Trax & Trails - Professional Training Courses
Our courses comply with the HSE's requirement under Provision and Use of
Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
Course Content
Awareness
One day course aimed at the Fleet Manager, Line Manager, Access Negotiator
or occasional off-road driver. Accidents happen when a vehicle has been
incorrectly specified or an access route is unsuitable for the vehicles and
equipment [See Case Study 2]. The aims of this course are
familiarisation, understanding and selection of light 4x4 vehicles. 4WD
vehicles have different dynamics to ordinary cars, so this course is
designed to increase understanding in these variations how a vehicle
handles, stops and drives both on and off road. Course content is similar
to the Borda 1 with theory of transmission types, suspension and tyres and
how they all alter the characteristics. There is practical experience of
off-road driving and assessing the ground conditions.
The outcome is a better understanding of this type of vehicle which is
useful when managing a work party, purchasing a contract or negotiating
access.
Borda 1
One day course suited to both the Professional Driver and the Recreational
Driver. Max 2:1 Delegate to Instructor ratio
The principle aims are ones of understanding, safety and awareness. The
course starts with a Theory Session where the delegate will learn about four
wheel drive systems, suspension design and tyres and how these effect the
overall ability of a given vehicle. We then move onto identifying important
aspects of the vehicles and safety checks. This part of the course enables
a driver to assess a vehicles suitability for a given task.
The second part of the course concentrates on proper ground assessment and
practice of specialist techniques for off-road situations. We will cover
assessing, climbing, descending and recovery procedures for hills. Also
side slopes, ridges, ditches and ruts are dealt with. All through the day
personal safety and sympathy for the vehicle are stressed. At the end of the
day are a quiz to check understanding and a brief set of course notes.
The outcome will be a driver who understands how to assess and safely drive
in most UK off-road situations. They will also be able to judge when
driving is not suitable or may risk unsustainable damage to environment and
vehicle.
Borda 2
Two day course suited to Foremen/Leading Drivers, Solo Drivers or those who
lead a group of vehicles. It can also be considered as the basis of a Train
the Trainer scheme.
Day one follows Borda 1 with more emphasis on multi-vehicle groups and more
awareness of how different 4WD would manage obstacles.
Day two starts with a further, short, theory session on advanced mechanics
followed by more advanced off-road techniques and practice. The final part
is an assessment where each delegate will walk and assess an unseen part of
the site and proved details of all the issues, risks and techniques along
with route planning before finally driving the chosen route. This is
followed by a debrief of practice versus expectations. This final section
can be completed as either an "Attended" status or at extra cost "Accessed"
status with a Pass of Fail result.
Customised
We can assist in providing a Course designed to your specific needs through
Training Needs Analysis (with on-site assessment if required) or via
discussion. We can provide both on-road (with an Approved Driving
Instructor) and off-road requirements.
Please review the case studies to see examples of training packages we have
developed and delivered.
