AA Teccie (Paul)

Morning Brett, According to a very reliable source, Eco-plugs are very effective, if adminsitered correctly, but they too contain Glyphosate so note usre what the future for them is? Maybe, because it's applied in a conatined, concentrated form and not sprayed, there is a way of retaining it...I dunno, "watch this space I guess". Cheers.. Paul

Hi, There are a number of 'ARB Approved Contractors' in the Staffs area so maybe give them a call, see West Midlands - Arboricultural Association Don't mind if you say Paul from the Arb Assoc 'suggested' I call you. Good luck and be persistent...but polite with it, don't give up! Paul

I'm not aware, but as always 'stand to be corrected', that Timbrel (Triclopyr) has been removed from use. I was aware that Glyphosate was under review. Amcide (Ammonium sulphamate) whilst withdrawn, effectively, as a herbicide, is still available as a 'compost accelerant'....hmmm. Not heard anything about the effectveness, or otherwise, of Eco-plugs (Glyphosate)....sorry! Cheers all.. Paul

Ur on...makes a change from ur usual 'Yard...of ale' Thanks David, hope ur well.

..n that's called 'industry competence', an invaluable risk control measure, true fashion! Cheers Dean. Paul PS I fully recognise that often the only position you can place a MEWP is within the dedicated 'drop-zone' and hence "no can do", but in many instances they can be accomodated.

IN my opinion, FWIW, the main reason many don't/won't use MEWPS is often down to personal attitude and a little bit of "old dog, new tricks" syndrome, if I might be so rude but I would/did include myself in this, i.e. we joined the 'tree climbing industry' to do just that...CLIMB TREES. In my experience, those back in 2005/6 who anticipated a ban on tree climbing because of the Work at Height (W@H) Regs and the HSE's "want", or seeming "want", and purchased a MEWP to be ahead of the game, so to speak, would not go back, only forwards, i.e. bigger or more MEWPs. Often tho these are used in combination with tree climbing and give options and versatility (plus I know of a few who do 'other' works, i.e. window installations / roof / chimney stack repairs partic. after storms, and so earn additional income...these contractors are not to be confused with the travelling fraternity!) There is also the whole H&S and compliance thing as well and, inevitably, those who own/hire MEWPs will be more compliant, by default. (I can reel off why, i.e. preventative 'collective' measures / hieracrhcy of access / avoid-prevent-minimise, and not to mention the fatigue etc. avoidance issues, but I'll resist.) Essentially tho the MEWP soon becomes a very, very useful tool in your 'box'...admittedly tho an expensive one whihc needs regular maintenance, dependent on how you hire / purchase it, and it does benefit if you secure, for instance, a Highway Authority contract where it can be justified and often put to very good use. Please 'keep an open mind' and perhaps we still can learn new tricks Take care out there.. Paul

Hi there, Just an 'passing' comment, if I may. As you're already 20% dearer than your competitors, in the domestic arena in particular, would it be worthwhile considering 'ARB Approved' as an industry quality mark (backed up with a formal complaints procedure)? Yep, many customers wouldn't register it, but the more discerning clients, and I believe there are still those out there, just might! Of course there is additional costs involved, upto £600 pa (+VAT but not a problem to you), for a small business and the 'in-direct' cost of putting things in place to achieve the accreditation, but this may also improve your position in the commercial market place too (partic as CHAS (included) & SAFEcontractor are available these days.) Just a thought, 'pm' or call me if you wnat to know more. Thanks for reading.. Paul

Morning Ben, Have they presented any evdience to show the tree is repsonsible, i.e. level monitoring / crack monitoring? If not it may be a speculative claim, i.e. house with subsidence = nearest big tree responsible. Whilst, sometimes, that may be the case some degree of site investigation should be undertaken to establish the actual cause (obvioulsy this is both in the interest of the tree owner but also the house owner so they get the correct diagnosis and solution.) Even where the 3 main factors in subsidence are present, i) shrinkable soils (clays), ii) a house / structure (often inadequatley founded) and iii) a large tree in close proximity, in my epxerience, damage may be likely but not inevitable as the interaction between the various factors is notorious complex and, largely, unpredicatble. Hence, after checking if the trees are TPO'd as if so the LPA will want to see evidence of causation, it all depends how your clients wish to proceed but if they do decide to react and remove the trees it should be on a "without prejudice basis", meaning we are reacting to your speculative claim but do not acknowldege responsibility (might be difficult to defend tho.) Quite reasonable though to go back and say "where's the evidence please?" On numerous occasions I have observed properties at a greater distance than others being damaged by trees so logic that the nearest should also be affected doesn't always follow...strange! Also you are quite right in that there is no evdience to suggest / indicate that phased removal is any better and this is usually considered in potentuila heave cases ("don't go there!") rather than subsidence. If the tree is respsonsible 'underpinning' the house would only be a consideration if the tree was exceptional in terms of it's amenity AND your clients insurers agree...very unlikely! Hope this helps....if only a little. Cheers.. Paul

Hi Dave, Don't overlook the ISA Certified Arborist see International Society of Arboriculture or Euro. Tree WOrker / Tree Technician see EAC - Good luck.. Paul

Hi there, Whilst BSI did contact us a while ago now concerned that they weren't selling as many copies of the standard as they anticipated and "did we have any thoughts why?", we haven't heard a thing (poss as we did mention their pricing structure was prohibitive.) Hence, have a look here Bs3998 Cheers all.. Paul

...some insurance providers will offer upto 15% discount on premiums to ARB Approved Contractors, hence in your case that could save you £225 per year. All hypothetical of course but just for info. Cheers.. Paul

2 main 'triggers' for this change (as I see it...but I do sympathise with 'others' views) 1. Introduction of the new(ish) QCF (Qualifications and Credits Framework, which is a national framework for all industries quals etc.) which recognises certain NPTC quals are at a higher level than others, i.e. Cs31 = level 2 and Cs32 - level 3 (previously both were at level 2.) 2. Changes(?) in the relationship between NPTC (who are a 'brand' under City & Guilds, C&G) and Lantra Awards. The previous 'assessment' and 'training' bodies status, respectively, has now fundamentally changed. Both are independent and both can offer recognised quals, or rather 'Licences to Practice' (i feel a new 3 letter abbreviation coming on...) as there are now known. Change is not always good but is does/should make us review and 'refresher training', partic in areas of significant advancement (climbing and rigging I would suggest), should be considered seriously. This should also include 'up-skilling' your felling tickets from Cs31 to Cs32, something we require probably 80% of contractors to do after they become 'ARB Approved', which, remember simply reflects regulatory compliance and industry good practice. Thanks all.. Paul

Hi all, The other thing to remember here is that Lantra Awards, traditionally always the 'training' aspect of the CS units, is now also offering 'CoCs' (certificates of competence, req'd under PUWER ACOP Reg.9) alongside C&G/NPTC. Interestingly, and with many critics, some of these are deliverd with 'ITA' (integrated training and assessment), i.e. the same person trains you and assesses you, such as Cs32 - medium tree felling (as was), and Cs40 pruning. For further info see attcahed (curtesy of Chris Cooper-Abbs.) Cheers all.. Paul Forestry and arboricultural qualifications v0 2 011012.doc

Does no-one have a mulcher they could use? Otherwise, when using the woodchipper, the bigger the better and PUSH-STICKs ONLY!!! Take care.. Paul

The premier logo of course , 'ARB Approved Contractor' (ArbAC), but it comes with automatic CHAS scheme accreditation these days, who also have a logo, and you can access the 'SAFEcontractor' scheme too, who also also have a logo. Hence the 3 logo's for the price of one assessment (although there is an additional £60 licence fee for CHAS and you have to become a member of SAFEcontractor but as an ArbAC you qualify for 50% discount so that's about £95 for a small business.) Would you like me to send you an application form? Cheers.. Paul

Another potential issue here is that 'NPTC' strictly speaking "is no more", it's actually City & Guilds and NPTC is a retained brand...or summat like that. Hence it could be, but I don't know, they are considering doing away with the 'NPTC' brand and replacing it with C&Gs...dunno. Paul

I've got a nice logo you can have...a little assessment beforehand is all that's needed, and actually you can access 3 logos:thumbup: Give us a shout directly, or a call (01242 522152) if you're interested to know more. Cheers.. Paul

Hi, I'm assuming you want to climb and to build up expereince in so doing? The aspiration of many to climb is, in part, down to a perception of progress and advancement I would suggest, rather than necessarily wanting to do so (although I acknowledge many, and probably most, do want to.) As such, much is down to chance and what expereince you get with whom and doing what will influence when you are ready to 'go it alone' (not necessarily meaning self-employed here, but many do, but meaning competent and proficient to undertake the full range of aerial tree work operations.) And of course not forgetting the 'YOU' factor, natural ability, aptitude, awareness, speed of learning etc. etc. Hwo long = that "piece of string reference" but anywhere form 2-5 years I would suggest. My original point, i.e. do you want to climb, comes from the proposed production of the 'Professional Skills Framework' for Arb whihc actually offers a 'side by side' progression route for both ground and aerial work separately. That said, I personally, still believe that someone who has climbed to some degree previously, or ongoing, is generally more effective as a grounder. Good luck with everything. Paul

Good luck with it Rob. Paul

Ben, NPTCs still really 'rule the roost', so to speak, so provided your 10 week course included those then you may be able to bring them up-to-speed with some update training as others have said. If however it didn't, then I see little option but for you to do them now. Your 10 week course will always have recognition but, without the NPTCs, doesn't meet the PUWER Regs requirement for chainsaw use etc., i.e. a recognised certificate of competence. This may / will work against you when applying for jobs and/or accessing contracts. Hope this helps, 'good luck'. Paul

Just picking up on the previous email about HSE Fee for Intervention which could/should stimulate improved H&S performance making 'ARB Approved' more relevant...maybe! 'First things first', in the small business the H&S (documentary compliance) bit probably accounts for about 10-15% of the process, to demonstrate a basic level of compliance commensurate with CHAS/SAFEcontractor etc.. The worksite stuff, probably 25-30%, and similar with work quality, pruning and planting. So the scheme is still very much 'outcomes' focused. Reet, am waiting (but out very shortly so will get back to you's ASAP!) Thanks all.. Paul

Hi all, Just to let you know, coincidentally, we have a 20% discount offer for October on ceratin AA publications and this, 'MUST HAVE', book is one of them (along with the new fungi guide.) Take a look here.. Limited 20% reduction on selected publications - - Arboricultural Association Go frit, you won't regret it! Cheers.. Paul

Now that's a bloomin good idea...tee hee. I'm 'in n out' this weekend but if anyone's got any questions/queries about the process please do ask...and ideally thru the AA forum as they come straight to me then, cheers! Don't forget these days ARB Approval also comes with CHAS, and you can now access the SAFEcontractor scheme without any further audits/checks. Admittedlt all worth more in the commercial market place BUT can make you stand out from the crowd...and will further marginalise the 'rogue' element. Thanks all.. Paul