Horticultural Safety Training in Ireland
About the Courses
Our Horticultural Safety Training programmes are designed for professionals working in landscaping, grounds maintenance, agriculture, and gardening. The courses focus on the safe and efficient use of horticultural machinery, tools, and equipment, while ensuring compliance with Irish Health & Safety legislation.
These courses help employers meet legal obligations, reduce workplace accidents, and improve operational productivity, while providing employees with recognized certifications that enhance their skills and career prospects.
Courses We Offer
1. Chainsaw Safety Awareness Program
The Chainsaw Safety Awareness Program is a half-day (or one-day depending on depth) training designed to raise awareness, promote safe practices, and certify experienced users in the operation and maintenance of chainsaws. While tailored for those with prior exposure, it offers structured instruction on inspection, safe handling, risk assessment, and compliance with Irish safety expectations in forestry, landscaping, and construction sectors.
Learning Outcomes
Participants completing this program will be able to:
Identify and explain the key components of a chainsaw
Carry out pre-use checks and detect defects
Safely prepare and start a chainsaw under field conditions
Perform daily maintenance tasks (chain lubrication, tensioning, sharpening)
Operate the chainsaw safely respecting site risk assessments
Apply emergency procedures in case of incidents
Understand legal responsibilities, hazard controls, and PPE requirements
Demonstrate awareness of environmental, bystander, and worksite safety
Course Format & Content
Introduction & program objectives
Components & anatomy of chainsaws
Pre-use inspection and defect identification
Safe startup procedures and handling techniques
Routine maintenance and sharpening
Risk assessments & safe operating zones
Emergency shutdown & incident response
Legal obligations and relevant Irish forestry safety practices
Theory test and practical demonstration
Feedback & certification
Who Should Attend?
Experienced chainsaw users seeking formal certification
Forestry, arboriculture, landscaper, or construction workers who use chainsaws
Supervisors or safety officers overseeing chainsaw operations
Those wanting to update knowledge or enhance safety credentials
Prerequisites / Conditions:
Minimum experience: ~6 months’ operational exposure
Good command of English (written and oral)
Use and availability of appropriate PPE (helmet, eye & ear protection, chainsaw trousers, gloves, boots)
Any ancillary equipment must be safely stored during use
Certification
On successful completion, participants receive a Chainsaw Safety Awareness Certificate, valid for 3 years (or as per provider policy).
2. Woodchipper Safety Course
This course aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills to safely operate woodchippers, manage hazards, and maintain equipment in compliance with Irish safety practices.
Course Content
Safety legislation and regulatory obligations
Key safety features of woodchippers
Identifying and assessing operational hazards
Safe operating techniques and standard procedures
Removing blockages safely
Selecting and using correct PPE
Routine maintenance tasks and inspections
Practical and written assessments
Who Should Attend?
It is particularly suitable for:
Tree surgeons and arborists
Landscaping and grounds maintenance staff
Local authority and council workers
Construction and utility workers handling vegetation clearance
Agricultural and estate maintenance personnel
Certification
Participants who successfully complete the assessments will receive a POBS Certificate of Safety, inclusive of trainer, assessment, and documentation.
3. Working with Pesticides – PA1, PA2a & PA6 Training
The Working with Pesticides Training Programme provides essential knowledge and hands-on experience for anyone who uses or applies pesticides in an agricultural, horticultural, landscaping, or amenity environment.
This course ensures full compliance with Irish and EU pesticide safety legislation and is suitable for individuals seeking City & Guilds NPTC certification in the safe use and application of pesticides.
Modules
PA1 – Safe Use of Pesticides (Foundation Module)
Duration: 1 Day (Classroom-Based)
This theory-based foundation course covers the core principles of pesticide safety, legislation, environmental protection, and label interpretation. It is a mandatory prerequisite for taking either the PA2a or PA6 practical assessments.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Understand pesticide legislation and operator responsibilities
Identify product labels and interpret safety data
Learn environmental protection procedures
Understand risk assessments and record keeping
PA2a – Boom Sprayer Application
Duration: 2 Days (1 Day Training + 1 Day City & Guilds NPTC Assessment)
This practical module is designed for those who operate mounted or trailed boom sprayers. Participants will learn how to prepare, maintain, and calibrate their spraying equipment safely and effectively.
Topics Include:
Machine calibration and maintenance
Field operating techniques
Minimising drift and environmental contamination
PPE and safe working practices
PA6 – Hand-Held Applicator (Knapsack Sprayer)
Duration: 2 Days (1 Day Training + 1 Day City & Guilds NPTC Assessment)
This course focuses on the safe use of knapsack or hand-held sprayers in horticulture, landscaping, and amenity management.
Topics Include:
Safe preparation and calibration of hand-held sprayers
Storage and mixing of pesticides
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Application techniques and operator safety
Who Should Attend?
Farmers and agricultural workers
Grounds maintenance and landscaping professionals
Horticultural and amenity sector staff
Local authority and parks employees
Anyone applying pesticides in a public or work setting
Certification
Upon successful completion of training and assessment, participants will receive City & Guilds NPTC certification, demonstrating competence in the safe use of pesticides (PA1, PA2a, and/or PA6).
4. Agricultural Tractor & Trailer Training Course
Our Agricultural Tractor & Trailer Training is a one-day practical programme designed for experienced operators who wish to enhance their skills and gain recognised certification. This course ensures participants understand the safe operation, loading, and maintenance of tractors and trailers.
The course provides hands-on training to improve operational competence, safety awareness, and confidence when driving and working with agricultural tractors and trailers.
Course Objectives
On completion of the course, participants will be able to:
Identify key legislation and regulations related to tractor and trailer operation.
Safely prepare a tractor and trailer for work.
Conduct daily and routine maintenance checks.
Operate a tractor safely, including when loaded.
Understand procedures for driving on public roads.
Recognise the limitations of the vehicle to prevent accidents.
Candidate Requirements
Safety boots, high-visibility vest, and hard hat.
Good understanding of English (or accompanied by an interpreter).
Previous tractor experience is essential.
Who Should Attend?
Experienced tractor operators seeking assessment or certification.
Agricultural workers handling tractors for farming, landscaping, or maintenance tasks.
Operators wishing to update knowledge on safety regulations and best practices.
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a POBS Certificate valid for professional recognition. (commonly valid for 3 years)
5. Lawnmower Pedestrian & Ride-On Agricultural Tractor Training Course
Our Lawnmower Pedestrian and Ride-On Agricultural Tractor Training is a one-day practical programme designed for operators who wish to improve their skills, operate safely, and gain recognised certification. This course is ideal for both pedestrian and ride-on lawnmower operators, as well as those handling small agricultural tractors.
The training ensures participants understand the safe operation, preparation, and routine maintenance of lawnmowers and agricultural tractors
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
Understand the key legislation and regulations for operating lawnmowers and small agricultural tractors.
Prepare and inspect lawnmowers and tractors for safe operation.
Perform daily and routine maintenance checks.
Operate pedestrian and ride-on lawnmowers safely without risk to themselves or others.
Recognise operational limitations to prevent accidents and ensure efficiency.
Demonstrate knowledge of best practices for safety and risk management during operation.
Candidate Requirements
Safety boots, high-visibility vest, and hard hat.
Good understanding of English (or accompanied by an interpreter).
Previous experience operating lawnmowers or small agricultural tractors is recommended.
Who Should Attend?
- Experienced operators of pedestrian and ride-on lawnmowers.
- Agricultural workers operating small tractors.
- Anyone seeking assessment or certification for professional recognition in Ireland.
Certification
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a POBS Certificate, demonstrating their competence in operating pedestrian and ride-on lawnmowers and small agricultural tractors safely.
6. Brush Cutter (Trimmer) Hedge Trimmer
Our Brush Cutter (Strimmer) and Hedge Trimmer Training is a one-day practical programme designed for both novice and experienced operators who want to operate safely and gain recognised certification. The course focuses on the correct use, preparation, and maintenance of brush cutters and hedge trimmers
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the relevant legislation and regulations for operating brush cutters and hedge trimmers.
Prepare and inspect equipment safely before use.
Carry out routine daily maintenance and checks.
Operate a brush cutter or hedge trimmer safely without risk to themselves or others.
Recognise operational limitations to prevent accidents and ensure safe handling.
Apply best practices for environmental and personal safety while using cutting tools.
Who Should Attend?
Novice operators of brush cutters or hedge trimmers.
Experienced operators seeking certification or refresher training.
Grounds maintenance staff, landscapers, and agricultural workers.
Certification
Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a POBS Certificate, demonstrating competence in the safe use of brush cutters and hedge trimmers.
Pricing and Booking
Don’t compromise on safety. Contact our team today to schedule your Horticultural Safety Training. Our contact details are
+353-899498755, email at [email protected] or reach out us by filling contact form.