Maintain grass surfaces

This standard is suitable for those who maintain grass surfaces.

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained and hold certification in accordance with relevant legislation.

1. be aware of hazards associated with the activity to be carried out
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. inspect the grass surfaces to identify and assess the need for renovation and repair
4. prepare and use the required tools and equipment for the maintenance of grass surfaces safely and correctly
5. clear any debris before commencing operations
6. check the grass surface is in an appropriate condition for maintenance
7. use methods of dealing with threats to health which are appropriate to the grass and its condition
8. maintain the finish of the grass surface according to specifications
9. prevent damage to the surrounding area, and keep environmental pollution to a minimum
10. maintain communication with colleagues, and others involved in, or affected by, your work
11. dispose of grass cuttings and other waste safely and correctly in accordance with instructions and specifications
12. clean, maintain and store tools and equipment for the maintenance of grass surfaces safely and correctly
13. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. the hazards associated with the maintenance of grass surfaces
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the importance of checking grass surfaces regularly and how this varies according to the type of grass and the intended purpose
4. how to prepare, use, maintain, clean and store tools, equipment and machinery required for the maintenance of grass surfaces safely and correctly
5. the conditions that are appropriate for cutting grass
6. the stage of grass development
7. the impact that the seasons and soil condition have on the growth and maintenance of grass surfaces
8. methods of maintaining the health of the grass plant
9. how to identify pests, disease and damage to grass surfaces and take appropriate action
10. the effects of boxing off and leaving grass cuttings in situ
11. the importance of preventing damage to the surrounding area
12. the dangers of undertaking work alongside the public highway and sloping surfaces
13. the implications of using equipment and machinery over an extended period of time

14. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done

15. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment

16. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with legal and organisational requirements
17. your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational  policies

A.      identify and deal with the following threats to turf health when maintaining grass surfaces:

1. pests 
2. diseases 
3. disorders 
4. unfavourable conditions
5. competing growth

B.      use the following methods of dealing with threats to turf health when maintaining grass surfaces:

1. physical 
2. chemical
3. cultural
4. irrigation

C.      prepare, use, clean, maintain and store the following types of tools and equipment when maintaining grass surfaces:

1. hand tools 
2. strimmers
3. pedestrian controlled mowers 
4. ride on mowers

D.      use the following methods to maintain the turf:

1. mowing
2. edging
3. feeding
4. watering
5. top dressing
6. repair

Instructions: verbal or written.

Maintaining health: pests, diseases, disorders, unfavourable conditions, competing growth.

Methods of dealing with threats to health: physical, chemical, cultural, irrigation. Maintain the grass: mowing, strimming, edging, feeding, watering, top dressing, repair.

Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies.

Tools and equipment: hand tools, strimmers, pedestrian-controlled mowers, ride on mowers.