Utility Arboriculture Courses

This course is classroom based and takes 2 days to complete, with a half day assessment to follow where you will receive a NPTC Certificate of Competence. Candidates will identify the electrical equipment needed, electrically categorise trees, identify zones and have a clear knowledge of their site duties.

If you are employed in Utility Arboriculture or work closely to overhead conductors of up to 400kv, this course is a must. A current first aid certificate that includes treatment for shock is recommended for the safety of your training.

Course Objectives:

• Do Risk Assessments for generic, site specific, electrical in relation to overhead power lines
• Site supervision, PPE & injury prevention
• Consider safety factors e.g. leaving the site, atmospheric conditions, fire
• Being aware of dangers involved with using ladders, ropes & machinery
• Emergency actions and personnel rescue, using the emergency procedures document
• Understanding procedures for making a line dead and in the event of an injury
• High Voltage (HV)/Low Voltage (LV) overhead lines and apparatus
• HV Earth and LV Bonds
• How trees are electrically categorised when located in proximity to an overhead line
• Safety rules, codes of practice and working under a safety document
• Permit to Work (PTW)/ Permit for work (PFW)
• Ground Clearances & Live/Vicinity/Proximity Zones

Please contact the office for prices.
Maximum of 6 trainees per session.

The practical course takes 2 days to complete with a half day assessment to follow, where you will receive a NPTC Certificate of Competence. The course is for those employed in Utility Arboriculture who have a good level of fitness and stamina to handle the physical nature of the course. You must inform staff of any medical conditions before training starts.

Course Objectives:

• Identify common broadleaved & coniferous & tree categories A, B, C & D
• Knowledge of slow & fast growing trees and the significance of them growing in proximity to overhead lines
• Tree growth factors
• Significance & hazards of sprout growth, brittle stems, climbing plants, common defects, ill health and overhang
• Knowledge of pruning methods and their implications
• Site specific risk assessment
• Electrical Method of Work procedures for each tree category
• Assembly, inspection, minimum numbers, factors of care and maintenance of insulating rods
• Using pruning tools & appropriate PPE
• Felling trees adjacent to overhead lines
• Utility pruning operations during climbing
• Briefing ground staff & using systems for effective communication

All candidates must provide their own PPE, full climbing kit with in-date LOLER records

Pre-requisites for this course are:

CS30/31 NPTC Units 201/202/203

CS38/39 NPTC Units 206/206/308

CS40 NPTC Unit 307

Please contact the office for prices and dates:
Maximum of 6 trainees per session.