Safe Use of Handheld Leaf Blowers and Vacuums

CITY & GUILDS NPTC LEVEL 2
AWARD IN THE SAFE USE OF
HANDHELD LEAF BLOWERS
AND VACUUMS (QCF)
QAN 601/1290/6
QUALIFICATION GUIDANCE
Integrated Assessment
Essential Qualification Information
Not to be used by the Candidate during Assessment
You will require some of this information to accurately complete the Record of Assessment (ROA)
Qualification
Group No
Qualification
Programme No
Machinery
0 0 1 4
0
0
1
4
-
2
4
L2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers
and Vacuums
Unit(s)
2 0 1
Handheld leaf blower or vacuum operations
Endorsement(s)
0 0 1
0 0 2
Handheld leaf blower
Handheld vacuum
2 0 1
LT 16 (2 Credits)
Learning Time
(LT)
Recommended
Assessment
Duration
(* see note on page 2)
1.5 – 3 hours per Candidate
City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
Qualification Guidance
Introduction
The scheme will be administered by City & Guilds
City & Guilds will:
Publish
- Scheme regulations
- Qualification guidance
- Training materials
- Trainers support materials
Approve centres to co-ordinate and administer the scheme
Set standards for the training of Verifiers and Assessors
Recruit, train and deploy Verifiers
Issue certificates to successful Candidates
The Qualification
The qualification will be awarded to Candidates who achieve the required level of competence in the units to which their certificate relates.
What is the Qualifications and Credit Framework?
OFQUAL have introduced the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) to increase flexibility for learners and employers. Qualifications may be built
up from individual units according to rules of combination. The units are derived from the National Occupational Standards, which are compiled by
Lantra SSC, the Sector Skills Council for the Land-based industries.
Instruction
Attendance at a course of instruction is not a pre-requisite for an application for an assessment but potential Candidates are strongly advised to ensure
that they are up to the standards that will be expected of them when they are assessed.
* Learning Time (LT)
Learning Time (LT) is a better indicator of the time requirement needed for a candidate to achieve competence in this qualification. It has replaced
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) which are defined as “tutor or teacher led hours”. LT is defined as “a notional measure of the learning time a
typical learner might be expected to take to complete and achieve all learning outcomes”. It takes into account prior learning and encompasses:
formal learning (including classes, tutorials, on line tuition), coaching and mentoring, practical work, relevant IT activity, information retrieval, expected
private study and revision, work-based activity which leads to assessment, practice to achieve competence, formative assessment, programme planning
and feedback.
Access to Assessment
Assessment centres will be responsible for arranging assessment on behalf of the Candidate.
The minimum age limit for Candidates taking Certificates of Competence is 16 years. There is no upper age limit.
The assessment consists of one compulsory unit:
Unit 201
(Mandatory)
Outcome 1.
Outcome 2.
Outcome 3.
Outcome 4.
Outcome 5.
Outcome 6.
(Credit Value 2)
Know how to carry out a risk assessment (Criteria 1.1 – 1.2)
Know the current health and safety legislation and environmental good practice (Criteria 2.1 – 2.3)
Demonstrate how to check and maintain the machine (Criteria 3.1 – 3.5)
Demonstrate how to operate a leaf blower or vacuum (Criteria 4.1 – 4.3)
Know how to carry out post operative checks (Criteria 5.1 – 5.2)
Know how to clean and appropriately store a leaf blower or vacuum (Criteria 6.1 – 6.2)
Endorsements: the assessment may be taken using any equipment listed:
001
002
Handheld leaf blower
Handheld vacuum
The certificate will be endorsed accordingly. Candidates are encouraged to take their assessment with different types of equipment to broaden their
certification.
Only two endorsements can be taken in any one registration.
Quality Assurance
Verification is a process of monitoring assessment; it is an essential check to confirm that the assessment procedures are being carried out in the way
City & Guilds has laid down. The overall aim of verification is to establish a system of quality assurance that is acceptable in terms of both credibility and
cost effectiveness.
Approved Assessors will be subject to a regular visit by the verifier at a time when assessments are being undertaken.
A selection of assessment reports completed by the Assessor will be evaluated by a City & Guilds approved verifier.
Compliance with the verification requirements is a pre-requisite for Assessors remaining on the list of approved Assessors.
After assessment has been completed the Qualification Guidance is to be forwarded to the centre and retained by the centre until after the annual
centre visit has taken place by a Quality Systems Consultant (QSC).
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City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
Quality Assurance continued…
As part of the quality assurance process, a minimum of two observations are required to be undertaken for each qualification that is assessed by a
Trainer/Assessor. These will be carried out by an internal Verifier appointed by the Centre. One observation will be conducted in the presence of the
Quality Systems Consultant. In respect of risk management, there is an expectation that additional observations up to a maximum of four will be carried
out for the inexperienced or newly qualified Trainer/Assessor or Assessors.
Performance Evaluation
The result of each assessment activity is evaluated against the following criteria:
M=
Met
Meets or exceeds the assessment criteria by displaying a level of practical performance and/or underpinning knowledge.
If the Criterion has been MET, a tick  is to be put in the box provided in the bottom right-hand column of each section.
NM =
Not Met Does not satisfy the requirements of the assessment criteria, being unable to perform the practical task satisfactorily or safely or
being deficient in underpinning knowledge. If the Criterion is NOT MET, a cross  is to be put in the box provided in the bottom
right-hand column of each section.
Appeals and Equal Opportunities
Centres must have their own auditable, appeals procedures. If a Candidate is not satisfied with the examination conditions or a Candidate feels the
opportunity for examination is being denied, the Centre Manager should, in the first instance, address the problem. If, however the problem cannot be
resolved, City & Guilds will arbitrate and an external verifier may be approached to offer independent advice. All appeals must be clearly documented by
the Centre Manager and made available to the external verifier or City & Guilds if advice is required.
Should occasions arise when centres are not satisfied with any aspect of the external verification process, they should contact Verification Services at
City & Guilds.
Access to the qualification is open to all, irrespective of gender, race, creed, age or special needs. The Centre Manager should ensure that no learner is
subjected to unfair discrimination on any grounds in relation to access to assessment and to the fairness of the assessment. QCA requires City & Guilds
to monitor centres to check whether equal opportunities policies are being adhered to.
Validation of Equipment
A Manufacturer’s instruction book or other operator’s manual should be available. It is permissible for the Candidate to use this during formal
assessment.
All equipment being used for this assessment must comply with the relevant requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
(PUWER) 1998.
Vehicles must comply with Department of Transport and Road Traffic Acts where relevant.
Any appropriate item of machinery complying with legal requirements is acceptable for the assessment, provided it is suitably equipped for all
assessment activities to be carried out.
Safe Practice
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
The Assessor must ensure that a site specific risk assessment is carried out.
All equipment must be operated in such a way that the Candidate, Assessor, other persons, or other equipment are not endangered.
All ancillary equipment, when detached, must be safely parked.
Failure to operate safely and comply with these requirements will result in the Candidate not meeting the required standard.
Warning signs stating that an assessment is in progress should be available.
The Assessor may stop the assessment on the grounds of safety at any time at his/her discretion.
Before any assessments take place, Assessor & Candidate should be aware of any local or national issues to prevent breach of security, safety and any
cross contamination or damage to the local environment.
A breach of Health and Safety that puts any person at risk during the assessment process will result in the assessment being terminated and
the Candidate not meeting the required standard.
Additional Information
May be sought from the relevant manufacturer’s operator manuals or any other appropriate training or safety publication.
Questions should be related to the background or employment aspirations of the candidate and, where possible, product labels used should be
representative of products typically used in that sector or industry.
Candidates who undertake this assessment and have met the requirements are reminded of their legal obligation to receive/undertake appropriate
additional training in the use of any equipment that differs from that used during the assessment, but which they are nevertheless qualified to use.
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City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
3
Assessment Guidance for the Trainer/Assessor
This qualification can be assessed by a Trainer who has trained the Candidate (a Trainer/Assessor) or by a third party (an Assessor) not directly
involved with training of the Candidate providing they are suitably qualified and meet the requirements of the awarding body. Please see City & Guilds
Centre Manual for guidance.
It is envisaged that assessment will be carried out after all of the training has been completed. However assessment may take place at intervals after
each ‘period’ of training and may be effectively integrated into the training programme. The Candidate must be informed when assessment is taking
place in terms of when formal assessment commences and when its ceases. It is not permissible to assess whilst training is being carried out.
Assessment must be a separate activity.
Trainer/Assessors are reminded that assessment is a formal process. Assessment must be carried out using the Qualification Guidance. All relevant
assessment criteria must be assessed against the criteria as specified in the Qualification Guidance. Assessment will be carried out by direct
observation and by oral questioning of the Candidate. Where a specific number of responses are required these may include other suitable
answers not specified if they are deemed to be correct by the Assessor. The performance of the Candidate is to be recorded on the Qualification
Guidance as directed by completing the tick boxes. Space has been provided on the Qualification Guidance for the person assessing to record relevant
information which can be utilised to provide feedback to the Candidate. Trainer/Assessors are reminded that feedback from the Candidate is required on
the Record of Assessment that is sent to City & Guilds as part of the quality assurance process. After assessment has been completed the assessment
schedule is to be forwarded to the centre and retained by the centre until after the annual centre visit has taken place by a Quality Systems Consultant
(QSC).
The Candidate may only have a maximum of 3 attempts. Re-assessment cannot take place until further training has been provided.
Assessment Guidance for Candidate
A list of registered assessment centres is available from City & Guilds Land Based Services. (www.nptc.org.uk)
Assessment is a process by which it is confirmed that the candidate is competent in the unit(s) within the award to which the assessment relates. It is
the process of collecting evidence about the candidate’s capabilities and judging whether that evidence is sufficient to attribute competence.
The Candidate must be registered through the City & Guilds approved assessment centre for this qualification prior to the assessment.
The results of the assessment will be recorded on the Record of Assessment form (ROA).
The qualification guidance contains criteria relating to:
 Observation of practical performance
 Assessment of underpinning knowledge
Published by
City & Guilds
Building 500
Abbey Park
Stareton
Warwickshire
CV8 2LY
T +44 (0)24 7685 7300
F +44 (0)24 7669 6128
www.nptc.org.uk
e-mail: [email protected]
City & Guilds is a registered charity established to promote education and training
4
© City & Guilds 2012 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent of City & Guilds
City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
Candidate A
Name:
Date:
Start Time:
Duration:
Candidate B
Name:
Date:
Start Time:
Duration:
Candidate C
Name:
Date:
Start Time:
Duration:
Candidate D
Name:
Date:
Start Time:
Duration:
CRITERIA
NUMBER
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA
Unit 201
1.1
Carry out a Risk
Assessment for task, site
and machine in respect of
leaf blower or vacuum
operations to identify:
 significant hazards
 those at risk
 control measures
ASSESSOR
GUIDANCE
ASSESSMENT
ACTIVITIES
CANDIDATE
A B C D
Candidate to carry out a risk
assessment by checking the
site for hazards and report
findings to the assessor
Candidate is required to:
 point out the hazards
 specify who may be at risk
 suggest suitable control measures
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Candidate to state two
possible risks when operating
a leaf blower or vacuum
May include:
 flying debris
 bio hazards
 moving parts coming in contact with fingers/hands
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Met Not Met X
Unit 201
Ensure that the site is safe
for the operation of a leaf
blower or vacuum
1.2
Candidate is to confirm that
the site is or is not safe for
the operation of a leaf blower
or vacuum
Candidate is required to:
 walk the site and remove or mark hazards
 set out warning signs
 position barriers to exclude public/animals (if
appropriate) implement suitable controls to protect
themselves
 state the emergency procedures in the event of
an incident
Confirm either:
 the site is acceptable for the operation to
take place
Or
 the site condition is not suitable for the operation
to take place without remedial action. In which
case the candidate makes the site safe
Met  Not Met X
Unit 201
2.1
Outline the relevant Health
and Safety legislation that
underpins the use of leaf
blowers or vacuums
(Note: Any three required by
name and an outline of the
implication on leaf blower or
vacuum operation)
(Any implications
considered to be valid by
the Assessor may be
accepted)
May include the following:
 The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – specified
duties under the act as an employee
 The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 – a risk assessment must be
carried for all activities
 Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992
– PPE must be supplied and worn
 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 –
avoid manual handling where possible, use safe
lifting techniques
 The Control of Vibrations at Work
Regulations 2005 – to reduce the risk to
health from vibrations
 Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations (PUWER) 1998 – requires that
regular checks are made
 Noise at Work Regulations 2005 – hearing
protection must be worn over 85db
 Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 –
operation carried out at times to minimise
the impact on wildlife
Met  Not Met X
© City & Guilds 2012 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent of City & Guilds
City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
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CRITERIA
NUMBER
Unit 201
2.2
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA
Identify appropriate
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) for leaf
blower or vacuum
operations
ASSESSOR
GUIDANCE
Candidate to identify PPE
required for operation
Assessor Note: Safety
goggles are recommended
for leaf blower or vacuum
operation
ASSESSMENT
ACTIVITIES
CANDIDATE
A B C D
Unless other wise stated in the manufacturers
handbook or operators manual, PPE may include:
 hard hat/helmet with full face visor
 face protection
 suitable eye protection
 ear defenders
 dust mask
 non snag clothing
 high visibility clothing
 safety footwear
Met  Not Met X
Unit 201
3.1
Describe the function of
the controls of the leaf
blower or vacuum and the
meaning of safety decals
Unit 201
2.3
Unit 201
3.3
Continued
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The candidate is required to
state the meaning of the
decals on the machine
To include:
 the operator protection decals
 bystander protection decals
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The candidate is to identify
the guarding requirements for
the machine being used
May include:
 all moving/hot parts to be guarded as defined in
the operators handbook
The candidate to state three
safety precautions
Safety precautions may include:
 Risk Assessment must be carried out before
operation of the machine
 site must be conformed as safe for the operation
 PPE must be worn at all times
 ensuring the safety of bystanders/public
 a minimum safe working distance as
recommended by the manufacturer
Candidate to outline how
compliance with
environmental good practice
can be achieved
May include:
 use of bio fuel/oils
 avoidance of spillage
 using a spill kit to deal with any accidental spillage
 carrying out clearance with consideration to the
needs of wildlife
 composting of arisings on site
Met  Not Met X
Carry out pre-start checks
to the power unit and
attachments
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Met  Not Met X
Unit 201
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To include all of the following:
 on/off switch
 vacuum/blow control
 choke
 throttle
 throttle lock
 primer bulb
 decompressor (if fitted)
 Operator Presence Control (OPC) (if fitted)
3.2
Outline good
environmental practice
associated with leaf blower
or vacuum operations
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The candidate is to identify
all the controls on the
machine being used
Met  Not Met X
Identify the safety features
of the machine
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Candidate to carry out prestart checks to the machine
and describe what they are
looking for
These may include:
 condition of anti vibration mounts
 inspecting the machine for signs of damage
(including the vacuum pipe and any
attachment(s))
 inspecting the machine for loose components and
fixings
 checking the oil level (if applicable)
 checking the fuel level
 fuelling the machine (if required)
© City & Guilds 2012 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent of City & Guilds
City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
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CRITERIA
NUMBER
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA
Cont…
Unit 201
ASSESSOR
GUIDANCE
ASSESSMENT
ACTIVITIES
Candidate to state two safety
precautions that should be
observed with flammable
liquids
This may include:
 no smoking/naked flames
 allowing machines engine to cool be fore refuelling
 avoiding contact with hot surfaces
 fuel topped up to correct level allowing for
expansion
 any spillage is dealt with using the correct method
3.3
CANDIDATE
A B C D
Met  Not Met X
Unit 201
3.5
Carry out routine
maintenance in
accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions
The candidate is required to
carry out routine
maintenance procedures for
the leaf blower or vacuum
Power unit and covers:
 spark plug to be disconnected
 inspect for security and damage external screws,
nuts and bolts present and secure
 debris removed from fins/air intake
 exhaust (muffler) is secure and intact
 debris cleared from intake pipe/fan
The candidate to state the
purpose of the air filter
Service air filter:
 air filter prevents debris from entering the
carburettor and needs to be clean to maintain
correct air/fuel ratio
 debris removed from around filter prior to removal
 filter removed (choke close or protected)
 filter cleaned or new filter obtained (as
appropriate)
 filter replaced and cover fitted
The candidate to state the
relevance of the colour of the
deposits on the spark plug
The candidate to assess the
recoil mechanism and
comment on tension and
condition of cord
The candidate is required
only to state how to service
the fuel filter
Service the spark plug:
 if fuel rich – deposits dark brown to black
 if fuel weak – light brown to white
 engine cover and spark plug removed
 plug cleaned appropriately
 wear/damage assessed (replaced if necessary)
Or
 gap size checked and set if necessary
Service starter recoil mechanism:
 when the spring is slack the cord does not fully
retract
 over tight spring binds the cord before it can be
fully extended
 recognise wear points; at base of toggle and
where attached to pulley
 starter cover removed and ventilation slots
cleaned
 cord inspected for wear
 cord and coil spring released and re-tensioned
Fuel filter:
 fuel cap to be removed
 filter to be located and removed from tank using
an appropriate tool
 condition of the filter determined, replacement if
necessary
 cleaning procedures include using non flammable
detergents followed by rinsing and drying
Met  Not Met X
Unit 201
3.4
Test start the machine and
ensure that it is operating
correctly
Candidate is to test start the
machine and comment on
their findings
To include:
 safe starting procedure for the machine
 start machine
 check controls are fully operational
 machine stopped using on/off switch
Met  Not Met X
© City & Guilds 2012 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent of City & Guilds
City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
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7
CRITERIA
NUMBER
Unit 201
4.1
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA
Carry out leaf or debris
clearance in accordance
with instructions or
specification
ASSESSOR
GUIDANCE
Candidate to demonstrate
safe and efficient operation of
the leaf blower or vacuum in
context of the candidate’s
employment
Note: The Assessor is to
specify the area to be
covered (It is suggested
that a minimum area of
50m2 for vacuums and
100m2 for blowers should
be cleared)
Unit 201
4.2
Dispose of arisings in line
with operational and
environmental
requirements
Candidate to demonstrate
how to dispose of arisings
ASSESSMENT
ACTIVITIES
CANDIDATE
A B C D
To include:
 safe starting
 PPE worn at all times
 safety of bystanders/public
 work planned
 efficient use of the machine
 debris collected or blown to appropriate location
for collection
 machine emptied/debris collected
Met  Not Met X
Waste disposed in line with:
 company policy/site or operational requirements
 environmental good practice
 any legislative requirements
Met  Not Met X
Unit 201
Leave the site clean and
tidy
Assessor to specify the
condition
To include:
 site left in condition as specified by assessor
Carry out cleaning of a leaf
blower or vacuum
Unit 201
Unit 201
5.2
Unit 201
Store a leaf blower or
vacuum in an appropriate
place
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To include:
 cleaning procedures carried out as recommended
by manufacturer
   
Candidate is to state two
advantages of regularly
cleaning the machine after
use
May include, to:
 prevent corrosion
 facilitate maintenance and adjustments
 prevent personal contamination
   
   
   
Candidate to state two
factors to consider when
cleaning the machine
May include:
 using appropriate PPE
 removing unwanted residues using an appropriate
method, which may include:
 compressed air
 hose and water
 brush
 waste disposed in line with company policy,
environmental good practice and any legislative
requirements
Candidate to state one
reason for inspecting the
machine after use
   
   
   
   
   
Met  Not Met X

May include:
 to establish if there are any missing, damaged or
worn components
 ensures that defects can be rectified before
machine is required again for use
   
Met  Not Met X

Candidate is to demonstrate
how to carry out post
operative checks and
describe what they are
looking for to the assessor
May include:
 machine inspected
 description provided
Candidate to store the
machine after use
To include:
 machine stored in an appropriate place after use
© City & Guilds 2012 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent of City & Guilds
City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
   
   
   
Met  Not Met X
6.2
8





Candidate is to demonstrate
how to clean the machine
after use
5.1
Carry out post operative
checks on a leaf blower or
vacuum






6.1
State why post operative
checks should be carried
out





Met  Not Met X
4.3
Unit 201





Met  Not Met X

   

Summary of Assessment (The Assessor is to complete the following as appropriate)
Candidate has met all of the assessment criteria
Tick

Candidate A

Signed:
Candidate has met all of the assessment criteria
Candidate B
Candidate has met all of the assessment criteria
Tick

Candidate C
Candidate has met all of the assessment criteria
Tick

Candidate D
Tick

The Candidate has not met all of the assessment criteria; (state
reason(s))
Tick

The Candidate has not met all of the assessment criteria; (state
reason(s))
Tick



Date:
Tick


Signed:
The Candidate has not met all of the assessment criteria; (state
reason(s))

Date:

Signed:
Tick

Date:

Signed:
The Candidate has not met all of the assessment criteria; (state
reason(s))

Date:
For use by Internal Verifier ONLY if the assessment process was internally verified
(Internal Verifier to complete ONE of the boxes below)
I observed an assessment process taking place and I am satisfied that the assessment was conducted in line with the qualification requirements
and that the judgement of the Assessor was appropriate.
Tick

I observed an assessment process taking place. The following were noted as areas of concern.
Tick



Signed:
Date:
© City & Guilds 2012 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent of City & Guilds
City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (QCF)
9

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