Strimmer / Brush Cutter

Safe use of petrol and electric strimmers and brush cutters — mowing technique, cutting on slopes, working around trees and obstructions, and avoiding blade thrust.

Who it's for

Grounds maintenance staff, site operatives and anyone clearing vegetation with a strimmer or brush cutter.

What's covered

• Industry hazards and the operator's responsibilities
• Legislation - HASAWA, PUWER and the Vibration at Work Regulations
• The manufacturer's handbook
• Machine components - power unit, cutting system, guards and safety systems
• Controls and their functions
• Pre-operational checks and defect reporting
• Choosing between petrol and electric, and matching the cutting head to the job
• PPE - eye protection to EN 166, hearing protection to EN 352, boots, gloves and overalls
• Safety checks at the work area, exclusion zones and the 15 metre bystander distance
• Checking for poisonous plants and hidden debris
• Correct starting procedure and the floating position
• Mowing technique, the strip method on slopes, and cutting around trees without damaging them
• Blade thrust and kick-out, and how to avoid it
• Changing blades and cutting line
• Refuelling safely and fuel storage
• Hand-arm vibration and how to reduce exposure
• Environmental considerations and disposal of cuttings
• Cooling, storage and transport
• End of shift and shutdown

Assessment & certification

Theory and practical assessment on the final day. Successful candidates are registered with the awarding body and issued the relevant card or certificate.

Upcoming dates