NEW AFAG 401 climbing best practice

[Arbocop]

hello gang

 

just a little suprise for you all the new afag 401 is hot off the press now

 

see

 

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/afag401.pdf

 

have a read this is the information hse /eho's will use to scrutinise you and there are some important changes, not least the use of the word must!!!!

 

time you climbers bought some new lids new standard is in and look atthose rope diamiters to mention just a few

 

happy reading

[Amelanchier]

Cheers Kev.

 

I noticed the following sections [my emphasis in bold]:

 

14 Climbers must be aware of the different characteristics of tree species and how these affect the work to be carried out. They must also be able to assess the structure and condition of the tree to be climbed and any potential weakness caused by decay and damage.

 

Sounds good but the implications are wide IMO.

 

42 Splices should be made by someone competent to splice, eg the manufacturer. Competence should be demonstrable for each rope type.

 

Hmmmm I can splice but am I competent???

[Highland Forestry]

Printing as I type....

 

Will get them handed out to the boys tomorrow morning and get a reciept sheet signed to say I have issued them..

 

 

Cheers Arbocop

[shabz1978]

surely the rope diameters are the same as the old one?

 

from the old one

"2 1 Select ropes to provide a high margin of safety. Ropes

suitable for tree climbing must have a minimum diameter of

10 mm, although most tree-climbing ropes are at least 12 mm in

d i a m e t e r."

 

 

and

 

"2 2 Rope or cord used for friction hitches must be of a suitable type

and have a minimum diameter of 8 mm. Adiameter of 10 mm is

recommended for normal commercial use. Friction hitch materials

are subject to high levels of wear and should be replaced regularly,

and in any case where significant wear is found."

 

also, on the subject of evaluating the tree

"4 Climbers must be aware of the different characteristics of tree

species and how these affect the work to be carried out. Climbers

must also be able to recognise potential weakness caused by

d e c a y, damage or the structure of the tree."

 

unless i have a newer old one than you boys!!

[Arbocop]

nope you have the older one the 12mm has been removed so just must 10mm

[High Scale]

42 Splices should be made by someone competent to splice, eg the manufacturer. Competence should be demonstrable for each rope type.

 

Hmmmm I can splice but am I competent???

 

Interesting point Tony, seems like a fair few of us on here can splice, how can it be proven that you are competent?

[nod]

Hello Folks

 

I'm sure there are many questions relating to this new guidance, unfortunately I've not read through it yet.

 

I will, however, ask for all & one to comment on the issue of competance as has already been mentioned. I see this as an opportunity for our industry to discuss within itself & formulate a standard.

 

Looking forward to hearing from yous all now!

 

Nod

[Amelanchier]

I assume competance would be have to be assessed? So presumably by someone already competant (there's a chicken and egg issue there!) watching you splice and then taking your splice/s away from you and testing it. Then a periodic re-assessment to keep pencil-pushers like me who play at tree climbing sharp and up to date!

[Tom D]

The picture (figure 2) appears to show someone felling a top out whilst anchored in with the side d's not the bridge.

Current best practise? Discuss.

[Ben]

The picture (figure 2) appears to show someone felling a top out whilst anchored in with the side d's not the bridge.

Current best practise? Discuss.

 

If you have another look I'm sure you'll see he's anchored in twice.

 

Side D's (wire strop) and front bridge (climbing line)