Safe Use of Petrol Cutters and Abrasive Wheels

What is this course?

This one-day course is designed to equip operators with the skills to safely operate petrol-driven cut-off saws and abrasive wheels. It combines theory and hands-on practical training covering PPE requirements, machine operation, and safe handling techniques — including how to avoid kickback, correctly support materials, and maintain equipment safely — building confident, competent operators. Training runs at a pace that suits everybody, with knowledge and understanding checked continually before moving on.

Quick Facts

  • Price: £140 + VAT per delegate
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Maximum delegates: 8
  • Certification: Certificate, with a card issued if requested
  • Validity: 5 years
  • Health and safety regulations, including PUWER 98
  • Selection and correct use of PPE
  • Safety features and selecting and fitting the correct abrasive wheel
  • Pre-use checks and safely fuelling the machine
  • Water/dust suppression and awareness of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust risks
  • Safe cutting technique for metal and concrete, and how to avoid kickback
  • Safe storage and transportation of the saw

A classroom exam of 20 questions, mixing multiple-choice and written statement answers, plus a practical assessment demonstrating full competence operating the saw and following all health and safety requirements — including actually cutting a material.

Anyone whose job involves breaking ground, or cutting bricks, slabs, metal, poles, or crash barriers. This qualification carries real weight if you're joining a company or applying for site-based work.

Course Content

  • Health and safety regulations, including PUWER 98
  • Selection and correct use of PPE
  • Safety features and selecting and fitting the correct abrasive wheel
  • Pre-use checks and safely fuelling the machine
  • Water/dust suppression and awareness of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust risks
  • Safe cutting technique for metal and concrete, and how to avoid kickback
  • Safe storage and transportation of the saw

Assessment

A classroom exam of 20 questions, mixing multiple-choice and written statement answers, plus a practical assessment demonstrating full competence operating the saw and following all health and safety requirements — including actually cutting a material.

Suitable For

Anyone whose job involves breaking ground, or cutting bricks, slabs, metal, poles, or crash barriers. This qualification carries real weight if you're joining a company or applying for site-based work.

Entry Requirements
  • • An understanding of site operations and a health-and-safety-motivated approach
  • • No injuries or disabilities that would prevent completion of the practical assessment
  • • A good understanding of the English language

Trainer Delivering This Course

Chris Sanders
Chris Sanders
Lead Trainer / Assessor
chris@ajstraining.co.uk
Chris brings 40 years of industry experience to AJ's Training, including 35 years in telecommunications and a background as a City & Guilds qualified electrician. A fully qualified Level 3 trainer and assessor, he delivers NRSWA, EUSR, health and safety and telecommunications training, and mentors AJ's newer trainers.
Stuart Pocock
Stuart Pocock
Apprenticeship Manager / Lead IQA / DLS
stuart@ajstraining.co.uk
With over 15 years across construction and highways, Stuart leads AJ's apprenticeship programmes, safeguards learner welfare as Designated Safeguarding Lead, and oversees assessment quality as Lead IQA. He teaches across vehicle restraint systems, fencing, plant, health and safety, street works and EUSR.

Our Google reviews

We're proud of the feedback our delegates leave us — here's a small selection of recent five-star reviews from Google.

Google review from Thomas Murphy
Google review from a local guide
Google review from G P
Google review from Paul Oxby

FAQs

Do I need previous experience with cut-off saws?

No prior experience is assumed — the course covers PPE, wheel fitting, and safe operation from first principles, at a pace that suits everybody.

Does the practical assessment involve actually cutting something?

Yes — you'll need to demonstrate full competence operating the saw, including actually cutting a material, while following all health and safety requirements.

What PPE do I need to bring?

Full PPE: long trousers, long-sleeved hi-vis clothing, safety boots, gloves, eye and ear protection, a safety helmet, and dust protection/RPE. No loose-fitting clothing.

How long does the certificate last?

5 years.

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