Who is the course for?
Anyone using a chainsaw in a tree. You must already have NPTC Maintenance and Cross Cutting, Felling Small Trees (Unit 201,202,203 or previously CS30 and 31), and NPTC Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (Unit 206,306 or previously CS38) qualifications. First Aid training strongly recommended. (This was unit CS39 prior to June 2013)
The course
2 days training
Course Outline:
• Legislation
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Tree climbing equipment
• Rope configurations
• Tree access
• Tree Identification
• Work positioning
• Light branch removal
• Tree descent
• Flip lines and spikes
• Aerial rescue
Course content can on occasions vary to suit clients’ requirements
What should you bring to the course?
All support equipment must comply with LOLER. Please read the UPDATE on this in the NPTC Assessment section below.
Full Personal Protective Equipment:
Chainsaw helmet with chinstrap (with mesh visor & ear defenders)(CE marked)
Chainsaw gloves (CE marked)
Steel toe-capped chainsaw/climbing work boots (must have good tread) (CE marked)
Chainsaw trousers (Type C)– Full Protection (CE marked)
Waterproofs
Personal First Aid Kit (must include large wound dressing) with whistle & knife with retractable blade – attached to harness
Hand saw (Silky or Bow).
Climbing equipment- All support equipment must comply with LOLER.
Climbing Rope – 13mm diameter Pre-stretched Tree Rope – 35metres 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)
Approved tree climbing harness in good condition, to EN358 and EN813 standards
Five self-locking, triple action Karabiners, 22KN
Three Prusiks (70-80 cm) must be CE certified
3.5 metre Flip line with a rope or steel core
Chainsaw – Can be top-handled maximum recommended guide bar length 380mm 12 – 15”, preferably about 40cc in good working order with the manual
Please make sure that the chain on the saw is serviceable, if in doubt bring a spare chain with the supplied box
Tool kit to include sharpening equipment
Knock-in vice, depth gauge, raker, plug spanner & screwdrivers.
Fuel -2 stroke & Chain Oil.
As with all outdoor courses, several thin layers of warm clothing are better than one thick layer
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 are only able to provide ropes and harness for training, strictly by arrangement and in advance of training. Please ensure that you contact us if you would like us to provide climbing equipment.
We regret that we are unable to provide equipment for N.P.T.C. 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. are now registered as an NPTC test centre and can arrange these assessments if required.
You may need to provide a passport 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 Schedule available at http://www.nptc.org.uk/qualificationschemes.aspx?id=3
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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.
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
All trainees must be over 16 years of age and be “physically fit”. Anyone under the age of 18 can only use a chainsaw under the supervision of a certificated operator. Persons with certain ailments or on certain medication may not be able to take part in the practical sessions