Who is the course for?
Anyone climbing trees “professionally”. This course involves NO chainsaw use and can be completed prior to maintenance, cross cutting and felling for people who want to use a chainsaw in a tree, or as a stand-alone unit for tree inspectors, bat workers, etc.
This course must be completed prior to Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness, advanced climbing (aerial pruning and rigging).
The course
5 days for less experienced users, some learners may require more time to become proficient.
3 days for experienced users i.e. 3 years experience recommended.
Course Outline:
• Safe working practices
• Tree climbing equipment
• Rope configurations, tree access techniques
• Work positioning, light branch removal
• Tree descent
• Aerial rescue
• Legislative issues
• Tree Identification
• Flip lines and spikes
• Pre-Assessment guidance
What should you bring to the course?
All support equipment must comply with LOLER. Please read the UPDATE below in the NPTC Assessment section.
Personal First Aid kit attached to harness. We strongly recommend that all chainsaw users undertake suitable first aid training.
Please bring packed lunch and drinks for each day and sufficient warm clothing & wet weather gear to allow for weather conditions. Non-snag outer clothing. Sun protection is advised for those rare occasions that we see it – minimum recommended is SPF 15 but this can be higher depending on skin type.
Candidates undertaking the Using a Chainsaw from Rope and Harness (CS39) course may want to wear their chainsaw PPE to help prepare for the training.
Clothing / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) :
• Work Trousers – (not shorts)
• Gloves – optional
• Helmet with chinstrap
• Stout comfortable footwear: such as safety boots or chainsaw/climbing boots (must have good tread)
• Waterproofs
Equipment:
• 2 x Climbing Ropes – must be different colours:
12-13mm diameter Pre-stretched Tree Rope – 35metres long
12-13mm diameter Pre-stretched Tree Rope – 25metres long
(Smaller diameter ropes i.e. 11.7mm or 12.4mm may be used by experienced climbers but must be CE certified for Arboricultural use)
• 1 x Tree climbing harness in good condition, approved to EN358 and EN813 standards
• 6 x self-locking, triple action Karabiners, 22KN (The larger ones, -not the mini ones)
• 4 x Prusik loops (70-80 cm) must be CE certified. (11.7 to12.7mm diameter for mechanical prussic/zig zags)
• 1 x 3.5 metre Flip line with a rope or steel core
• Spikes (pair of)– if you do not have these, then instructors and assessors will allow you to use theirs
Other:
First Aid Kit (with whistle & knife with retractable blade) attached to harness
Note: We are sometimes able to provide ropes and harness for training, strictly by prior arrangement. Please contact us if you would like us to provide climbing equipment to check availability. Equipment is not loaned out for assessments.
As with all outdoor courses, several thin layers of warm clothing are better than one thick layer
Please note that if you plan to progress to using a chainsaw in the tree (previously CS39), it may be an idea to practice climbing with the correct chainsaw PPE in order to familiarise yourself with climbing in this equipment.
Important Note: We regret that we are unable to provide equipment for NPTC assessments except in exceptional circumstances
Please bring packed lunch and drinks for each day and sufficient warm clothing & wet weather gear to allow for weather conditions. Non-snag outer clothing. Sun protection is advised for those rare occasions that we see it – minimum recommended is SPF 15 but this can be higher depending on skin type.
Important Note:
We regret that we are unable to provide equipment for NPTC assessments except in exceptional circumstances
NPTC Assessment:
You will have been given advice and guidance on the assessments during the course. You will also be given feedback at the end of the training to help you prepare for your test. Please be aware that you will need to read the materials that you were given during the course and practice what the instructor has told you to do.
The test comprises a separate practical assessment with questions (about 3 – 4 hours) and is arranged through your local NPTC test centre. Lynher Training Ltd is now registered as an NPTC test centre and can arrange these assessments if required.
You may need to provide a passport style photo at the time of booking, this can be sent as a “.jpg” file on your phone, camera or computer and emailed to admin@lynher.com.
Don’t forget that you will need to provide all your own equipment for the assessments
So please talk this over with your instructor. In some case the assessor can have access to “hired in” equipment but this must be arranged in advance – please contact Lynher Training at least a week before your test takes place if required.
You will be asked for some form of photographic ID before you can take your assessment, please have this with you.
Assessment Handbooks available at https://www.nptc.org.uk/qualificationschemes
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IMPORTANT UPDATE ON CLIMBING EQUIPMENT:
NPTC City & Guilds have issued the following directive to all Climbing Assessors:
Tree Climbing Equipment – LOLER
In order for aerial assessments to commence, candidates must provide evidence that the equipment to be used is fit for purpose and LOLER compliant. This means that it should have a unique identification and have been thoroughly examined by a competent person. The most current examination record must be provided where equipment is greater than 6 months old. If these records are not available for the Assessor to check, the assessment must not proceed.
Please ensure that candidates are aware that they will need to provide the most current examination record in order for the assessment to proceed.
PLEASE NOTE:
As can be seen above, NPTC have instructed their assessors NOT to assess any candidate that cannot provide either valid Receipts (showing that the equipment is less than 6 months old and the Unique Identification Number for the item purchased) or valid LOLER certificates for their equipment. Please remember that these must also show clearly the correct identification marks that are on the actual equipment provided.
There is no room for guesswork, if the paperwork or markings are not 100% clear or have been altered in any way the assessors are not allowed to continue the assessment.
Another frequently asked question: Chainsaw tool strops are to be LOLER compliant and should form part of the evidence of thorough examination when older than 12 months.
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Certificate:
On successful completion of assessment – NPTC Certificate of Competence
Refresher Training is recommended about every 3 years.
For Individuals
Come and join us at our next ‘open course’ – please contact us for details or check
our website for dates and prices
Do you have a group?
Our instructor may be able to come to your site/workplace – please ask for details
| Candidates must be 16 + years of age. Candidates with certain ailments / medication may not be able to take part in the practical sessions. Ability to work at heights is essential. First Aid training strongly recommended. Contact us for further advice |