TRAINEES

A course for persons, who do not suffer from vertigo and are required to work from a mobile elevated work platform.

The use of chainsaws from the platform for branch removal may be included.

The completion of this course may prepare trainees for NPTC Unit AMWP02.

This course is physical in nature and will require the operation of machinery at height. Trainees must have a good level of general fitness and stamina. Medical conditions must be reported to the course organiser prior to commencement. Certain medical conditions may disqualify prospective trainees.

Trainees must hold NPTC CS Units CS 30-02 and CS30-02 or CS 36 prior to branch removal by chainsaw.

OBJECTIVES
The expected learning outcomes are that the trainee: -

1. Understands the regulations and safety requirements related to the safe use of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP).

2. Understands the safe working load in relation to the carriage of persons and equipment in the platform.

3. Carries out routine inspections and maintenance as per the manufacturers' instructions.

4. Prepares for use (rigging for work) taking into account: Risk Assessment, site features, PPE, correct positioning, safety zones, safe working.

5. Understands the requirements for rigging on soft or uneven ground.

6. Demonstrates the procedures for lowering the platform to the ground in an emergency.

7. Demonstrates the principles of raising, and manoeuvring the platform safely, and when not to raise the platform.

8. OPTIONAL: operates a chainsaw from the platform for the removal of branches or stem
using the following methods: -

• step cut free fall
• step cut hand held
• sink cut free fall
• sink cut hand held
• final pruning cut
• taking into account platform position, communication, ground features, and accuracy of cuts

9. Demonstrates lowering the platform slowly, safely and in a controlled manner.

10. Stows the platform and prepares it ready for transportation.

SYLLABUS
1. Risk Assessment and fall arrest system requirements.

2. Protective clothing, Health and Safety Regulations HS (G) 19 1982, HS (G) 150, HSE PUWER Sheet No 27 & HSE LOLER Sheet No 30. AFAG Guides: 301, 403, 802, 804. Safe working loads, (SWL).

3. Routine inspections, general, daily and periodic checks as per the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Positions the MEWP in relation to work, taking into account: no-one to ride in platform whilst in transit (unless the machine is designed for this), overhead services and features, underground services, effective working zone for booms where overhang is likely. Hazard lights, control of pedestrians and traffic. Hazardous trees.

5. Rigging on uneven or soft ground. Use of chocks or spreader plates, use of level indicators and out of level alarm. Identify underground service covers & manholes.

6. Emergency action in the course of mechanical or hydraulic failure. Safe lowering of MEWP procedure for the rescue of the trainee from the elevated platform.

7. Raise the MEWP to achieve the optimum work position, taking into account: stabilisers set, level indicators and out of level alarm, wind speeds, communication is established and
maintained. The safety zone is maintained throughout. Weather conditions are monitored.

8. Work must not start until traffic control measures are operating (if required), use of hazard lights, working zone and the control of pedestrians.

9. Working from the platform, selection and wearing PPE, security of the trainee, safe working distance from electricity supplies is maintained (9m from wooden poles or 15m from steel towers.) The trainee does not over-reach from the platform, the use of fall arrest equipment. Hand tools are secured to the platform.

10. OPTIONAL: Operating a chainsaw from the MEWP taking into account selection and wearing of PPE. Pre-start checks, saw warmed up on the ground (Petrol Driven). Correct position achieved to one side or above the branch to be cut. Saw re-started from the platform using the drop-start technique outside the platform, or held firmly resting on a branch. Saw security, the saw is stopped after major cutting operations. Avoidance of damage from falling debris. Use of the step cut free fall. Use of the step cut hand held. Use of the sink cut free fall. Use of the sink cut hand held. Accuracy of cuts. Species variation. Final pruning cut. Platform floor kept clear of debris. Platform not used to lower cut sections of the tree.

11. All stabilisers are secure. Area clear of all debris. Warning lights turned off. MEWP roadworthy if applicable. Traffic control systems cleared (if applicable). Site left tidy.

DURATION
Two days

LOCATION
To be advised.