Latest News

Latest Chainsaw News New NPTC chainsaw units came into effect on 1st January 2010. The assessment schedules are now available at http://www.nptc.org.uk/assessment-schedules/ But BE CAREFUL – there are 2 SETS of schedules on this page now !! The first ones under the heading “Chainsaw and Related Operations” are the OLD units and include: CS32 Fell Medium Sized Trees CS33 Fell Large Trees Don’t be fooled! – further down are the SECOND ones under the heading “Chainsaw and Related Operations (QCF) November 2009” and are the NEW units. Although these have the same unit numbers, the titles and content are different: CS32 - Fell and Process Trees Over 380mm CS33 - Specialist Tree Felling There are also some subtle changes in the CS30, CS31 & CS38 units, as well as some totally new units. If you already have the old units you do not need to re-take your assessments, in fact you need do nothing until attending your 5-year update/refresher. At this point you will need to book an update/refresher based on your original units. If you have done the training but have not yet booked an assessment, you will need to read the NEW schedules because that is what you will be assessed on – if in doubt ring your local assessment centre to check. Don’t forget - you can contact NPTC at any time to check the validity of your units, they should ask you a couple of security questions to make sure that they are talking to the right person first. It is always worth checking that they have the right units registered to you BEFORE taking on a new job – it usually only takes a short phone call. The number below is also the one to call if you need a new card or have lost your original certificate – please remember though, it can take 2 to 4 weeks to issue a replacement. NPTC have now moved to: City & Guilds NPTC Building 500 Abbey Park Stareton Warwickshire CV8 2LY United Kingdom Tel: 024 7685 7300 Fax: 024 7669 6128 Email: information@nptc.org.uk

The latest HSE campaign to increase awareness in the Forestry & Arboriculture industries is highlighted in the latest edition of "Tree Work News", HSE’s e-newsletter for the arboriculture and forestry industries. To download your copy click here.

IMPORTANT CHANGES NPTC TO CHAINSAW QUALIFICATIONS (23rd July 2009) As of 1st September 2009 NPTC will be changing their chainsaw units in both content and title - follow the following link to see the proposed changes: http://www.nptc.org.uk/latest-news/detail.asp?dsid=386 For more information you can contact NPTC direct at: NPTC Stoneleigh Park Stoneleigh Warwickshire CV8 2LG United Kingdom Tel: 024 7685 7300 Fax: 024 7669 6128 Email: information@nptc.org.uk

Lynher Training Awarded 'Matrix standard' (Monday 23rd February 2009) Lynher Training have just been awarded "the matrix Standard”, which is the Nationally recognised quality mark for organisations providing the best support to customers in making learning more accessible. Lynher Training gained accreditation to the matrix Standard on the 5th February 2009 after a year of preparation. During this time the organisation has taken steps to improve the information available on their website and on printed fact sheets. This has proved to be very effective, as demonstrated by the positive feedback from customers regarding access to relevant and up to date information provided to them. "Lynher Training are committed to ensuring that customers and staff are receiving the best information, advice and guidance possible. We decided that the matrix Standard, would be a useful benchmark and that the accreditation process would help us to identify areas that could be improved. We decided last year to embark on the accreditation process through the matrix standard, in order to consolidate the hard work done by staff to implement quality control systems for its initial advice and guidance to customers” Karen Howell, Lynher Training

National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) (Wednesday 26th September 2007) For technical information regarding Chainsaw, Pesticides, Utility Arboriculture etc, it is now possible to talk to NPTC direct. This includes queries on certification, renewals, assessment standards, pre-requisites, technical queries or any feedback that you would like to pass on to the Awarding Body responsible for implementing this legislation. Contact Joe Jarvis NPTC Stoneleigh Park Stoneleigh Warwickshire CV8 2LG Tel. 024 7685 7300 Fax. 024 7669 6128 Email. information@nptc.org.uk

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (Wednesday 26th September 2007) For any queries regarding the implementation of the law, codes of practice or Health & Safety legislation and how this applies to either individuals or companies. Glenda Treneary is based at Ballard House as a point of contact for anyone wanting assistance in interpreting how the regulations apply to them or their business. This can be a totally confidential service which adopts the attitude of 'prevention rather than cure'. Glenda is full of useful and practical advice and is very keen to help and advise in order to prevent problems before they occur. Contact Glenda Treneary HSE Ballard House West Hoe Road Plymouth PL1 3BL Tel. 01752 276300 Fax. 01752 226024.