darrenm

I was taught to put the letterbox at the same height as my felling cut. Once I had bored in we were taught to fan the saw from left to right!! We were always told that it would prevent the core from pulling out or reduce the risk of a potential barbers chair?

W'eve been through pole rescue again recently and not much has changed. We still used our short rope to create a timber hitch with a pulley through the spliced eye as our anchor. It all becomes then a pain in the a** as you fight to get the casualty attached to the lowering rope, removing their flip-line etc etc etc. As for aerial rescue, only one thing different from when I first done it. When dealing with an unconscious casualty your short rope that is used as a sling to hold them in place is now fixed back into their maillion rather than yours, just to save yours getting completely snarled up with loads of karabiners.

Spent 10 years working for the wildlife trusts managing the best parts of the countryside. Then 4 years ago set up on my own and began working for myself...last couple of years the tree work has come good and loving it. darrenm

Before parting with your hard earned money treesurfer, when I meant all the main topics it was in respect to the woodlands and forestry unit...don't want to confuse and hate to see money burnt!!!

Hi Steve Excuse the ignorance..I understand the concept of a rope guide from the extremely easy name, but never seen one. Can you give us a quick overview Cheers darrenm

For all of you doing the RFS cert. Arb I can recommend this: Woodlands, by Oliver Rackham...it's part of the New Naturalist series and is a great overview of all the main topics. Don't know how to upload the picture though?? duh

By law everyone who uses a chainsaw must have received "adequate training", but that training by law must be equivalent to the standards set by the NPTC or other relevant body For all of us that provide a commercial service on land/trees that are not owned by ourselves or employer, or have to supervise someone in tree related operations needs a certificate of competence, especially if the person we are supervising requires a cert. but doesn't yet have one. I don't see a how we can get around not having to have certs? As for gaining experience can we not use the Lantra method of ITA for our staff to learn the basic skills on a course? If we as employers hold certs. of competence then we can provide the supervision until they are ready to take their NPTC assessment after their initial training. Once you hold NPTC certs, I would be happy with an integrated approach of CPD, using refreshers, training etc. As with any standards there is much repetition. If we undertake training either on or off the ground, most of the assessment criteria is much the same. Until you begin cutting operations all the criteria for 38/39/40 & 41 is the same. Do we need so many units? Or by keeping the same format assessment centres can re-stamp all our tickets that have similar assessment criteria in them...if we pass? There has been an initiative set up by those boys in the pesticide industry known as NRoSO (National Register of Sprayer Operators). It is voluntary at the moment but requires its members to collect CPD in a variety of formats. Each operator must meet the required CPD over 3 years, but the points must come from a range of topics; training, refreshers, MOTs on equipment, show attendance etc. Perhaps in arb something like this could be used to? 2 points for being a member of the AA, 2 points for attending IOG Saltex, 5 points for a LOLER inspection? darrenm