TRAINEES
An advanced course for persons who are fully experienced in tree dismantling operations and in climbing trees using a rope and harness, and who wish to be recognised as a 'competent person' to examine arboricultural equipment under LOLER.

Trainees must be familiar with a wide range of climbing and rigging equipment.*

Trainees must provide evidence of adequate training, in the form of current certificates of training, and/or recognised qualifications relating to practical arboricultural operations. It is expected that trainees should have a minimum of five years practical experience in climbing and rigging operations.*

The course will include independent assessment of the techniques, skills and knowledge required.

Successful completion of this course will be seen as adequate training for carrying out Thorough Examination of Arboricultural Equipment as required by Regulation 9 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998.

Any medical conditions must be reported to the course organiser prior to commencement. Certain medical conditions may disqualify prospective trainees.

*Note: This course can be tailored for trainees who use climbing equipment in forestry contexts,
e.g. seed collection, rigging skyline equipment, working on machinery at height, etc.

OBJECTIVES
The expected learning outcomes are that the trainee:

1. Is aware of the legislation pertaining to examination of arboricultural equipment.

2. Understands the definition and status of a 'competent person'

3. Is aware of the range of PPE and other equipment appropriate to working at height in
arboricultural operations.

4. Understands the requirements for operator pre-use checks, inspection, record-keeping, storage and transport of equipment.

5. Identifies different categories of equipment and their appropriate examination intervals.

6. Recognises appropriate marking of equipment, to identify individual items.

7. Correctly identifies levels of wear and damage in a range of arboricultural equipment.

8. Demonstrates an ability to record findings of the thorough examination using the appropriate forms.

SYLLABUS
1. Legislation relating to thorough examination: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 (MHSWR), Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, 1992 (PPEWR), HSE AIS 30: 'LOLER -How the regulations apply to arboriculture'. Status of AFAG Guides. Issue of AFAG Guide 401. Reference to AA/AFAG"A Guide to Good Climbing Practice".

2. The role of the 'competent person': Definition of qualifications required to be able to satisfy the requirements for independence. External and in-house examination. Insurance requirements.

3. Range of PPE appropriate to tree climbing operations. Procedures for operator pre-use checks to PPE. Requirements for operator inspection, record-keeping, storage and transport of PPE.

4. Range of equipment (PPE, lifting, lowering, rigging) requiring Thorough Examination. Definition of categories of equipment. Examination intervals.

5. Examination procedures for different types of equipment. Wear patterns and types of damage. Wear limits and tolerances.

6. Identification of equipment. Certificates of Conformity. Requirements for marking of individual items.

7. Recording results of Thorough Examination. Familiarity with pro forma documentation.

8. Thorough Examination exercise. Independent assessment in examining a range of arboricultural equipment.

DURATION
Two days

LOCATION
To be advised