AFAG805 Training and certification
AFAG is the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) national Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group, consisting of representatives from leading organisations involved in the 'tree work' industry. It exists to agree and produce guidance describing good practice for the tree-work industry. This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice.
Introduction
This leaflet is intended to help employers and the self-employed identify the training and, where necessary, the assessment requirements for tree-work operatives. Although it is focused on the tree-work industry, the principles described can be used for other associated industries where the same operations are carried out. It will also help clients ensure that their contractors are suitably qualified. It includes AFAG advice on entry-level qualifications, the need to consolidate training, and recording career progression. Tree work can be a high-risk activity and workers are often required to operate in remote areas with difficult terrain and in all weathers. Effective training is an essential requirement for ensuring this work is carried out both safely and efficiently. AFAG leaflets contain advice on a number of specific machines and processes related to the tree-work industry and those relevant to the intended work activity should be read in conjunction with this leaflet.
Terminology
This guidance on training and certification includes terms such as 'certificate of competence' and 'integrated training and assessment' that are widely known and used within the industry. However, they may differ from those terms used in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). To prevent confusion these terms are retained in this guidance but, where used, they apply to the appropriate training and assessment units awarded under QCF.

下一页