Updated Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture Released

[Stephen Arb Association]

Updated Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture Released
?DOWNLOAD it here: https://www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Latest-News/Updated-Industry-Code-of-Practice-for-Arboricultur

 

Following an endorsement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) received this week, the Arboricultural Association is pleased to announce the release of the second edition of the ‘Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture: Tree Work at Height’ (ICoP).

 

The feedback received from the industry consultation for the second edition of the ICoP was invaluable in finalising the document, which is now available as a free download or online e-Book. We are very grateful to the many individuals and organisations that have contributed to the revision process.

 

After reviewing the ICoP, HSE issued the following endorsement:

“The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was involved with the Arboricultural Association in producing this guidance. HSE endorses the guidance, as it follows a sensible and proportionate approach to managing health and safety”.

The publication of the first edition of this document in 2015 was a seminal moment in the development of the arboricultural industry, which has expanded exponentially over recent years. Through the innovation and creativity of numerous individuals working in the sector both practical techniques and management systems have evolved to support a highly skilled and professional workforce, which continues to grow.

 

Following recent developments and in order to meet the many challenges we face in managing tree work at height safely, efficiently and compliantly, there was a need to revise our guidance on the principles of managing tree work at height.

 

This second edition of the industry code of practice (ICoP) provides revised and updated guidance, with planning protocols for managing resources, personnel and equipment to ensure safe and efficient working practices. It also provides the basis for the further development of detailed technical guidance on individual tasks and equipment.

The ICoP is not intended to provide guidance on how tasks and specific techniques should be performed. It identifies and considers the underpinning principles, informing the upcoming technical guidance that relates to specific Arboricultural operations.

 

The industry consultation for Technical Guide 1 will be launched in June 2020.

 

Technical Guide 1: Tree climbing and aerial rescue

Technical Guide 2: Use of tools in the tree

Technical Guide 3: Rigging and dismantling

Technical Guide 4: Use of mobile cranes in tree work

Technical Guide 5: Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms in tree work

[Pete Mctree]

I seem to remember that there was to be another review of this document prior to publication.......

[Khriss]

Just now, Pete Mctree said:

I seem to remember that there was to be another review of this document prior to publication.......

........ don't start  ?  k

[Pete Mctree]

Well if the AA have not acted with the best interest of the industry in mind, then they are not fit for purpose surely. 

If the only purpose of them completing the guide is financial (it is not in the best interest of the industry and I can think of no other reason), then they no longer represent us in any way.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

1 hour ago, Pete Mctree said:

I seem to remember that there was to be another review of this document prior to publication.......

Hi Pete, the further review of the ICoP was undertaken by the AA and technical authors, and then HSE endorsed, AFTER the industry consultation you contributed to.  Respectfully, there was never a proposal to go back out to industry with the ICoP, which is aimed at managers / planners / supervisors but the revised Technical Guide 1, aimed at climbers / arborists / technician, which has already been out to industry consultation, wll do so again...perhaps this is the confusion.)

 

In a nutshell, see p.33, there is no expectation that '2 ropes' will be the norm, it is an option, but use of a 'backup system' (see p.34) is expected.  

 

Hope this helps clarify things but TG1 is needed to paint the complete picture..."watch this space."

 

Regards, and hope you're well,

Paul

 

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

1 hour ago, Pete Mctree said:

Well if the AA have not acted with the best interest of the industry in mind, then they are not fit for purpose surely. 

If the only purpose of them completing the guide is financial (it is not in the best interest of the industry and I can think of no other reason), then they no longer represent us in any way.

sorry Pete, no financial gain with the ICoP at all as available FoC as a pdf. download  

[Khriss]

@AA Teccie (Paul)   following this up, my ha'penny worth on the saga  ?  did a review / assessment of 6 CS38 guys who variously hadn't climbed in years. But were expected to show their stuff against the certification. Had a nice line of big mature open grown Oaks,  made it clear All Climbing will be on 2Rope, regardless of when they passed their ticket  (  mine was 1998) plus side strop.  Appart from general slowness, fatness, unfamiliarity, new shiny ropes and one recently mended broken arm! They all got up - got around the trees - did their change overs and a 'simulated' aerial rescue  (  talked it through from the ' point where casualty was supposed to be ?)  we debriefed and told them they all did well considering everthing, and to practise and familiarise themselves so they can move on to CS39. Really they were no bother and had no real bother managing it. Which impressed me. 

 

Obvs in many situations it would be a hell of a struggle - but then, this profession is often a hell of a struggle   ?  K

[Khriss]

( one guy was wot i would call chubby, hadnt climbed for 11 years and he was right up there !!  Branch walking no bother) 

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Thanks Khriss, I too have seen many climbers using 2 ropes to very good effect, where the tree is suitable and the operation etc. However the revised ICoP does not constrain you to such which I'm sure will be a relief, understandably, to many. 

 

Thanks for your post and have a good weekend.

Paul