Brushcutters, Clearing Saw and Strimmers

Brushcutters, Clearing Saw and Strimmers The Assessment:
The assessment establishes that the candidate has the relevant knowledge and understanding as well as the appropriate skill required for the competent safe use of a brushcutter, clearing saw or trimmer.

The assessment is divided into four units:

Unit 1 Maintain the Brushcutter/Clearing Saw/Trimmer. Unit 2 Operate a Brushcutter. Unit 3 Operate a Clearing Saw. Unit 4 Operate a Trimmer.

Candidates must successfully achieve:

Unit 1 which is compulsory and/either

Unit 2, Unit 3 or Unit 4 which are optional.
Skills to be assessed:

• Pre-start checks
• Removal, sharpening and replacement of brushcutter/clearing saw blade.
• Fitting nylon cord to a trimmer.
• Identification of hazards
• Correct adjustment of harness
• Correct use of equipment
• Appropriate warning signs and/or barriers to safeguard public
• Selection of machine for appropriate task
• Machine adjustments
• Safe lifting and handling
• Cleaning maintenance and storage of equipment

Knowledge to be assessed:

• Legal requirements
• Safety requirements
• Pre-start checks
• Statutory guard requirements
• Identification of hazards
• Material to be cut
• Speed of blade/nylon cord
• Safety of bystanders
• Cleaning maintenance and storage of equipment

Candidates will be assessed as 'competent' or 'not yet competent'

The assessment requires a practical demonstration of the candidate's competence. Underpinning knowledge and understanding will be assessed orally.