The safety of an operator depends significantly on the contribution of the instructor, and therefore the role should not be undertaken lightly. As an instructor you are not liable for any accidents that might occur at a later stage unless you deliberately misinform someone.  Whilst instructing a volunteer you should maintain constant supervision, following the Guidance Notes and adding to them based on your experience. Never rush the job and, in particular, ensure that there is plenty of time for both the theory and the practical. 

No matter what the category, you must impart five golden rules:

1. If operators are unhappy about any activity then they should cease that activity. If they are unsure about the kit or the job or their abilities, then they should seek further guidance. A volunteer will not be forced to work outside what they feel their limits of either capability or speed are.
2. Operators must always ensure that they are fully briefed about the job, particularly with regard to hazards.  They should consult the project plan and/or discuss it fully with the site leader.
3. Operators must make time to familiarise themselves with the controls of the specific model of plant they are using in a safe environment before starting work.
4. As volunteers, it is possible they may drift out of practice. If so, then they should arrange a refresher (either informally with an instructor, or formally via a WRG Training Weekend).
5. Always use the right tool for the right job – it may not always be a piece of plant.

As an instructor if you feel you have ‘drifted out of practice’, then WRG recommends you attend one of its training weekends where you can watch and join in with other instructors as a refresher.

Driver Authorisation instructor guidance notes – These explain the role of instructors, and give recommended minimum standards for use when instructing people.