Grounds Maintenance - Training Courses
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We offer a wide range of courses associated with grounds maintenance. Most courses are targeted at operational staff, providing relevant practical training that will improve the skills of the staff attending. For NPTC/LANTRA chainsaw courses and NPTC Pesticides PA1/PA6a assessed programmes we can provide the venue and equipment for staff to use while they attend the course. We also arrange all of the required testing with LANTRA or NPTC on your behalf. For further details, there is a leaflet available for you to download from the Brochures menu option above. |
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Grounds Maintenance Courses
BRUSHWOOD CHIPPER
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
All staff who use Brushwood chippers
COURSE CONTENT
- Understand their responsibility to follow the Operator Manual
- Carry out the safety precautions listed in the Manual
- Select and wear the appropriate personal protective clothing
- Be familiar with the controls and features
- Carry out pre-start checks according to the Operator Manual
- Start and operate the chipper safely and correctly
- Understand the safety precautions for refuelling
- Know their responsibility to follow the instructions for operational adjustments and unclogging
- Understand their responsibility to follow the correct procedure for conning off and placing warning signs on roads and in public areas where required
- Carry out cleaning and routine maintenance of the equipment
CHAINSAW CS30.1 & CS30.2 - MAINTENANCE & CROSS CUTTING
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to :
- Identify a given chainsaw, select appropriate tools and maintain the saw to the appropriate standard.
- Identify safety features and be aware of the dangers of operating a petrol driven saw.
- Start a saw safely and demonstrate safe use when cross cutting.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the dangers associated with Kick Back
- Demonstrate an awareness of safe lifting.
CONTENT
- Introduction to tutor and course
- Safety aspects
- Chainsaw features, safety and legality
- Daily Maintenance
- Starter cord/spring replacement
- Guide bar problems
- Oil/Fuel filters
- Chainbrake spring mechanism
- Chain identification
- Chain sharpening
- Fuelling procedure
- Starting procedures/pre-use checks
- Cross cutting/kick back/boring techniques
- Tension and compression
- Preparation for Assessments
CHAINSAW (LANTRA AWARDS)
MAINTENANCE - CROSS CUTTING & FELLING OF SMALL TREES
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
All staff who work in or on trees using chainsaws.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to :
- Identify a given chainsaw, select appropriate tools and maintain the saw to the appropriate standard.
- Identify safety features and be aware of the dangers of operating a petrol driven saw.
- Start a saw safely and demonstrate safe use when cross cutting.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the dangers associated with "Kick Back".
- Demonstrate an awareness of safe lifting.
- Demonstrate ability to safely fell small trees.
- Demonstrate ability to safely Cross-Cut & Stack felled timber.
CONTENT
- Introduction to tutor and course
- Safety aspects
- Chainsaw features, safety and legality
- Daily maintenance
- Starter cord/spring replacement
- Guide bar problems
- Oil/Fuel filters
- Chainbrake spring mechanism
- Chain identification
- Chain sharpening
- Fuelling procedure
- Starting procedures/pre-use checks
- Cross cutting/kick back/boring techniques
- Tension and compression
- Preparation for Assessments
- Fell trees up to 20cm (8") in diameter
- Delimb conifers and/or small broadleaf trees
- Cross-cut and stack produce
- Take down of hung up trees using hand tools
CHAINSAW CS30 & CS31 - MAINTENANCE, CROSS CUTTING & FELLING SMALL TREES
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
All staff who work in or on trees using chainsaws .
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to :
- Identify a given chainsaw, select appropriate tools and maintain the saw to the appropriate standard.
- Identify safety features and be aware of the dangers of operating a petrol driven saw.
- Start a saw safely and demonstrate safe use when cross cutting.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the dangers associated with Kick Back.
- Demonstrate an awareness of safe lifting.
- Demonstrate ability to safely fell small trees.
- Demonstrate ability to safely Cross-Cut & Stack felled timber.
- Prepare Candidates for NPTC Assessment.
CONTENT
- Introduction to tutor and course
- Safety aspects
- Chainsaw features, safety and legality
- Daily Maintenance
- Starter cord/spring replacement
- Guide bar problems
- Oil/Fuel filters
- Chainbrake spring mechanism
- Chain identification
- Chain sharpening
- Fuelling procedure
- Starting procedures/pre-use checks
- Cross cutting/kick back/boring techniques
- Tension and compression
- Fell trees up to 20cm-38cm (8”-15”) in diameter
- Delimb conifers and/or small broadleaf trees
- Cross-cut and stack produce
- Take down of hung up trees using hand tools
- Preparation for assessments
FINE TURF - INTRODUCTION
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
All those who work with Fine Turf
AIM
To provide staff with basic knowledge and awareness of correct procedures and processes required for Fine Turf Maintenance.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the programme delegates will:-
- Be able to Top Dress fine turf playing surfaces
- Be able to carry out minor repairs and adjust levels on fine turf playing surfaces
- Carry out pre-start checks & use maintenance equipment
- Identify various turf disorders
- Use appropriate fertilizers correctly
CONTENT
- Requirement of a surface for bowls and cricket
- Construction and its relationship to producing a playing surface
- The rules of the game in relation to maintnenance programmes
- Daily maintenance and safe practice with machinery
- Safe moving and lifting
- Mowing machine adjustment for height and quality of cut
- Practical work on cricket square and bowling green
GRAVE DIGGING (TRENCH SUPPORT)
AIMS
On completion of the course members will know how to deal with all types of ground and the methods of shoring of grave excavations using hydraulic grave shore units.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course delegates will be aware of:-
- How to excavate in bad ground
- How to excavate in good ground
- Methods of shoring using graveshore units (Hydraulic)
- Safely strike and backfill
- Safely Excavate by hand
- Safely Excavate by machine
COURSE CONTENT
- Introduction - Construction Regulations on excavations
- Religious Protocols
- Measuring & Setting Out
- Excavating by hand and machine in all types of ground
- Inspection & Testing of equipment
- Shoring terminology
- Shoring methods in Hydraulic units
- Shoring up using Hydraulic graveshore
- Striking and backfilling graveshore units
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE ESTIMATING
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
All those required to produce estimates for Grounds Maintenance works.
CONTENTS
To provide staff with knowledge and information to assist them in producing accurate estimates for different types of Grounds Maintenance works.
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, the participants will be able to;
- Identify the need for accurate calculations
- Review the metric system
- Be able to produce estimates using basic rules/techniques discussed
CONTENT
Calculate for the hard materials such as:
- Paving slabs
- Block paving
- Mortar and concrete mixes
- Brickwork and blockwork
Calculate for commodities such as:
- Soils and topdressings
- Fertilisers
- Grass seed
- Composts
Calculate for soft landscape materials such as:
- Turf
- Bedding plants
- Shrubs and trees
Make calculations for price and quality
PESTICIDES PA6A
SUITABLE CANDIDATES
Any member of staff who will be required to carry out spraying operations using hydraulic nozzle and rotary atomiser applicators, granular or hand held applicators requiring minimal calibration.
AIMS
On completion of the course, staff will have sufficient skill and knowledge to pass the National Proficiency Test Councils test for module PA6A
OBJECTIVES
To train staff to:
- Select an applicator appropriate to the requirements of the job
- Check applicators
- Interpret product label recommendations
- Select application rate
- Calculate area to be treated
- Have a knowledge of nozzle components, assembly, purposes and methods of use
- Select appropriate pressure
- Check function of applicator
- Carry out calibration procedure
- Demonstrate procedure for measuring, mixing and filling
- Apply material safely and efficiently
- Have a knowledge of how to minimise drift
- Demonstrate personal hygiene
- Clean applicator
- Dismantle and carry out routine servicing/replacement of parts
- Have a knowledge of how to care for, clean and store applicator and protective clothing
RIDE ON MOWERS
AIMS
At the end of this course, participants will be able to perform the following operations on a ride on mower.
CONTENT
- Identify and operate machine controls
- Make pre-start checks to the machine
- Start and stop the machine
- Demonstrate safe driving practice on flat ground, on undulating ground and on slopes
- Carry out daily operator maintenance to the machine
- Make operator adjustments to the machines according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Clean and store the machines according to the manufacturer's instructions
SHRUB PRUNING
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Any member of staff who will be required to carry out general maintenance pruning of Shrubs.
AIM
To enable staff to correctly prune different types of Shrubs.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
- Categorise shrubs
- Identify pruning needs
- Carry out appropriate pruning
- Dispose of arisings
CONTENT
- Instruction of correct use of pruning tools.
- Categorising shrubs into distinct groups and identifying the pruning needs for each.
- Disposal of arisings.
- Practical Exercises & Individual Assessment.
SPORTS PITCH MARKING
In all sports there is the need for accurate marking of the area of play and it is essential for the interpretation of the rules.
They are guides for the players, referees and umpires and must be accurate in positioning and application of the line marking compound.
The machinery must be well maintained and the technique well thought out to ensure effective use of time and materials.
CONTENT
MARKING OUT FROM SCRATCH
- Placing the playing surface within the designated area
- Orientation
- Consideration of surface falls
- Allowance for separation between playing areas
- Interpreting plans
- Forming a right angle
- Types of marking machines
- Preparation of marking equipment
- Placement of marking strings
- Marking straight, broken and curved lines
- Placement of goal posts and other hardware
- Cleaning and maintenance of machinery
OVER MARKING
- Need for re-stringing
- Placement of marking strings
- Over marking straight, broken and curved lines
CRICKET
- Squaring the table
- Marking out wicket position
- Creases
- Boundaries
- Furniture( stumps & sidescreens)
Normally carried out as part of Spring Preparation for play including:
PITCHES
For example
- Football- 1 Day
- Hockey- 1 Day
- Rugby- 1 Day
Including Positioning of Posts
RUNNING TRACK
- Locating and marking of inner lines
- Starts
- Finishes
- Stragger and take over boxes
Would need to be completed by staff
TENNIS COURTS
Course Max: 6 People
STRIMMERS & BRUSHCUTTERS
OBJECTIVES
To enable participants to safely operate motorised Strimmers and Brushcutters.
CONTENT
- Understand the potential hazards involved in using Strimmers & Brushcutters
- Be aware of the steps necessary to eliminate risk and prevent dangerous occurrences
- Be familiar with the requirements for using appropriate personal protective clothing
- Know the appropriate uses of Strimmers & Brushcutters
- Know what to do in the event of an accident or emergency
- Carry out pre-start checks according to the Operator manual
- Start and operate the equipment safely and efficiently in a range of situations
- Understand the safety precautions for refuelling, adjusting cord and changing blades
SAFETY CLOTHING REQUIRED:
- Eye protectors and ear protection
- Face shield, arms and legs to be covered appropriately
- Safety Footwear
STRIMMERS, HEDGE TRIMMERS & BRUSHCUTTERS
OBJECTIVES
To enable participants to operate safely and effectively motorised Strimmers and Hedge Trimmers.
CONTENT
- Understand the potential hazards involved in using Strimmers, Brushcutters & Hedge Trimmers
- Be aware of the steps necessary to eliminate the risk and to prevent dangerous occurrences
- Be familiar with the requirements for the use of appropriate personal protective clothing
- Know the appropriate uses of Strimmers, Brushcutters & Hedge Trimmers
- Know what to do in the event of an accident or emergency
- Carry out pre-start checks according to the operators manual
- Start and operate the equipment safely and efficiently in a range of situations
- Understand the safety precautions for refuelling, adjusting cord and changing blades
- Know how to prevent damage to trees and other plants
- Carry out necessary site cleaning, i.e collection of grass cutting materials and other debris
- Clean and carry out routine maintenance of the equipment
Safety Clothing Required:
- Eye Protectors
- Ear Protectors
- Face Shield
- Arms and legs to be covered appropriate
- Safety Footwear
TRACTOR DRIVING ADVANCED COURSE
wHO SHOULD ATTEND
This course is primarily aimed at experienced staff to broaden their skills on a wider range of equipment.
AIMS
To enable participants to widen their skills and knowledge on the operation and maintenance of tractors and associated equipment.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course participants will have covered the following areas:
- Safety considerations related to tractor driving and the operation of equipment - including the dangers of working on gradients
- The functions of all controls
- Pre-start, daily and weekly maintenance checks
- Daily and routine checks and adjustments on the following equipment:
- John Deere 3200X, 3600X, Massey Fergusson 40E, Kubota B1750,Trilo, Fore Loader, Ditch King Back ActoR
- Kidd Flail Forage Harvester, Vicon Distributor 303.
- Attach Vicon Spreader to three point linkage and carry out adjustment of height and level of equipment
- Carry out safe and effective operation of all the above equipment
- Maintenance of the hydraulic system
- Attach correctly a P.T.O. operated machine to the tractor
TRACTOR DRIVING - INTRODUCTORY COURSE
CONTENTS
To enable participants to gain sufficient skill and knowledge to drive, operate and maintain a tractor and its associated equipment.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course participants will:
- Have a working knowledge of the safety considerations related to tractor driving and the operation of equipment - including the dangers of working on gradients
- Be able to identify the functions of all controls
- Carry out all pre-start, daily and weekly maintenance checks as laid down in the operator`s manual
- Carry out safe operation and manoeuvring of tractors in both forward and reverse gears
- Correctly hitch tractor to trailer
- Carry out safe driving, reversing and tipping of a trailer
- Carry out all daily and routine checks on the following equipment, making appropriate adjustments
- Foreloader, Trailers, Bomford Flail, Charterhouse Turf Tidy.
- Attach vicon spreader to three point linkage and carry out adjustment of height and level of the equipment
- Have a working knowledge of the hydraulic system
- Demonstrate an understanding of speed settings and gear selection for varied conditions and equipment
- Attach correctly a P.T.O. operated machine to the tractor
- Demonstrate the safe and efficient use of the above equipment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This course is primarily aimed at staff who have limited training or experience in the use and maintenance of tractors and equipment.
Maximum number to participants: 4
ATD02 TRACTOR DRIVING (REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINING AND TESTING)
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The candidate must hold a current full license for driving a tractor on public roads.
Suitable personal protective equipment must be used.
OBJECTIVE OF TEST
To establish that the candidate has reached the required standard in the safe driving and handling of a wheeled tractor.
EQUIPMENT
- Tractor suitable for the tasks to be tested plus:
- Roll bar or safety cab
- Lights
- Rear view mirror
- Horn
- Beacon
- Operators manual
- Refuelling equipment
- Method of tyre inflation
- Top up coolant
- Appropriate trailer coupling or auto hitch
- Three point linkage
- PTO fitted with statutory guards
- Trailer suitable for the tasks to be tested:
- Correct coupling for tractor
- Override or hydraulic brakes
- Hydraulic tipping
- Mounted equipment:
- Appropriate stands for stability of unit
- Correct category of hitch or converters
- Adequate safety pins
- PTO equipment (may be 3 point linkage equipment)
- Correct shaft with guards and chains
- Additional tools:
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Appropriate spanners
SITE
- A safe area with hard standing for initial instruction and daily maintenance check.
- Area large enough for adequate manoeuvring with trailer with a suitable area for tipping
- Area to enable use of equipment e.g. mowers
Candidate : Must hold a current full licence for driving a tractor on Public Roads
Suitable Personal Protective Equipment must be used
TRACTOR DRIVING - ADVANCED COURSE
CONTENTS
To enable participants to widen their skills and knowledge on the operation and maintenance of tractors and associated equipment.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course participants will have covered the following areas:
- Safety considerations related to tractor driving and the operation of equipment - including the dangers of working on gradients
- The functions of all controls
- Pre-start, daily and weekly maintenance checks
- Attach Vicon Spreader to three point linkage and carry out adjustment of height and level of equipment
- Carry out safe and effective operation of all the above equipment
- Maintenance of the hydraulic system
- Attach correctly a P.T.O. operated machine to the tractor
- Daily and routine checks and adjustments on the following equipment:
- John Deere 3200X, 3600X, Massey Fergusson 40E, Kubota B1750,
- Trilo, Fore Loader, Ditch King Back Actor, Kidd Flail Forage Harvester, Vicon Distributor 303.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This course is primarily aimed at experienced staff to broaden their skills on a wider range of equipment.
Maximum number of participants: 4
