Certificate in the Safe Use of Hedge Trimmers

Certificate in the Safe Use of Hedge Trimmers (AHT02)

This is a practical assessment, which covers pre-use checks and maintenance, identification of controls and instruments, operating the machine to trim a hedge (length, side and top) or verge (including around obstacles). The test is taken in the context of handheld hedge trimmers, tractor mounted hedge trimmer or a tractor-mounted implement, used as a verge mower only.

Units of the Qualification
Mandatory
Unit 1  - Pre–use safety – Hedge trimmers
Optional
Unit 2  - Operate hand held powered hedge trimmer
Unit 3  - Operate tractor mounted hedge trimmer
Unit 4  - Operate tractor mounted verge mowers
Unit 5  - Hedgerow maintenance principles
Please note, units 3 and 4 do not cover connecting the hedge trimmer to the tractor

To be awarded a Certificate of Competence, Candidates must successfully achieve all Assessment Activities in:
Either: Units 1 and 2 (certificate endorsed “Hand Held Powered Hedge Trimmer”)
or Units 1 and 3 (certificate endorsed “Tractor Mounted Hedge Trimmer”)
or Units 1 and 4 (certificate endorsed “Tractor Mounted Verge Mower”)

Unit 5 is an optional unit that can be taken on its own or in addition to any of the above combinations. The certificate will be endorsed “Hedgerow Maintenance Principles”. 

Should you already hold the mandatory units and only wish to be assessed on an optional unit, please contact us for a tailored quote.

Learning outcomes:
The candidate will be able to:
-Prepare a handheld or tractor mounted hedge trimmer for operational safety
-Identify the key controls on the machine and their function
-Identify the risks of the operation and check the work site for hazards
-Carry out routine maintenance on hand held or tractor mounted hedge trimmer
-Operate a handheld or tractor mounted powered hedge trimmer, working competently using correct tools and equipment safely and observing all relevant health and safety legislation
-State the knowledge and understanding required, relating to PPE, legislation and safety
-State the knowledge of understanding to the maintenance of hedgerows.

For further information detailing the activities taken during the assessment of each unit please visit the NPTC Assessment Schedule (link opens in a new window).

Booking is easy...

Simply add your chosen exam to your basket and complete your order at the checkout. We will then send you a confirmation email, confirming your examination request. Then shortly after this we will contact you to complete the neccessary information for your exam registration. This may include:

• Additional personal details
• Selecting from optional modules
• Choice of examination dates
• Choice of examination location
• A Passport Sized Photo
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth (Animal Transport Assessments only)

Dependending on which exam you are taking.

We aim to give you all the necessary information on this page. However, we appreciate it can all get a little confusing and should you feel this is the case, please don't hesitate to contact us, either by emailing info@avalonassessments.co.uk or telephoning 01934 86 22 88.