The landscape gardener uses mini excavator, mini loader, plate compactor, chainsaw, brush cutter and hedge trimmer daily — and several require statutory training or certificate. Here are the machine selection, certification requirements, daily inspection and the personal protective equipment for each machine.
Introduction
The right machines make heavy work possible and relieve the body — but they are also the trade's most dangerous equipment. Safe use rests on three things: choosing the right machine for the task, having the legally required training (and certificate where required), and inspecting the machine before starting it.
Earth moving and compaction
- 01Mini excavator / digging machine: digs, moves and levels soil; choose size according to access and task.
- 02Mini loader, rubber-tyred loader, chain trencher, dumper: transport and load soil, gravel and stone.
- 03Plate vibrator and roller/compactor: compresses base course, bearing layer and surface — plate vibrator for narrow areas and joints, roller for larger surfaces.
- 04Choose machine according to layer thickness and material, and compress in thin layers (see 'Compression and settlement').
Certificate and training requirements
The employer must always ensure adequate training, instruction and supervision before an employee uses a machine (Working Environment Authority rules on training). For some machines, there is also an actual legal requirement for certification:
| Machine and breaks | Requirement | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol chainsaw | No statutory certificate — but particularly thorough and specific training and instruction, and only employees designated for the saw may use it. AMU 44364 «Anvendelse af motorsav 1» (use of chainsaw) (5 days) is the usual training | BEK no. 428 of 05/04/2022 §§ 20-22 |
| Telehandler with forks (extension over 1.5 m) | Telehandler certificate (AMU 48671); min. 18 years (15 in training) | BEK 1978/2021 § 8 and § 23 |
| Forklift / forklifts | Forklift certificate | The Danish Working Environment Authority |
| Crane work with telescopic loader | Telehandler certificate + Kranbasis (over 8 tonne-metres) | BEK 1978/2021 § 8(5) and § 4 |
| Mini-digger / excavator | No general certificate, but mandatory training and instruction (AMU 44490 «Betjening af minigravere og minilæssere» (operating mini excavators and mini loaders), 2 days). If it is used as a crane over 8 tonnes/tonne-metres, Kranbasis (basic crane) is required — unless the load is lifted at most approx. 1 m above ground, no one is near it, and the machine has been inspected according to the supplier's instructions | BEK no. 428 of 05/04/2022 §§ 20-21; BEK 1978/2021 § 4(5)-(7) |
Power tools
- 01Chainsaw: felling, bucking and rough pruning — requires training and full cutting gear (see below).
- 02Brush cutter / undergrowth cutter: clearing tall grass and scrub; blade or trimmer head depending on task.
- 03Hedge clipper: cutting of hedges and topiary; watch out for wires and hidden objects.
- 04Lawnmower and rider: grass cutting; cultivator and tiller for soil preparation and stump removal.
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