Qualifications

Why are they important?

Qualifications are important because it means the job is being carried out by people who have been properly trained to undertake the works, and to operate equipment necessary to complete the works.

This ensures there are no incidents like this photo!

Qualifications are also a crucial aspect of being insured.

NPTC

NPTC are a body set up to provide quality training and assessment for operating all types of machinery and skills like:

Chainsaws
Chippers
Stump grinders
Climbing
Aerial use of a chainsaw
Use of a chainsaw from a MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform)

There are countless certificates they cover. This ensures qualified workers can use the equipment they need for the job safely, as well as complying with a whole load of legislation that you really don't want to read about! Trust us!

Lantra

Lantra are very similar to NPTC. They usually cover different machines to NPTC, however there can be an overlap. Both are as legitimate as each other and follow very similar protocol. Often refresher training is required every 5 years to keep up to date with industry best practice.

IPAF

International Powered Access Federation - IPAF provides training and assessment for the use of access platforms, MEWPS (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms), otherwise known as cherry pickers. These are strict training courses that ensure operators know how to safely use the machines as well as understanding maintenance and legislation regarding their use.

CSCS

Construction Skills Certification Scheme - CSCS is set up to ensure workers are adequately trained on building sites. A card is provided (once accreditations have been verified) to prove a worker can do what he/she is doing.