advice for starting as a groundsman

[RobRainford]

A question can only be as stupid a you make it.

 

Use your head. A switched in groundy will be one step ahead and will spot things others don't!

 

As your climbers working. Keep looking At his kit I.e knots, ropes etc making sure they are all ok. Stuff like stopper knots are good to notice. Even if they aren't loose just ask the climber to check it so you know they are tight and won't come loose! It builds up the trust making him know you want him down in one piece as much as him!

 

Coming from me, I was watching a climber clip a saw on his line to be sent down for refuelling and he missed the loop as he went to clip in and let go. The saw (ms260) came somersaulting down. I saw it as he dropped it and scarpered. Everyone else was taken aback as they were just having a minute and missed what happened. Certainly an eye opener!

[Ian Flatters]

Always look up. Try to remember to look up frequently. Theres no thing as a silly question your new, how else are you going to know. Sky hooks don't exist. Always keep an eye out for people on the steal. Drink lots of fluid, keep a hi-viz on for the 1st few weeks as you will walk somewhere you shouldn't just when somethings getting ready to happen so the climber can see you.

 

Mainly, Enjoy it!!!!

[dandkgroundcare]

and unlike my groundie NEVER NEVER NEVER put a long handled fork in the chipper or you may end up wearing it

[Heads up]

Keep busy there is no excuses for standing around watching or chatting, there is always something to do, even if its just looking busy. Work hard, don't compain, watch(whilst being busy), listen and you'll be one of the select excellent groundsmen. you'll love it:thumbup1:

 

also don't leave stuff in the drop zone!

[Stephen Blair]

all of the above. Work hard and smile, you will get abuse for being stupid but you will get punished for being irritating. If the boss stops to talk to the customer, keep working, if you stop for a cuppa, after 5 mins get back to work, if the chipper blows up and the boss looked very stressed, go and find something to do. If you have an hour to get to the job, eat your food then, respect equipement from the files to the chippers. Dont walk when you can run, if you have one hand empty pick something else up AND if the boss has to pick up the brush or go over your stuff then you are NOT needed.

There is always something to do, so do something.

[Lyndon]

learn as much as you can about trees! what they do, why they do it and when they do it.

 

then learn the climbers job, how and why they do what they do so you can anticipate their next move and be ready with whatever they need.

 

brush up on engine and basic mechanics so you can help to fix whatever breaks... which it will!

 

wash every day before you turn up! no one likes smelly people!

 

good luck dude! enjoy one of the best jobs in the world:thumbup:

[robert t]

Seen this on another site, pretty much sums it up what could be expected from groundsman.

ground workers guidebook.pdf

[duffs]

And finally, save all your pounds and pennies do a degree in Merchant Banking.

[Ian Clarke]

thank you all who have commented. a few notes on the comments

 

tieing off climbers= suicidal choice as a newbie

 

the groundsman guide thing was a good read and i'm gona read it again. i just hope i can pick it up quickly enough.

[armchairarborist]

don't ever take a pee in view of any house windows, tree work is a spectator sport so you are nearly always being watched:001_smile:, keep an eye on all the tackle, if there's any kit out of sight keep nipping round there to check and be prepared to confront anyone who comes near, if a scrap metal type tranny drives past be assured they will drive past another couple of times so glare at them the first time and make sure you have a tool handy to defend yourself, have fun its an ace job:thumbup: