COURSE DETAILS

Training Course Type

  • On-site training and assessment

Novice Training Course Duration

1-2 days dependant on any previous experience 

Novice Candidate Numbers

4

xperience Worker Tests per day

6

Variations

  • Trailer mounted
  • Vehicle mounted
  • Self-propelled
  • Static
  • Wheeled
  • Tracked

Skills Card Options

  • 5-year NPORS traditional card & certificate

Minimum Age

16

Instructor

Tuppco Instructors

RELATED RESOURCES

All resources

FURTHER
INFORMATION

  • What Is a Woodchipper?

    A tree chipper or woodchipper is a machine used for reducing wood (generally tree limbs or trunks) into smaller woodchips. They are often portable, being mounted on wheels on frames suitable for towing behind a truck or van. Power is generally provided by an internal combustion engine

  • What Does The Tuppco 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
    • Set up exclusion zone
    • Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturers and legislative requirements
    • Select suitable type of machine relative to the work being undertaken
    • Identify and maintain PPE appropriate for woodchipper use
    • Prepare the woodchipper for use
    • Conduct all necessary safety and efficiently
    • Environmental considerations
    • Storage and transport of woodchipper
    • Disposal of cut materials 
    • Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures 
  • Venue and Equipment Requirements:
    • Suitable and safe area to operate equipment
    • Branches of various lengths and sizes
    • Suitable and safe area to complete paperwork
    • Suitable welfare facilities
    • Stump grinder
    • Operators’ manual 
    • Risk assessment completed
  • Theory Assessment:
    • 20 multiple choice questions
    • 5 written questions
    • 4 marks per question
    • 80% pass mark required
  • Practical Assessment criteria:
    • Pre use and operational checks
    • Demonstrate knowledge of controls including emergency stop procedure
    • Demonstrate safe and efficient use of machines
    • End of use checks 
  • Where Does Tuppco Deliver Onsite Courses?
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

IStock 666971992
Objective Of The Course

The aim of the NPORS Woodchipper – Shredder (N603) course is to ensure learners can operate woodchippers safely, minimise risks, and maintain high levels of productivity while protecting themselves and others.

Key Course Objectives:
  • Understand the roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements for woodchipper use
  • Identify common hazards, including flying debris, entanglement, and noise
  • Carry out pre-use inspections and check key safety features
  • Operate the woodchipper safely, including material feeding and safe positioning
  • Manage blockages and faults using approved safe methods
  • Understand environmental considerations, including waste management and noise control
  • Apply appropriate PPE and maintain safe exclusion zones
  • Perform safe shutdown and cleaning procedures
  • Develop confidence in supporting safe arboriculture and grounds operations

By the end of the course, learners will be competent in safe woodchipper operation, helping prevent accidents and improving workplace safety and efficiency.

What Will Be Awarded?

Upon successful completion of the NPORS Woodchipper – Shredder (N603) course with TUPPCO Training, learners will receive an NPORS N603 certificate, confirming they are competent in the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of woodchippers and shredders used in arboriculture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and related industries.

Your Award Will Include:
  • Official NPORS N603 Certificate
  • Proven competence in safe setup, operation, and shutdown of woodchippers
  • Knowledge of hazards, safety zones, emergency controls, and PPE requirements
  • Skills in feeding material safely, preventing blockages, and managing outputs
  • Understanding of pre-use checks, safe maintenance, and troubleshooting
Who the Award Is For:

Ideal for arborists, grounds maintenance staff, landscapers, estate workers, forestry teams, and anyone who operates or works around woodchippers or shredding equipment.

How Long The Course Can Take?

The NPORS Woodchipper – Shredder (N603) course is highly practical and hands-on:

Course Duration Overview:
  • 1 day
  • Includes theory on machine components, safety, environmental considerations, and legal responsibilities
  • Practical sessions on feeding techniques, safe positioning, clearing blockages, and emergency procedures
  • Completed with a full NPORS theory and practical assessment

Delivered by NPORS-certified TUPPCO Training instructors with strong arboriculture and plant-operation backgrounds.

TUPPCO Training delivers this course UK-wide, at forestry sites, estates, construction areas, parks, and commercial grounds.

Expert Training On Your Business Site

TUPPCO Training offers on-site woodchipper training, enabling learners to train using your machine, your site, and your operational workflow, ensuring maximum relevance and safety awareness.

Benefits of On-Site Training:
  1. Tailored to your woodchipper model and site layout
  2. Realistic practice using your timber, branches, and waste handling methods
  3. Reduces employee travel and downtime
  4. Identifies and addresses site-specific hazards and procedures
  5. Delivered by experienced NPORS-certified TUPPCO Training instructors
Suitable On-Site Locations Include:
  • Forestry operations
  • Tree surgery and arboriculture sites
  • Parks and estates
  • Commercial landscaping environments
  • Construction or clearance projects

TUPPCO Training covers the Cotswolds, Midlands, South West, and all locations across the UK.

FAQs

All FAQs
  • Do I Receive A Certificate & Skills Card?

    Yes! Upon successful completion of your course, you’ll receive an official certificate and skills card accredited by Lantra, NPORS or Qualsafe recognising your achievement and qualification.

  • What Areas Do We Cover?

    Tuppco delivers NPORS, LANTRA and Qualsafe on-site training across a variety of locations to meet the needs of businesses in the Southwest, Midlands and Southeast areas of the UK. The areas include Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Sussex, Kent.

  • Where Do We Deliver Training?

    Tuppco delivers professional training across a wide range of industries, including construction, land-based, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, engineering, and office-based businesses. Training can be provided at various venues to suit client needs, including on-site at company premises. This flexible approach allows Tuppco to tailor training delivery to different working environments and operational requirements.

  • Who Delivers Your Training?

    Our training is delivered by Bertie Tupper and a team of fully qualified instructors who are accredited by Lantra, NPORS or Qualsafe. Each trainer brings real industry experience and a passion for helping learners build practical skills and confidence.

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