Level 3 Award in aerial tree pruning (formerly NPTC CS40)

Aerial Tree Pruning

NPTC Assessment Unit 002107

This two day field based course is aimed at climbing arborists looking to improve their understanding of pruning techniques in line with current industry good practice, specifically BS3998, or any arborist looking to achieve an industry recognised qualification in the aerial pruning of trees.

This course has been developed to give the candidates a better understanding of how, where, when and why tree pruning may be required, or not!

This course will also provide the candidate with all the theoretical knowledge and practical skills requires to undertake the NPTC Level 3 Unit 002107 assessment.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the completion of this course, the candidate will:

  • Understand the specific industry legislation and safety guidelines relevant to aerial tree pruning;
  • Have gained a better understanding of the current industry good practice for aerial pruning, especially adherence to BS3998;
  • Be competent in performing a hazard evaluation of the tree and a working at height assessment;
  • Understand how tree species, their condition and the time of year can affect the work carried out;
  • Be able to define pruning prescriptive terms and measurements in order to comply with the BS3998;
  • Understand the principles of natural target pruning and the effects both positive and negative that pruning operations can have on trees;
  • Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a range of pruning tools;
  • Be able to demonstrate competence in both crown reduction and crown thinning techniques and understand the principals of a range of pruning operations.

 

Equipment required:

Pruning tools including: top handled chainsaw, hand saw (silky saw), secateurs, long reach loppers or pole tools.

PPE required:  Chainsaw trousers Class 1 type A, chainsaw boots, chainsaw helmet with chin strap, ear and eye protection, cut resistant climbing gloves, full climbing kit (harness, climbing ropes, adjustable stop and karabiners), first aid kit with large wound dressing and whistle).

An in date thorough LOLER examination certificate (or certificate of conformity/receipt for items less than 6 months old) will be required for all items of climbing equipment.

All equipment is available to hire including PPE.  Please enquire for details.

Pre-requisites:

Pre-requisites for this course:

Cross cutting and chainsaw maintenance (002003 or CS30)

Small Tree Felling (002004 or CS31)

Climbing and aerial rescue (002013 or CS38)

Aerial cutting of trees with a chainsaw using freefall techniques (002108 or CS39)

Course duration:

Two days training with assessment on a separate day

Cost:

Training £230 per person plus VAT

NPTC Assessment £150 per person

Dates:

Tuesday 7 May 2019, Wednesday 8 May 2019 with assessment on Thursday 9 May 2019

Monday 20 May 2019 and Tuesday 21 May 2019 with assessment on Wednesday 22 May 2019