AA Teccie (Paul)

We consulted HSE on a draft of TG1 (climbing guide replacement) and they picked up on it there in relation to SRT effectively being 'rope-access' and thereby requiring a backup/safety line at all times (as per W@H regs) and then reviewed single rope climbing as well referring back to 2004 research (which concluded 2 ropes...unless risk assessment says higher risk, which was never implemneted.) We did demo day for HSE inc their W@H specialist to show how we access and work safely on single lines, with 2nd attcahcment when working, but they weren't happy. Sorry Mick, longwinded reply Paul

Yes Mick, I am saying that...because that is what the HSE have decreed. Much of the utility industry sector already operates this way.

the HSEhave had very detailed demonstrations by the industry prior to making a decision about what systems are acceptable / compliant and what aren't. Effectively, when working, you will still require to have an additional 'tie in', i.e. a 3rd connection...thats gonna be hard to stomach.

Apologies all, there's much background tbh and my colleague Simon, who wrote the article, tried to cover all bases. In a nutshell the HSE would expect to see 2x independent lines, and independent anchors, such that one system can act as a robust backup in the event of the other being damaged or becoming detached and the climber falling. In terms of timescales this is not gonna happen overnight and, in all honesty, nothing is likely to 'start to' change until the industry code of practice (ICoP) is amended and 'Technical Guide 1 - Tree Ascent and Descent' is released. As you rightly mention training, and assessment, will have to change to and existing operators will have to change their MO to comply with the law (effectively.) In his article Simon likened this to the industry's equivalent to seat belts being intro'd. so gonna be years rather than months. Does this help clarify things...a little? Thanks for asking Kevin and I hope you;re well Paul

Mick, why do you always have an aggressive tone to your posts....maybe it's that French militant effect I too would suggest 'Parish Mags' etc....and of course ARB Approval to "stand out from the tree surgery crowd" who provide the other x7 quotes PS Was in Pontivy, Brittany at the weekend, a lovely town (don't know whereabouts you are tho.)

Take it you're all aware of the 'Haynes' manual, and not the one for your Ford Escort XR3i...or Morris Marina (my first one ) See Arboricultural Association - Haynes Tree Owners’ Workshop Manual WWW.TREES.ORG.UK A source of publications, guidance notes and leaflets for arboriculturists. Competitively priced available to members... Authored by Tony Kirkham (Kew) and Kenton Rogers (i-Tree)

Hopefully you've got a land-based college nearby with a good 'arb' library

Yep, usually in junction with a land based college, eg Capel Manor, but sometimes utilising alternative training providers. informally, many businesses develop people “on the job” n some larger employers, eg Gristwood n Toms, have their own in house training n development procedures. paul

Possibly. My concern would be that the original rooting system has asphyxiated / died off because of the raised ground levels and the 'new' roots are sustaining the tree Can you construct a raised bed and retain them maybe Paul

Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus 'intermedia', a cross between rowan and whitebeam)...I think

How bizarre is that (seen likewise.) Whilst sure it will also succumb in time, the FC talk about the wide genetic variations of Ash in the UK and the associated hope that some will be resistant

FISA (UK), by virtue of one of their members having a related accident, have issued some guidance relating to tree felling operations (see attached.) We are currently working up some guidance for aerial works...which generally says 'use a MEWP' where there's any concerns about tree safety / wood integrity (something we are trying to get further 'scientific' information about from FERA/DEFRA/FC but, anecdotally, it would appear the disease makes an already fairly brittle tree potentially even more so.) Safety Guidance Note - Felling dead ash - April 2018.pdf

Ash Dieback Action Plan Toolkit WWW.TREECOUNCIL.ORG.UK plus lots of stuff on FC website...albeit more general.

Whilst, on the face of it, there is a (financial) 'conflict of interest' in the employer undertaking the equipment inspections ("thorough examinations,) assuming he/she is competent and qualified so to do, they are also the 'duty holder' with the ultimate responsibility for H&S in the business. I don't believe either the LOLER Regs. themselves, nor the associated ACOP (Approved Code of Practice) refers to the 'competent person' (CP) requirements, it is the associated guidance that does (still better to be adhered to of course.) As far as the ArbAC Scheme is concerned, where the employer is said 'CP' we require a process of appeal (to an independent 3rd party) to be put in place and, generally, advise they check their insurer is happy with the arrangement. Cheers, Paul

You need to be properly assessed by a Occupational Health Specialist (OHS) and probably at Doctor level (Tier 4)...and who is competent in HAVS, respectfully not a GP. Gloves are helpful but mainly because they keep hands warm, improving blood circulation, rather than damping vibration. Battery powered machinery is the way forward. Regards, Paul

An alternative term I've come across is "crown restructuring" which you can't really argue with...but similarly that was more 'lopping' IMO, i.e. a (very) heavy reduction beyond any suitable secondary growth points but still leaving a framework for regeneration (I associate 'topping' being leaving a pole...generally speaking.) Timing = generally summer time is better as more time for the tree to respond and commence some sort of defense reaction...but there's undoubtedly nesting birds in that lot and possibly something more (bats?) Looks an awful job TBH so please allow 'more than' enough time as others have wisely said.

Hi Swinny, sorry I missed your post. I quite agree with your initial statement about plenty of good, competent, safe etc etc contractors working for LAs who aren't approved (by "the happy clappers club" ?) but then summat happened n you disappeared . Don't you agree tho that having a way of differentiating between you and those that aren't competent etc, and not necessarily the unscrupulous, would be beneficial to your business and the industry as a whole? I'm very happy to continue off forum, or directly (07971 995351,) should you wish to. Thanks.. Paul

Wish I could be more succinct Paul 'verbose' Smith

Hi Tom, £1.3m turn-over but only £47k surplus and the AA's range of activities is much wider than just the ARB Approved Contractor Scheme (which turns over circa £280k = £10k surplus, proportionately, for the scheme.) Whilst I'm open-minded to any / all suggestions how we can better / more effectively market and promote, in my mind there's no getting away from the fact we need to increase critical mass...so, "thank you" for helping with this. Paul

"CCC" (constructive criticism and concerns) Ian, all reasonable, fair n balanced...mostly ATB, Paul

Hey Ian, thanks for your "straight talkin", and valid, contribution here but what other industry accreditation schemes / trade associations are most clients aware of other than, for instance, CORGI / Gas Safe and maybe NICEIC / Fensa...because they're regulatory schemes, which we as an industry don't have, and as such all contractors have the logos on their vans. Hence it's a "by association" awareness (only very recently have I seen Gas Safe on TV.) In the commercial sector, ArbAC awareness is increasing as the scheme is registered on SSIP alongside CHAS / SAFEcontractor etc., commercial 'buyers' to better understand why if it's tree surgery services they require ARB Approved Contractor is the scheme they should choose ("work in progress.") With the (very) limited resources we have we consider the best strategy is to try to gain 'critical mass' from the industry itself, i.e. by attracting more good contractors to the scheme, and by encouraging LAs to support the cause and link websites. Hopin yer well.. Paul

Hi all, and thanks 'KTS Tom' for sticking with the process...I hope the reassessment went well. The issue of AA promotion, or 'lack of', is contentious as if I too were in your position I would want to see a greater presence in the Local Authority and public sectors to increase awareness and generate new business leads. However, sitting on "this side" of the fence it's a somewhat different picture...one involving a very limited resource both staff and financial. We do what we can, when/where we can...and where an opportunity arises (we did have a presence at Chelsea this year, albeit on the back of the RHS and APGH (All Parliamentary Group for Horticulture, of which the AA is an active member including 'lobbying' ministers on pan-industry wide issues, e.g. Biosecurity / skills shortages.) We offer 'marketing packs / materials' to AA Members and/or Branches to promote themselves and the AA/Schemes where they are exhibiting at County / Regional Shows etc. and, where an opportunity might arise to 'piggy-back' on, for instance, the Woodland Trust or RHS with whom we have developing relationships. I'm currently seeking to meet with as many LAs as I can, albeit on an ad-hoc basis as I travel around, to increase their awareness and seek their support / promotion of the schemes (increasingly LA websites link to https://www.trees.org.uk/Find-a-professional or the homepage.) In practice, those LAs who have ready access to a network of, ideally, 3-4 ArbACs within their area are more likely to follow this approach, i.e. a 'chicken n egg' scenario. I'm meeting various Lancashire LAs both directly and indirectly next week by virtue of delivering a BS3998 workshop / seminar at Myerscough and hence being in the area. The "Jo Public" market is difficult for us to reach directly, bar from putting an ad on ITV between Coronation Street (or GMTV as Check-a-Trade do) given it would cost thousands of pounds and hence we seek to equip the ArbACs themselves with marketing / promo stuff as they (you) are the interface. So, not an ideal answer, and I'd love to have the resources available to do more but hopefully some degree of reassurance that we are doin'summat. Can I suggest also posting in the AA ArbAC FB Group page as you may get further marketing / promotional advice / tips from other approved contractors there Thanks again fer discussin.. Paul

Come and join us Steve, I can check yer claim of no Silky scars

...but 'BYO' So, following a suggestion by a contractor in Suffolk I'm trying a different tack to meet up and 'have a chat' (yes, some time will be spent on the AAAC Scheme and AA, mainly Q&As I guess, but also on other stuff...as "YOU" like.) Just bring yer ideas along to the 'Bell Inn' - King Street - Thetford (IP24 2AZ) fer about 6pm on Tuesday 9th July. For booking please see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=95B74FEB-958F-4190-9DD1-00A965A1EF20 but if you just appen to be in there come along n join us. Thanks for reading and hope to see you there Paul

The Planning Inspectorate, the body who undertake appeals. Previously done by arb inspectors, independently, but more recently by in-house staff (usually non-arbs) . This is a positive move both in terms of arb specific inspectors and more resources = reduced time for appeals...hopefully.