld machinery and possess a sufficient understanding of spoken and written English to fully participate in training and assessment.

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Course Duration

Course duration will vary depending on the type of machinery being covered, 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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