AA Teccie (Paul)

Hi Timmy, Much of this will be covered by the site risk assessment process. See Help becoming an ARB Approved Contractor for some examples and perhaps follow the Module 1 - Site Inspection of the 'ARB Approved Contractor' standard (see Become an ARB Approved Contractor scrolling down to find the 2x word docs.) Good luck.. Paul PS Don't forget too that the AFAG guides, as well as giving guidance to establish a 'safe system of work', can be used for site safety audits (hence the tick boxes in the l/hand margins.)

Thanks for your post in reply here (and to see it's longer than mine, ha!) To be honest I think we are talking the same language here, i.e. a balanced and sensible approach to risk management. However in order to do so we need a start point, and hence that's the accident book, use of which I would promote to businesses of all sizes as we quickly forget how many significant cuts we get. I wholly acknolwdge it is very physical and demanding job, and that's a large part of the attraction, but belive me when yer knowcking on a bit and yer hands, fingers n grip don't work like they should then there might be regret at such a broad acceptance. A tip, if I'm still qualified to give such being nothing more than a 'pen pusher' these days, try to get 'ambidextrous' in using the hand-saw, at least then you'll share the cuts n nicks and hopefuly avoid a few as positioning is easier. Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, I sincerely hope my presence doesn't stifle healthy debate here regarding the "pro's n con's" of 'ARB Approved Contractor' status but, if I may, I'd like to offer a couple of comments. Firstly, whilst 99% of businesses go through the assessment in order to gain the acreditation, i.e. the outcome, the greatest value to your business is the process and having that industry 3rd party stamp as being a compliant contractor. This should give you peace of mind and reassure your employees you are a good, and compliant, contractor. Secondly, whilst 'ArbAC' status may not directly secure more work it may 'open doors', particularly it is now combined with CHAS and soon to be SAFEcontractor as well, i.e. 2 for 1 now and 3 for 1 soon to be (this relates to the audit process. What the Association is seeking to achieve through the accreditation scheme is a recognised standard across the industry for the benefit of all, i.e. whilst not mandatory that 'CORGI' equivalent so mnay yearn for. More than happy to answer any questions, otherwise I'll sit and watch. Thanks fer yer time all. Paul

Not the case. HSE listened to industry and adjusted their guidance on CS gloves accordingly...see earlier post. Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, SORRY late to teh party and haven't read all the posts so might repeat (ignore if so.) Check out HSE guidance INDG317 and AFAG 301 (see below) remembering these are minimum requirements and hence something more might be required on a site specific basis, i.e. SSRA (site specific risk assessment.) IN the ARbAC assessments we do question none use of some form of work glove for most ground ops, chainsaws / rigging / woodchipper etc., if observed which at least help to keep hands warm. Modern saws have front hand gaurds and chainbreaks etc. so HSE have accepted advnaces in technologies have removed the same level of need for chainsaw gloves (the old 'leather hide' ones were a nightmare, and hazard, when wet anyway!) Hope this helps and again apologies if repeats. Cheers.. Paul afag301.pdf indg317.pdf

Great post, thank you for doing so. This highlights a major concern I have with our industry that there is a broad acceptance of, what in many instances, are 'major' injuries that should at least be RECORDED in the 'accident book' ("yeah, right" YAWN, YAWN) and, in some instances, REPORTED under RIDDOR, i.e. more than 3 days off work. The 'accident book' is for everyone and, according to the guidance, ALL injuries should be recorded (unrealistic perhaps but, as a guide, anything involving the FA box other than a plaster, OR plaster + tape, should be recorded (NOT to be confused with reported under RIDDOR.). I know there is an issue surrounding form filling at the end of the day here when we just want to get home BUT in so doing you are highlighting a potential problem that may require adjustments to be made to your risk assessment and working practices = H&S Management (something, with all due repsect, we generally do very badly as an industry...IMHO!) Some businesses are thinking 'outside the box here' (well done My Jenks) in either having specific 'accident forms' within the vehicle pack OR, better still, an elctronic form on their I-Phones etc, OR even better still the office number that they ring and tell someone about the accident who then completes the form. EITHER way the H&S manager gets to know and can review things...THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT GUYS!!! Lastly, in terms of FA matters: 1. FA training should be 'relevant', i.e. covering deep lacerations / falls from height / crush injuries etc. 2. It should be refreshed every 18 months (I know tickets last 3 years BUT, hopefully, this is not a skill you practice too regularly and hence needs more regular refreshing...unlike chainsaw skills etc., another matter!) 3. FA kits (squad) should be 'relevant and appropriate' and, in the very least as no HSE spec. here, contain several medium/large wound dressings as 'blood-stoppers', along with protective gloves, AND be at hand, i.e. on the worksite (along with a bottle of clean water for rinsing etc.) 4. FA kits (personal) should be worn, or at least a large wound dressing in yer pocket at all times. 5. Emergency procedures be adequately addressed inc. aerial rescue / FA adminstration by who (cover him/her too, just in case) / contacting emergency services and getting them directly to you with getting lost or confused about your location / nearest A&E. Please take care out there, and don't simply accept hand-saw cuts as just part of the job...they're NOT!!! Cheers.. Paul PS Sorry for teh waffle but not done so for a while ('Hooray' I hear you say!)

Happy reading, and viewing tahnks to some excellent photographs submitted by industry photographic 'hot-dogs'..! (thanks David.) Cheers.. Paul

Apologies for my 'lateness' to the party here. HSE would say 'yes' you do need CS41 if your undertaking dismantling operations with rigging. However, this would not necessarily be the case for instance with CS40, CS45 (ground worker) or CS46 (pole chainsaw use) dependent on other qualifications / NPTCs held. They recognise that many NPTC CS units have been developed for specific markets and hence take a pragmatic view that it is only those deemed necessary under PUWER, for chainsaw and related works, and those operations that are 'high risk', i.e dismantling, where CoC should be held. Hope this clarifies things...a little. Cheers.. Paul PS This view is also supported by the 'ArbAC' scheme and CS41 is required by the person in the tree installing and connecting the rigging system (not the person on the ground who can be deemed 'competent' by their developed skills and expereince.)

Hi Chris, in general any level2 course, i.e. RFS Cert Arb / NC Arb / ISA Cert Arb(?) will be of greta benefit as a beginner. I'd speak withboth colleges and see whihc one works in best. GOOD LUCK and 'happy learning!' Paul

Excellent, sounds like the timing may just be right. Get working on your LA Tree Officers now to gain their support and nomination. Cheers.. Paul

Hi Stuart, Yes there is, but it won't happen until May 2012, with the FoC workshop in April, as SW Region is 'AREA 9' and we're only on AREA 3 at the moment. Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, apologies for the delay in replying but the thread got accidentaly 'locked out.' Unfortunately, as the accrditation is applicable to the business, rather than the individual (even though, in practice, in micro-businesses the proprietor is essentially 'the business'), it is this which has to have been operational for a min. 2 years. The reason it's in place is to demonstrate, all being well, the business is in for the long haul wanting to establish and build customer relations (it also means, ideally, there should be 2 years of historical data in respect of H&S / training / LOLER etc.) Obvioulsy the nominated manager, i.e. yourself, is a key player, and indeed the 'responsible person' for ensuring standards are upheld at all times, and this is why we request a min. 5 years expereince. Hope this clarifies things, post back if not, no worries. Cheers.. Paul

Penfold, APOLOGIES...it's Tues. 11th October at Askham Bryan. SORRY for any confusion and inconvenience. If you're joining us, great, but can you let Mel know (see above) and don;t forget you need to bring your own tucker..! Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, See attached for further info but essentially if you can get a Local Authority Tree Officer to support you and nominate you you may be lucky and get drawn for a fre assessment (saving £495) or 2x half price assessments. There is a FoC workshop on TUESDAY 11th OCT. at Askham Bryan and you're more then welcomed to come along (just let Mel know at Head Office, tel. 01242 522152 or email [email protected]) Unfortunately tho you may be declined as buinesses have to have been running for a minimum of 2 yeasr before applying and you mention this is a new business venture. Come along anyway and find out more, plus this opportunity will come round again in the future. Regards and apologies for the delay replying! Hope to see you there.. Cheers Paul Free_Assessment-Nom_Form[1].pdf

Sorry, bit 'rushed' this morning. This would seem to be the crux of the matter taken from HSE 'Chainsaws at WOrk' (below) equating it as very hazardous / dangerous machinery use: ■ they are supervised by a person competent in the use of a chainsaw for the work being done by the trainee and who, where appropriate, holds the relevant competence certificate or award. Alos see Employing young people | Business Link Good luck.. Paul indg317.pdf

David, should I copy this to the ArbACs? (can't gaurantee anything tho!) Thanks.. Paul

Dear 'Mr Huck', hope yer well! See attached if it's of any use. Take care out there.. Paul PS THe other thing, Plane related, to be wary of are the effects of Massaria as this can serious weaken branhces making the prone ot give way under a climbers weight....not you tho bein 'mean n lean' (tee ...) London Plane info.doc London Plane - generic.doc

Hi Steve, hope all's well. The 'Arborists Directory' is looking good, excellent! What's the timescale on the consumer advice bit for 'Choosing an Arborist' as it currently says 'Page Under Construction'? Cheers.. Paul

APOLOGIES, just having revisited the EA NetRegs website (oh joy!) I've been reminded the above mentioned exemption relates to 'Environmental Permits' (in England and Wales) not a WTL (applicable in Scotland and N. Ireland). Paul

See Help becoming an ARB Approved Contractor and scroll down the page for these, and other, docs. Hopefully a good starting point. Good luck with everything..! Paul

The (old) para.21, now T6, exemption related to 'storage' of woodchip and the need for a Waste Transfer Licence...or not if you had a para.21 exemption. Cheers.. Paul

"..it looks like we don't need a licence anymore"????...hmmm, ha! Just a quick update with some useful clarifications for the EA. Firstly, although it's still covered by the Euro. Waste Catalogue, the EA 'appear' to have accepted that tree surgeons waste, where it does not consist 'primarily' of greenery, can be exempted as essentially a wood product under the 'Virgin Wood' exemption (see attached). However, as it anticpated that most, if not all, tree surgeons (their words!) will carry, for instance, Leylandii trimmings at some time, which is (green) 'waste' they will need to register as a 'lower tier' carrier from the end 2013. Secondly, in the interim, i.e. upto end 2013, if you receive a renewal notice you do not need to (untiel end 2013) and further if you don't have a WCL to start with then you don't need one currently..."PHEW" I hear you say...PARDON?! Hope this helps.. Paul PS_005_Regulation_of_wood_v3 0.pdf

Hi all, Just a quickie to advise the closing date for LAs (Local Authorities) nominating NE regional small business contractors for the 'FREE' assessment draw is nearing a close. ALL nominations must be with us by close of play on 10th October and the associated workshop (FoC) is the following Wed. 11th October at Askham Bryan College. SO, still time (just) to 'encourage' your LA Tree Officer to nominate you. Hope to hear soon. Thanks all.. Paul