Book: Health & Safety Overview Health & Safety Overview
Chapter: 8. Tools and equipment handling and use
Section: Use of powered machinery
Metadata: Details Buy this book

Power tools generally need such a degree of training, assessment and monitoring that it makes them unsuitable for use by volunteers. Powered equipment, including the following, should not be operated by volunteers unless they have undertaken an appropriate programme of training. Where it exists an assessment by a recognised national validating authority, such as the National Proficiency Tests Council or the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), would also be recommended.

  • Power chainsaws.
  • Powered excavators.
  • Tractors and tractor-powered equipment.
  • Strimmers with metal blades.
  • Land Rover winches and similar equipment powered from vehicles.

Use of power chainsaws on projects covered by BTCV insurance requires operators to have a BTCV Card and to comply with the BTCV Code of Practice on the use of the chainsaw. Further details are available from the Learning & Safety Team on 0113 230 7035.


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