Pete Mctree

After reading, creating and contributing to a few threads recently, I'm begining to ask myself why I bother? In sharing information (of which I am but a minor contributor), which I think is relevant to the running of a tree team(s), I seem to be at odds with some of the posters.Not a problem for me, however there is a certain undercurrent of members who love to drag the threads down by there gleefull non adherance to legal requirements and flaunting it. For example the recent threads on LOLER and the NPTC updates. Some understand that such legislation is crutial with regards to there "duty of care " as an empoyer of direct staff or subbies, myself included and appreciate the input to help me fight through it. I don't take the posts personally, however more thoughtfull posting and constructive debate on the pros and cons would perhaps help to consruct better threads, encouraging others to participate. Just my thoughts.............................

Nice old rig and some good pics. Neat job

2 The Regulations place an obligation on employers to provide health and safety training for employees, and the self-employed in respect of themselves, when: ● they first start work; ● they are exposed to new or increased risks; and ● they require refresher training - at appropriate intervals, particularly if the skills are not used frequently. This is recommended at specific intervals for certain high-risk activities, eg operating chainsaws. This I was aware of, however the wording of the NPTC surpasses this as it indicates that the tickets will be invalidated. I sujest that this needs re-phrasing or valaidation of intention. My point is to query the amendments, making sure that they are clear and unambiguous

Have you got a link for those recomendations Bob. It would be nice to make this thread irrelevant in it's entirety by posting the relevant guidance

I agree with your sentiment, however that picture is not what they paint. The NPTC ( who i have no issue with and actually support) have chosen to make broad sweeping changes, which like it or not effect us all within the industry. If they qualified it, defining training and to what level and by whom, then i will accept it. However as is, it will be a very destructive sentance upon us all

Scorch or Fire feel nice in the hand to me, but i have only had very limited climbing time on either.

1/2 inch or smaller diameter line?

If you cut with a husky i recon 3 strand or multiplatt will suit you. Same level of advancement

Kicking a little bit higher than that perhaps!

A quote from the proposal for the NPTC revision documents; "NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw and Related Operations Consultation on proposed changes February 2009 All of the chainsaw units have been reviewed by a select group of chainsaw operators. This group was comprised of employers/contractors, trainers and assessors from arboricultural and forestry backgrounds. As with earlier revisions, Chainsaw units previously achieved will continue to be valid after the revised Chainsaw Certificate of Competence units are released, provided regular refresher training has been undertaken." So on the day this new legislation is implimented (as no one will have undertaken refresher training) NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON within our industry will have a current NPTC ticket. Therefore EL insurance will be void ( which is a legal requirement to trade) as proof of competance is required, meaning the entire industry will have to either work illegally or stop trading that instant. What the hell is going on here?

There was the one who's user name was something like "Peter" that managed to end up 8 or 9 miles away driving in the wrong direction

Usind the center TIP of your harness as opposed to the side D's was always recomended to me on species likely to split/barberschair. Especially freegrained trees such as alder and willow. On your avatar, it does appear that your low position in relation to the rigging block would make it very easy to be struck by the peice, as opposed to if you stepped up onto the stem nearer the block. Just an observation

Hi-flex, stretch air and sips are all good trousers, however they all fit slightly differently. Try a pair of each on and make an informed decision

Normal. I find the ok. I guess you can put me in the visor hating club

Thanks for that Kev. I find the definitive answer very elusive on ocasions. I guess my further reading for the next couple of weeks aint gonna be my usual Mills & Boon

I don't quite understand what you are asking here, but I will try. Firstly; all kit supplied should have a COC - which refers to which relevant standards it conforms or markings to the same effect.(although not all rigging kit seems too) Secondly; kit supplied new should be fit for use from purchase (unless it is stated otherwise) Hope that helps, however until I find the relevant facts to give you the definitive answer i'm not offering this as the complete answer (my head is in the books as i type)

Ropes,krabs and harnesses are used in work positioning, therefore are PPE as protection from a fall from height. You are correct that rigging kit needs checking on an anual basis.

You need to do some homework. 4.2hp as opposed to 4.6hp

ouch. At least they don't bite like a 200t.

Having a cube or similar makes a big difference with regards to the tangling of the line also. Smaller containers seem to encourage it.

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The Information is from AFAG. So do they think that 40/41 are optional?

From AFAG 16 In-house, college or specialist training needs to provide an equivalent standard of training to any recognised training and certification that is available, but not mandatory. This means that detailed records need to be kept to show who provided the training (including their level of competence), what the training consisted of, its duration and how it was carried out. Post-course assessment of competence and a system of quality assurance will also be needed. Fine in theory, but I would hate to have to defend inhouse training and certification to the gent in the wig when the poo has hit the fan. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/afag805.pdf here is the full document

Well I aint parking my tent near you until you get your NPTC in genda ident:scared1: Richard was a real gent. He got his wife to make me some sarnies and the lovley pea and ham soup. No need to snaffle. Others might learn a lesson from this.............