Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

Just a quick question


john meehan
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hi guys, just a quick I'm having a problem at work about a job we were sent to do. We origionally went last Friday to remove a small euc and reduce some conifers. When I had a proper look it's super close to a power like maybe a few feet. Wet and windy day so we decided against it. Was way to close and I diddnt feel it was safe. On top of that we shouldn't really be doing it anyway. Went back to the office to plenty of pulled faces etc.

 

So today gets the days sheet, first job back to the electric hedge, similar weather etc so again said I wasn't happy to do it. Again meagrely pulled faces and snappy comments from manager. Absolutly nothing constructive. Just childishness really. Basically just got told we might as well go home. Anyway I'm a bit out out now and feel like I'm the one in the wrong even though I know I'm not. Anyway I'm just after a few opinions on what others think. Cheers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

Hi guys, just a quick I'm having a problem at work about a job we were sent to do. We origionally went last Friday to remove a small euc and reduce some conifers. When I had a proper look it's super close to a power like maybe a few feet. Wet and windy day so we decided against it. Was way to close and I diddnt feel it was safe. On top of that we shouldn't really be doing it anyway. Went back to the office to plenty of pulled faces etc.

 

So today gets the days sheet, first job back to the electric hedge, similar weather etc so again said I wasn't happy to do it. Again meagrely pulled faces and snappy comments from manager. Absolutly nothing constructive. Just childishness really. Basically just got told we might as well go home. Anyway I'm a bit out out now and feel like I'm the one in the wrong even though I know I'm not. Anyway I'm just after a few opinions on what others think. Cheers

 

Not sure of your employment situation, e.g. employee or self-employed, largely academic though as far as H&S is concerned, but you have a duty to report anything you consider unsafe or likely to endanger the health, safety and well-being of yourself and others.

 

Your concerns sound quite reasonable and I would expect the employer to act accordingly and to review the risk assessment.

 

In terms of working near power-lines further guidance can be found on the Tree Work section of the HSE website at Working near power lines and cables which states:

 

What you need to do

 

When arboricultural (aerial and ground) works are proposed within 10m (measured at ground level horizontally from below the nearest wire) of overhead power lines a risk based approach needs to be adopted. In practice this means that you should seek specialist advice and guidance from the owner of the power line (Network Operator) before undertaking any work within this distance.

 

I recall a previous occasion when assessing a very large organisation and one of their guys came back to the office showing a large Leylandii that appeared to 'internally combust' but this was due to impacting and shorting (?) a OHPL than ran through the tree crown.

 

Take care out there..

Paul

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would say it was unreasonable of them to send you home and act like that. Have the managers been out and assessed/quoted for the works? If so did they notice the lines and as Paul says informed the power companies etc (if the lines are that close).

 

Can it not be felled in one, or pulled away from the lines? I guess it is mainly between you and the manager. What experience do they/you have? have you agreed in the past over cancelling other jobs or doing them in a different way and what has their reaction been? Is there another way of doing the job and if so have you put that to them?

 

As the operator I can understand your side, not wanting to be dangerous in your work or electrocuted. I can also see it from the company, doesn't look good to cancel a job (but understandable in heavy winds etc), to then cancel again and let down the client etc. That doesn't look good for them or their reputation and future works etc.

 

Its never the right situation to be in and there should be more communication between the two parties.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Unfortunately power lines rarely give 2nd chances, you either get away with it or things go very bad very fast and the fall out can be bad both financial for the company in fines and physically to anyone court up in it.

From what I was led to believe when enquiring about shut down's recently fines can be issued even if you get away with it and nothing go's wrong but the region op becomes aware of the situation especially if the line has already been surveyed by the appointed clearance company and scheduled for clearance.

Shutdowns are free for vegetation clearance, just a pain to schedule in at this time of year, I know - havnt needed 1 for 2 years and suddenly got 3 on the waiting list to do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not sure of your employment situation, e.g. employee or self-employed, largely academic though as far as H&S is concerned, but you have a duty to report anything you consider unsafe or likely to endanger the health, safety and well-being of yourself and others.

 

Your concerns sound quite reasonable and I would expect the employer to act accordingly and to review the risk assessment.

 

In terms of working near power-lines further guidance can be found on the Tree Work section of the HSE website at Working near power lines and cables which states:

 

What you need to do

 

When arboricultural (aerial and ground) works are proposed within 10m (measured at ground level horizontally from below the nearest wire) of overhead power lines a risk based approach needs to be adopted. In practice this means that you should seek specialist advice and guidance from the owner of the power line (Network Operator) before undertaking any work within this distance.

 

I recall a previous occasion when assessing a very large organisation and one of their guys came back to the office showing a large Leylandii that appeared to 'internally combust' but this was due to impacting and shorting (?) a OHPL than ran through the tree crown.

 

Take care out there..

Paul

 

I work for these guys all the time. I've been climbing for ten years now though so I'm pretty experienced. What said id what I thought should be done be done. Nothing else has been said or changed just go told to go back and do it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would say it was unreasonable of them to send you home and act like that. Have the managers been out and assessed/quoted for the works? If so did they notice the lines and as Paul says informed the power companies etc (if the lines are that close).

 

Can it not be felled in one, or pulled away from the lines? I guess it is mainly between you and the manager. What experience do they/you have? have you agreed in the past over cancelling other jobs or doing them in a different way and what has their reaction been? Is there another way of doing the job and if so have you put that to them?

 

As the operator I can understand your side, not wanting to be dangerous in your work or electrocuted. I can also see it from the company, doesn't look good to cancel a job (but understandable in heavy winds etc), to then cancel again and let down the client etc. That doesn't look good for them or their reputation and future works etc.

 

Its never the right situation to be in and there should be more communication between the two parties.

 

Wen went to another job in the end so at least didn't have to lose a day over it.

Yeah they have been out and look just not mentioned it. To be honest I expect he would probably just chance it.

 

This sort of stuff has cropped up once it twice before and To be honest honest I got a similar reaction it's like your purposely trying to sabotage them.

 

I can understand were they are coming from but I don't think it's worth the risk or the fines etc. The only way to do the job safely really is a shut down.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Of course and don't get me wrong, if the tree is close to the power lines and you have questioned it, and they haven't asked for a shut down. Then yes I would have expected anyone to walk away from it. I wouldn't ask a tree surgeon to do something that I knew to be risky or outside of their knowledge and understanding, its not worth the day in court explaining why you are a bad manager.

 

The company should have explained to the client, the inspector/manager when quoting didn't notice the lines and we will arrange for the shut down etc. It sounds like they don't want to acknowledge their mistakes and hoping that you as the climber will say 'bugger it lads, come on lets get it done'. As the end of the day as a tree surgeon you always take risks every day, but they are calculated and you are trained for them. They shouldn't be asking to you carry out extra risks and at the end of the day if it did go wrong how would you work etc.

 

Sounds like you should keep an eye out and see if there are any other tree companies out there looking to hire.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.