FAQ's
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(This section contains important information relating to the training provided and form part of the training terms and conditions)
DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE – No, Generally we can train most people who have never used this type of equipment before. However, if you are training on any of the rescue or practical climbing courses it is mandatory that candidates have first completed and passed TRN -1 Fall protection for users and wearers course.
DOES TRAINING HAVE AN EXPIRY/REFRESHER DATE – Yes, The authorities (HSE) generally work on the basis that refresher training is carried out every three years unless, specified otherwise by the training organisation. Certificates and cards are valid for a period of 3 years after training except, practical climbing courses which are valid for only 12 months. It is highly recommended that refresher training is undertaken after this period to ensure trainees keep up their skill levels and update them on any changes to the previous training. This is particularly important for rescue and climbing type courses.
DO I NEED TO BE MEDICALLY FIT –Yes, work at height regulations anyone who is required to use and wear fall arrest equipment or deploys and operates rescue equipment relating to these training courses should be considered as not having any condition that may prevent and or adversely affect their personal health and safety including that of any other training delegates whilst on the course. Whilst we do not discriminate on the grounds of disability we would remind you that each party has a duty of care for themselves and others under health and safety legislation. Please contact our training administrator if you need further guidance on these issues.
DO I NEED ANY OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENT – Possibly, If there is a requirement to use specific safety equipment (hard hats, gloves, eye protection) during training on the customer’s premises then yes, and the customer is responsible for the provision of such equipment. If training is on our training premises then the appropriate safety equipment will be provided as necessary.
IS THERE A PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT – Yes, Training delegates will be assessed during training as appropriate on their ability to perform practical tasks in line with the training given, and above all safely. (i.e. equipment Inspection, carrying out rescues). These practical tasks may be performed indoors or outdoors as required. A written record of practical assessment will be recorded for each delegate indicating whether the required standard has been achieved or not. It is strongly advised that organisations carry out regular practice drills as appropriate to procedures learned in order to maintain skill levels. Equipment inspection skills should also be carried out regularly.
IS THERE A THEORY ASSESSMENT – Yes, Training delegates will be assessed as appropriate with a written assessment based on the course content to ensure the key learning points have been fully understood. A written record of assessment will be recorded for each delegate.
WILL HANDOUTS OR COURSE MATERIALS BE ISSUED - Yes, Course booklets and other key information may be issued as appropriate in the form of a training pack to each training delegate.
WILL CERTIFICATES BE ISSUED AND WHEN – Yes, Training certificates will only be issued to those training delegates who successfully complete both practical and theory assessments. Certificates will normally be posted back after full payment of all training fees has been received.
PICTURE TRAINING CARDS – Yes, If requested, We can issue a credit card size card with the training delegates photograph and course details and expiry date on the front. On the reverse side will be a list of the training courses successfully passed. This is useful to delegates who can carry the card on site to prove competency during audits or if the authorities (HSE) visit. There is no charge for the first card. However, for lost or replacement cards a small administration charge may be incurred.
HOW LONG DO TRAINING COURSES LAST – Variable, Whilst we appreciate that time is a key factor to most organisations we do our best to minimise the down time but, above all we never compromise on quality or safety to either you the customer or ourselves by taking any short cuts when delivering our training courses. The timings depend on a number of factors such as, the type of training being undertaken, number of delegates. Timings and numbers are to be agreed at the time of booking and is generally based on the following but we are flexible to a reasonable degree, all timings are approximate. Classroom based training only - up to 12 delegates taking between 3 and 4 hours Classroom and practical training - up to 6 delegates taking between 4 and 6 hours
WHAT IF I AM LATE FOR THE TRAINING COURSE – contact us as soon as possible If you are running late on the way to the training please telephone our administrator or the trainer as soon as possible, it may be possible for you to catch up during the breaks in the course or staying back a little longer after the course ends. Caution is required as late or cancellation fees could be applied. Courses can be re-booked to reduce cancellation fees
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANCEL OR MISS THE COURSE – contact us as soon as possible If you know that you are going to miss or cancel the training course please contact our administrator as soon as possible. If you cancel at the last minute the full training fees will be invoiced. If you contact us and cancel within a reasonable time a cancellation fee may be charged depending on the amount of notice given for example cancellation 6 to 10 working days before the course results in 50% of the course cost and less than 5 working days results in a 100% course cost being incurred. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more details. Please note courses can be re-booked to reduce cancellation fees.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER CONDITIONS CANCEL THE COURSE – adverse weather, The trainer will assess the weather conditions on the day of training. If the weather makes the training unsafe in the opinion of the trainer there are a number of options available and these will be agreed with the customer.
- A) Training may be delayed as appropriate and will recommence when safe to do so
- B) Training will be suspended and if no improvement in weather or time runs out the course will be re-booked
- C) Training will cease immediately and re-booked
The trainer will discuss the conditions with the customer and all reasonable efforts will be made to carry on training but, in the interests of safety the trainer has the final decision. For example if the wind speed exceeds 28mph then tower crane rescue training will cease.
HOW DO I BOOK OR CONFIRM A COURSE – telephone or email, In all cases please contact our training administrator who will take your details and course requirements. Once agreed you will receive a training booking form that you complete and send back. This forms the contract and binds you to our terms and conditions and confirms your acceptance that the training will go ahead as agreed. IMPORTANT: Please note we do not carry out any training courses without a signed training booking form from the customer.
SAFETY AND SECURITY ISSUES – we operate a zero tolerance policy, We reserve the right to immediately cancel any training course where the health, safety and welfare of the trainer and or the training delegates is compromised through any individual(s) using abusive language, threatening behaviour or any other similar actions likely to disrupt the training course. This includes but is not limited to anyone who appears or is suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Cancellation fees will apply.
CAN I PROVIDE MY OWN TRAINING EQUIPMENT – Yes, Equipment used or provided by the customer can be used as long as it is deemed by the trainer to be fit for purpose. Training may be cancelled if any equipment provided by the customer for training purposes is not in the opinion of the trainer in a fit and satisfactory condition. Training may continue if suitable replacement equipment is provided within a reasonable time. Inspection records for certain equipment may be requested by the trainer on the day. Cancellation fees or re-booking may apply.
CAN THE CUSTOMER PROVIDE THEIR OWN TRAINING ROOMS AND AREAS – Yes, Training rooms provided by the customer need to have suitable tables, chairs, lighting and space to accommodate the number of training delegates. There needs to be a suitable power supply (240v). Where any practical training is to be carried out the customer is responsible for ensuring a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the provided training area is carried out and ensure appropriate control measures are in place prior to the course commencing. The contents of the risk assessment must be made available to the trainer for review. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone training where the facilities or the risk assessment are deemed by the trainer not to be suitable for training purposes, this includes and is not limited to adverse weather conditions if training takes place outdoors. Cancellation fees or re-booking may apply.
DO YOU HAVE TRAIN THE TRAINER COURSES – No, this is a company policy For your information we would advise that to train others the trainer should first obtain and hold a relevant teaching qualification in order to demonstrate their competency to create and deliver training and instruction to individuals and or groups to a recognised standard. Employers are advised to always ask for this evidence before they engage the services of any training provider. The trainer should also have in depth knowledge of the subject and have up to date information, we have noted this is not always the case with some organisations. We can carry out demonstration training of specific products but it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the trainer is qualified and competent to create a suitable training course based on the demonstration.
DO I NEED A RISK ASSESSMENT FOR TRAINING – Yes, depending on the situation Simple classroom based training may not require a specific risk assessment and basic issues like fire, first aid etc can be controlled via the customers site/office rules. However, for rescue and practical climbing courses the customer is responsible for ensuring a suitable and adequate risk assessment relevant to his employees is carried out prior to the training. A copy of the risk assessment must be available for the trainer to review and where appropriate the trainer may add other relevant controls and or a provide his own risk assessment relevant to the training being carried out. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone training where the facilities or the risk assessment are deemed by the trainer not to be suitable for training purposes, this includes and is not limited to adverse weather conditions