**BREAKING NEWS** HSE Introduce new compulsory PPE

[Gary Prentice]

New PPE will soon become available to the industry, the Health and Safety Executive revealed today.

 

In light of regular reported injuries involving entanglement with wood-chippers, incidents with watercourses and spinal/neck injuries after minor trips and falls, the Arboricultural Association in conjunction with the manufacturer will be demonstrating this new development at this years Arb Show.

 

The equipment serves multiple functions;

 

 

*Physically preventing contact with wood-chipper feed rollers with hands,

feet and the head.

 

* Full cut protection to the neck, wrists and ankles

 

* Flotation device for use when working near water - two versions will be

made available - The 'Southern' model that will automatically inflate

when immersed in water and the 'Northern' Model that has a rip-cord

that is user activated.

 

*Providing neck support for climbers, in the event of a fall, reducing injury

risk to a tolerable level

 

Please note that the 'Southern Model' MUST not be used in the North. There is a severe risk of spontaneous activation due to the northern climate.

 

Note that the Ankle Protection does not contain the floatation device

 

USAGE The PPE will become mandatory next year, the date for MANDATORY USE is expected to be announced on 1st April 2018

 

 

It is rumoured that Mark Bolam will be demonstrating the trip and fall protection of the equipment whilst leaving the beer tent.

 

 

Having observed our Product Testers attempt to pass through a doorway together, I can reliably attest to the equipment's ability to prevent passage through narrow openings, so I am personally convinced that this product will prevent contact with feed rollers by preventing access.

 

I am informed that larger protective devices will soon be available for those working with the larger crane-fed type chippers.

 

 

On Tuesday, 18th April AA Paul will be emailing a consultation document to all members, don't bother filling them in and returning them because the HSE have already decided this is going to happen - whether you lke it or not:001_tongue:

[Steve Bullman]

think you're 12 days too late!

[Gary Prentice]

:biggrin:353 days early