At Beyond Driving, we are proud to offer our bespoke Qualsafe Assured Winch Instructor Course, designed for organisations and individuals seeking to provide high-quality, in-house training on winching operations. Our latest course with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was a resounding success, with all delegates passing with flying colours. This course provided them with the essential knowledge and skills to deliver effective, high-standard training to their peers.
What is the Qualsafe Winch Instructor Course?
The Qualsafe Winch Instructor Course is a specialist train-the-trainer programme designed to equip experienced winch operators with the skills and confidence to instruct others in safe and effective winching techniques. This course is ideal for teams responsible for delivering structured in-house training and ensuring compliance with relevant safety regulations.
Who is this Course for?
This course is designed for:
- Emergency services personnel
- Utility and infrastructure workers
- Forestry and agricultural teams
- Recovery and towing professionals
- Anyone responsible for training others in winch operations
Course Overview
The course covers both theoretical and practical elements, ensuring delegates have a well-rounded understanding of winch operation and instruction techniques.
Topics include:
- The legal framework: HASAWA, PUWER, LOLER, PPE, MHSWR
- Equipment checks and suitability
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements
- Assessment and design of winching operations
- Rigging safety and stabilisation of winched objects/vehicles
- Personnel safety, including third-party considerations
- Leading and operating a single-line straight pull
- Leading and operating multi-line or angled pulls
Advanced Winch Operator Training
The Advanced Winch Operator Training Course is also available for those who are expected to manage complex winching operations or run multi-line pulls themselves. This training ensures operators are confident in handling diverse winching challenges in real-world conditions.
Training is delivered using the equipment that candidates will use in their roles, ensuring maximum relevance and practicality. This may include:
- Hand winches (Tirfor or capstan types)
- Vehicle-mounted winches (Hydraulic, PTO, or electric, including fast spool types)
- Standalone winches (Static or trailer-mounted)
Why Choose Beyond Driving?
Beyond Driving stands out as the leading specialist in off-road and high-risk environment training. Here’s why our Qualsafe Assured Instructor Courses are the best in the industry:
- Expert Trainers – Our instructors are DVSA Approved and Qualsafe accredited, with extensive real-world experience in off-road and winch operations.
- Bespoke Training – We tailor our courses to meet the specific needs of your organisation, delivering training on-site using your own equipment or at one of our dedicated regional training centres.
- Safety-Focused – Our courses help you fulfil your duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act and PUWER regulations, ensuring compliance and reducing operational risk.
- Hands-On Learning – Training is face-to-face, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive practical application to build instructor confidence and competence.
The Importance of Professional Winch Training
Winching is an essential skill in many industries, but it comes with significant risks. Without proper training, operators and those around them face potential hazards, including:
- Equipment failure due to improper use
- Personal injury from incorrect rigging or positioning
- Environmental damage from unplanned winching operations
By training instructors to the highest standards, Beyond Driving ensures that organisations can maintain safety and efficiency while reducing accidents and equipment damage.
Booking a Course
Our Qualsafe Winch Instructor Courses are available for group bookings and can be delivered at your location or one of our training centres.
To learn more, or to discuss your organisation’s training needs, contact Beyond Driving today and take the first step in elevating your team’s winch training capabilities.
