AA Teccie (Paul)

Possibly/probably, dependent on their use /application...again, forgive me for repeating myself, we have to await the TG1. Regards, Paul PS I'm signing off now. ATB.

Hi Jamie, the HSE haven't back-tracked as such but accepted a different approach / interpretation of the W@H regs and it's application to the industry and working practices (sorry if that sounds a bit wordy .) The forthcoming Technical Guide 1 - Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (TG1) will clarify the detail (where the "devil lies" ) and this should be with us very soon. Suffice to say many businesses have adopted '2 rope' working as the norm, although the ICoP doesn't require such, but use of a back-up system is required (again TG1 will give further guidance and examples.) Please "bear with us" a little longer...thank you. Regards, Paul

Hi there, I hope this works - here is the FINAL document agreed with HSE. Cookies check EDITION.PAGESUITE-PROFESSIONAL.CO.UK Guidance Notes - Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture – Tree Work at Height if not go to the website www.trees.org.uk and download from there. To clarify the ICoP is a management / planning document detailing the industry's interpretation and application of the Work at Height Regs. (to clarify - whilst use of "2 ropes" is still an option, and 'preferred' in many respects, it is not obligatory...but you are expected to have a 'back-up' in place (in most instances...TG1 will explain more/how.) The "how to do" manuals (Technical Guides 1-4) aimed at the operatives/climbers and covering many of the activities you cite will follow soon..."watch this space." Hope this helps / clarifies things...and thanks Mick for the nudge (hope you're well.) Regards all, Paul

Suggest 'not delaying' on doing the PTI as increasingly seen as the benchmark 'competence qualification' (technically a certification) for tree (safety) surveys / inspections. This may stand you in better stead for working for/with other consultants...also consider professional memberships AA/ICF etc. to help with CPD opportunities and professional recognition. Good luck, Paul

Senecio greyii ???

Thanks Khriss, I too have seen many climbers using 2 ropes to very good effect, where the tree is suitable and the operation etc. However the revised ICoP does not constrain you to such which I'm sure will be a relief, understandably, to many. Thanks for your post and have a good weekend. Paul

Prunus (ceracifera) 'Pissardii" - Purple Plum

Pretty sure Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus..)

sorry Pete, no financial gain with the ICoP at all as available FoC as a pdf. download

Hi Pete, the further review of the ICoP was undertaken by the AA and technical authors, and then HSE endorsed, AFTER the industry consultation you contributed to. Respectfully, there was never a proposal to go back out to industry with the ICoP, which is aimed at managers / planners / supervisors but the revised Technical Guide 1, aimed at climbers / arborists / technician, which has already been out to industry consultation, wll do so again...perhaps this is the confusion.) In a nutshell, see p.33, there is no expectation that '2 ropes' will be the norm, it is an option, but use of a 'backup system' (see p.34) is expected. Hope this helps clarify things but TG1 is needed to paint the complete picture..."watch this space." Regards, and hope you're well, Paul

From the first, obscure, image I thought maybe Acer Davidii...but from the second not sure (the stem in the background does look Alder'ish.) The leaves also look a bit Mulberry'ish. Reet, anyone fer a chocolate fireguard? Cheers, n I'll keep watching too.. Paul

Hi there, follow the link in the email www.trees.org.uk/VirtualArb on Friday 15th-17th May.

Exactly, but it looks in some details at the required elements of a tree inspection system. "Tree risk assessment" or "Tree H&S assessment", subject to the detail of the brief of course, are the the same thing to.me Paul

You need a robust and systematic approach to tree inspections, applied consistently and methodically, which may involve one of the afore mentioned but doesn't have to. The Lantra "Professional Tree Inspection" (PTI) certification training is well worth undertaking if you haven't already. Regards Paul

What does it say in your terms and conditions (Ts & Cs) and did you supply a copy to them or reference them on the quote saying available on request or on website etc. The "14 cooling off period", I believe, whilst has become accepted as general practice is actually only applicable / enforceable where a contract is agreed on the customers premises..."sign along the dotted line please Mrs Miggins." (This is my understanding only.) Regards, Paul

Hi Khriss, I don't recall it including Massaria specifically and unfortunately I'm home working so can't check the office copy...sure somebody else will be able to advise (or give Paul a call at Treesource / Summerfields.) REgards, Paul

They'll recover, although probably look like hat-stands just now. LP is a very vigorous species and now's the time of year the tree as a system is active and can respond to the pruning / wounding. If you want to read more try this The CODIT Principle - Implications for Best Practice £48.00 - Arboriculture - Tree Pathology & Risk Assessment Treesource WWW.TREESOURCE.CO.UK Treesource is a bespoke book shop with a diverse range of books for professional arborists, foresters and anyone with... Regards, Paul

Hi there, whilst I'm sure your question is aimed at anybody who has been, or is going, through the process general information can be viewed at Arboricultural Association - Professional Membership Information WWW.TREES.ORG.UK Find out more about Arboricultural Association Professional membership benefits, and entry requirements. For Tree... Happy to field any general questions but it is certainly "very do'able" and becoming more popular fro those not holding a level 5 qualification. Regards, Paul

Thank you Kevin, noted. Regards, Paul

Thank you, and that's really interesting stuff n makes lots of sense. The above is a very wise observation...just hoping in all our cases it isn't any time soon ATB tc, n I hope some planting work turns up for you soon.. Paul

Hi Kevin (and Mick), "fair comment" but just being consistent with the AA underlying message (examples) and people will make their own decisions, based on various factors including economic, as to whether the work in hand is essential or not. Respectfully, can we please focus on the main question about measures to avoid cross-contamination. Thanks n regards, Paul

Hi there, just re-reading this post which is consistent with your early one and again citing "cross-contamination" risks whilst rigging. Forgive me, but to understand you refer to the chances of the climber being infected, touching the rigging equipment and / or branch to be rigged, and then contaminating / infecting the ground workers yeah? If so, my thoughts are as follows (and assumes the works are deemed essential, e.g. safety works / clearance of infrastructure, AND that rigging operations are required) : 1. Why is the infected climber working? (acknowledged he may not be aware, but increasingly seems unlikely, or may be infected and asymptomatic) 2. Is everyone wearing gloves to protect against cross contamination / infection (unusual for climbers but these are unusual times) 3. Is everyone washing / cleansing hands before eating or travelling (hand wipes / sanitizer 60% alcohol) and then thoroughly washing with detergent at the end of the working day (20 secs min. etc.) 4. Are all tools and equipment being cleaned / disinfected (where possible) or washed down with warm water and detergent at the end of use / the day. PLEASE read my 1,2,3&4 above as "Starters for Ten" and add to, or subtract, in a constructive way such that collectively we can produce some (informal) guidance for a particular activity. Thank you. Regards all, Paul

Hi Andy(?), the guidance we have principally received has been from DEFRA / PHE / HSE, hence that's what's posted. Your proposal would take time to coordinate and complete, plus we're all home-working currently. Hence it's non-starter for now I'm afraid. In terms of what tasks are not possible...I don't immediately see any being so 'if' a business has decided to work...one of the most challenging is clearly maintaining the 2.0m social distancing guidance ("where possible") and particularly when travelling in works vehicles if there is more than just the driver any this is where the use of the face-mask would be appropriate (but not more than 2 people AND preferably travel separately...albeit my local council are clearly immune as 3x & 4x operators in recycling / refuse vehicles, mute point.) The construction industry sector have also issued some guidance but again it's quite general (see attached.) Regards, Paul Site-Operating-Procedures-23-March-2020.pdf

Thanks for your reply and points raised. I will feedback to Head Office regarding more detail of "how" to work safely during Covid19 pandemic but in the mean time some information can be gleaned here Arboricultural Association - Help for Arborists WWW.TREES.ORG.UK A range of tree related help and advice for members of the public as well as tree surgeons. Regards, Paul

We haven't we simply conveyed a response from a Government Minister which said the industry is okay to work which many people and contractors were seeking as we've been inundated with enquiries (both members and non-members.) It is for "you" individually to decide "whether or not to work" and the view seems to be 50/50 as we've seen. Regards, Paul