AA Teccie (Paul)

Gents, APOLOGIES here if this has been addressed further down the thread and in advance for what is going to be a long(ish) post. The 'law' here is a combination of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 ('HASWA 74'), which places a general 'duty' (responsibility) on the employer to provide 'adequate training' to employees for the particular tasks they require them to undertake, i.e. using chainsaws. Thereafter, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regs 1998 (PUWER 98) 'Approved Code of Practice' (ACOP) requires that 'chainsaw users must also, i.e. in addition to 'adequate training', hold a 'certificate of competence', traditionally an NPTC (now becoming known as 'a licence to practice', whihc I thik is a good thing.) Further the PUWER ACOP, which has a 'semi-legal' status, says that were tasks change and / or where there are advances in technologies and techniques, or words to that effect, then 'refresher/update training' should be considered (my recollection here is that it doesn't say you must, but responsible employers will). The AFGA 805 Sects. 35-38 (see below) says 'refresher training', following guidance in HSE INDG317 (also below) should be considered every 5 years as a minimum. In practice, and this is a view recognised (not endorsed) by the HSE, through the ARB Approved Contractor scheme, we like to see refresher training undertaken in combination with skills advancement, i.e. CS30/31 to CS32 to CS33/34 etc. or CS39 to CS41, which is both more cost effective and, importantly, beneficial to both the operator and employer. I recently assessed a contractor who had done 2x ‘CS30’ refresher courses in the last 10 years...”why?” In terms of financing it, simplistically employees = employer and self-employed = themselves. In practice I would hope a more flexible approach can be adopted, particularly in the current climate and remember the employer costs are: 1. Course costs = £750? 2. Wages = x3 days (say £250 inc. overheads) 3. No productivity = x3 days (say £450) TOTAL= £1,450.00 ... a lot of money. Hence, me personally, I would be prepared, IF it was ‘advancement training’ (CS30/31 upto CS32) to take at least some of the 3 days as annual leave to ease the burden on the employer and to benefit me and my future. These days it’s often about compromise. SORRY such a loooooooooong post! Take care out there guys! Paul indg317.pdf afag805.pdf

"Here, here"...my sentiments exactly Ben. Thanks for your post. Paul

Hi Mick, hope yer well. 'On the contrary', the current CE has considerable "background in business", albeit not arb, but the skill set the Trustees were seeking when appointing didin't require that, Karen's got numpty's like me to familiarise her with the industry. Personally, and no reflection whatsoever on the 'outgoing'/gone Director/CE Nick Eden who did a sterling job with the AA culminating in it achieving a long term aim in purchasing its own premises, but I think it's both quite refreshing and exciting to have a new CE with 'no previous'. As Ben pointed out in the following post, the previous incumbent (Nick Eden), did have 'previous', as a forestry contractor - tree surgeon - LA Tree Officer.

Good morning David, hpe you're well. The 'CE' is an employed role taking over from Nick Eden who was always referred to as Director but was actually CE also. Unlike AA Chairman which is voluntary and changes, generally, every year at the AGM the CE role is permanent. Hence I hope Karen's office will last a long time. Thank you for your best wishes..."aye, aye!" Paul

I'm very pleased to announce our new Cheif Executive, Karen Martin, started work today (read more here Arboricultural Association appoints new Chief Executive - - Arboricultural Association) Regards all.. Paul

HI all, just a quick overview. The 'old' training and assessment landscape (we know and love), i.e. Lantra Awards / NPTC, is/has changing/changed and both organisations are offering 'recognised' training and assessment opportunities, as I understand it. Hence, the previous rule of 'NPTC', now technically City & Guilds but retaining NPTC as a brand name, as the industry norm for "certificates of competence" is/will be no more. One good thing though, not to say widening the market place to competition isn;t agood thing anyway (but it does confuse things somewhat), is that the certificates will be referred to as "licence to practice" whihc will hopefully better clarify to 'first-time' holders their significance, i.e. they don;t / shouldn't confer competence (one their own.) Hope this helps, apologies if not! Cheers.. Paul

Hi Andy, hope you're well. Whilst, in principle, I whole heartedly agree that an industry Code of Conduct/Practice would be very useful, in practice there is very little infomration around to inform this process (said after having scoured various FC / FERA / other websites for the past two hours). Hence I think we are currently in the realms of: 1. Familiarise yourslef with the symptoms 2. Be vigililant when out n about 3. Report any infecetd Ash trees to FC / FERA 4. DO not remove infected material from sites, containment. 6. Disinfect tools, equipment and vehicles (FC recommend 'Propellar', for Phtophthoras too.) Also familiarising yourself with the FC Biosecuirty Recommendations, see below, would be useful (PLEASE don;t be put off/discouraged by the title, it's useful and easy to understand...coz I did ) Thanks.. Paul FC_Biosecurity_Guidance.pdf

'Manual of Wood Decay in Trees' see Manual of Wood Decays in Trees (20% discount, i.e. £16 not £20 til end Wed.) This is not an AA sales plug, it's a genuine recommendation as it was only when reading this book I really started to understand the different decay types and processes, plus other good tsuff too. Good luck with the course. Paul

Yup, afraid so. If you are either working on, or affecting safe use / passage of, the highway such that you puts signs out, you should be 'qualified' as either an Operative (the person placing the signs) or a Supervisor (the person checking the signs are correct) under the 'New Roads & Street Works Act 1991' and carry the appropriate photo-card (licence) see Street Works Qualifications Register - Qualifications The DfT have just completed a consultation regarding the lcience issue and whetehr evdience of training, i.e. older City & Guilds quals. etc. should be adequate. I think the outcome will be dependent upon the nature, duration and frequency of the works but as yet unknown. Begs the question whether it's worth placing signs if you really don't have to...but of course not negelcting your 'duty of care' to others. Life's neva simples eh?! Have a good weeknd all.. Paul PS No mention of MEWPs here....good eh!

Hi Mick, thank you for your post and comments therein which I do acknowledge. I'm not a H&S boffin (I hope) who is naive enough to say use MEWPs on every occasion but I do feel compelled to prophesize their virtues and 'argue their corner' when most argue against. However in so doing I don;t wnat to lose face, so to speak, so I will think carefully about what you've said. I also come from an angle of knowing many businesses, and granted whilst they are small businesses they are mainly running at least two teams but actually one is "one man and his dog" who has an old BT (I think) Merc Sprinter van-mounted with 15m lift which he is incredibly proficient with AND uses in combination with climbing, (sorry, went off track there) who actually own MEWPs and they are so incredibly useful and versatile...if you can get them to the tree (which is your very point!) Do you know what tho, wherever we can we should embrace technological advances, not only because H&S Law says we should, but because it can prolong our working lives and means we stay fit and healthy for the in between times (said from one who has significantly reduced grip strength thanks to minmal AV systems on old chainsaws whihc impacts on me daily...do you play a violin by any chance? ) Cheers.. Paul PS Is it okay to be one of your 'poster boys' or whatever you said !

Hi Al, I acknowledge, particularly on a single job basis, that financial justification can be hard but I also think its sometimes a 'mind-set' thing too and costs are an easy way out. Direct costs are easy to factor, but what about the indirect costs in terms of safer working often means greater efficiency, means less 'wear and tear' on your body / knees = longer productive industry time, means reduced likelihood of accidents through fatigue = no loss of income etc. etc. I know its easy for me to 'Pontifract Cakes', sorry pontificate, whilst sat in a nice warm office and wearing my H&S hat but we do need to look to work smarter and incoporating MEWPs etc. at the work planning /costing stage will start to improve things for everyone. Cheers.. Paul

Know it's a work planning issue and maybe out of your control, but was a MEWP or CRANE considered? They're great tools and it means you don;t have 'knackered knees' syndrome at age 30 (n they can often result in a 'safer' system of work being adopted.) C'mon fellas think outside the "grin n bear it" box n believe me, and doubtless many other testaments, doin stuff like this on a regualr basis will take its toll! SORRY, this sounds like a bit of a rant...but it's honestly with your best interest at heart. Tc.. Paul

Albere, thanks for sharing your, very painful, experience. I too have previoulsy had a similar expereince and it is bl**dy awful the pain is acute and you just can't escape it...thankfully tho no long term damage and I'm sure/hope you'll be the same. Forgive the seeming pun here, but with the benefit of hind-sight, safety glassess (costing from a tenner upwards, and yes £50-60 for a really decent, fashionable, pair) are a very worthwhile purchase but getting in the habit of wearing them is the hard part...doubtless though your expereince will help. Thanks agian and best wishes for a speedy recovery. take care out there.. Paul

Hi 'Wolfman', This one may be of interest...Professional Tree Inspection 3 Day Course ? Training Hope you're well. 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