Post driver PCR01

What is a post rammer?

A post rammer, post driver, post knocker or fence driver is a tool used for driving fence posts and similar items into land surfaces. A weight is lifted usually using hydraulics and dropped on the post forcing it into the ground.

What does the training course include?

• Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator
• Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular machine to be used
• Be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions
• Be able to locate and identify key controls and explain their functions
• Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturers and legislative requirements
• Select suitable type of post rammer relative to the work being undertaken
• Identify and maintain PPE appropriate for post rammer use
• Prepare the post rammer for use
• Conduct all necessary safety checks at the work area and set up exclusion zone
• Operate machinery safely and efficiently
• Environmental considerations
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of loading and unloading procedures for machine transportation
• Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures

Venue and equipment requirements:

• Suitable and safe area to operate and manoeuvre machine
• 5 x suitable posts to be driven in
• Varying terrain and slopes
• Suitable and safe area to complete paperwork
• Suitable welfare facilities
• Post rammer
• Operators’ manual
• Risk assessment completed

PPE Requirements:

• Suitable head protection
• Suitable eye protection
• Suitable hearing protection
• Suitable work clothes including wet weather
• Gloves
• Suitable work boots including steel toe protection
• High Viz

HSE further information:

• Avoiding danger from overhead power cables guidance GS6 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/gs6.pdf
• Avoiding danger from underground services HSG47 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg47.pdf
• PUWER Regulation
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l22.pdf
• LOLER Regulation
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l113.htm

Theory assessment:

• 12 written questions
• 4 marks per question
• 80% pass mark required

Practical assessment criteria:

• Pre use and operational checks
• Drive 5 posts vertical in a straight line within 75mm from line
• Post driven to 25% of its full length
• Drive over uneven and sloping terrain
• Reverse for 30 meters in straight line through restrictions
• Pass mark is less than 20 penalty points and no mandatory disqualifications
• Time allowed is 1 hour

On-site training courses delivered:

Southwest – Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Avon, Somerset, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire

Southeast – Oxfordshire, Kent, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex

Midlands – Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Shropshire

East Anglia– Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk

Aylesbury, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bath, Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Coventry, Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, Hungerford, Milton Keynes, Newbury, Northampton, Oxford, Peterborough, Plymouth, Reading, Salisbury, Southampton, Stroud, Swindon, Taunton, Warwick, Winchester, Witney, Worcester, Yeovil