AA Teccie (Paul)

At least it's got you talking about it and, albeit indirectly, the Association As with most changes, some like it n some don't n some are indifferent and we've had all those opinions voiced but, overall, the view appears to be a positive one...or at least acceptable. The ARB Approved Contractor logo, the shield (not badge ) was designed to be distinctly different to the generic AA logo for various reasons. It's certainly achieved that. Thanks for discussing it n I'll adopt a watching breif now. cheers all.. Paul

Likewise, I fly with Easyjet from Bristol 6 or 7 times per year and always good service and good value for money. Flew to Venice with Ryanair, which was okay, but still not recovered from the blinding of the luminous yellow head rests on the seats...freaked my wife out

Hi, is this for LOLER '6 monthly' inspection or something different? Thanks.. Paul

I know of a contractor who bought a tracked MEWP, 18m I think, and has now diversified to do a variety of work for a Housing Association meaning he is often surveying roofs, chimney stacks, and minor repairs, etc., plus using it for tree-work of course. He's apparently looking to purchase a second one.

Hi David, hope you're well. (Perhaps not surprisingly ) I don't know anything about MPMs and arb working specifically but the exposure, in terms of duration (3-4 hours...once a year???), would mean its very low risk I would suggest. When you say the report refers to people living / working close by presumably that is regular working close by. Poor comparison, but when you have an X-ray its the radiologist only who disappears behind the screen due to frequent exposure = higher risk...not sure this works but hopefully you know what I'm getting at. Cheers.. Paul

Likewise. Just done Google search n appears to be pretty well documented. Clearly one to watch out for but thankfully probably not encountered too often. Cheers.. Paul

Naaa, sorry David, couldn't get my hand past the PC screen to check, that's why I went fer adspersum Not a fungi I've encountered much...or maybe I just have realised I have

G. adspersum maybe..

Never observed this, i.e. with a filter face-mask (for chain-sawing), but have seen, and used, dust-masks particularly when lots of cross-cutting / logging etc on dry, still days n confined or enclosed sites. Filter-face masks are not uncommon for those having to chip LP in summer...terrible job to be avoided, i.e. work the trees when dormant. End of day its down to 'risk assessment' process to determine appropriate PPE / RPE. Cheers.. Paul

BS3998 is 'guidance and recommendations' to be interpreted and applied by the tree care professional = YOU. For me it is as important to understand when you are working outside of the scope of BS3998 as it is to understand when you are complying. Not sure an alternative take on "best practice" is appropriate, that should remain the domain of '3998', but appen "best job" is...as we've seen! Cheers.. Paul

...but its good to check back with the "theoretical"(?) BS3998 world periodically such that we challenge what we do in the real world...and then carry on of course Sam, as I just pm'd you, my interpretation of your post was to seek opinion from your peers (and me ) and I questioned what I saw. Not to criticise, in any way, shape or form (not least as I couldn't do that kind of work anymore) but merely to better understand why it appeared heavy, at least in parts. This is exactly the same tack I would adopt on an ArbAC assessment and, along with your explanation (thank you,) I would have "ticked the CR box" So, when would you like to go through the rest of the stuff? Cheers.. Paul

BUMP...n "niiiiiiice" venue Chirk Castle | National Trust C'mon, you know you want to Cheers.. Paul

Guess I was referring particularly to the lower limb in the 2nd shot but presumably that was (heavi..er) selective branch reduction from the adjacent building. The form of the tree, and as you say previous management, make it difficult to ascertain exactly whether its heavy or not but the size / diameter of some of the cuts visible in 3rd shot appear on the larger side (50mm+.) I guess the other thing I was mindful of here is that BS3998 infers not more than 1/3 of the foliage bearing material should be removed in any single operation, ideally. Inevitably most crown reductions come very close to that and if combined with selective lower limb heavier reductions, and / or crown lifting of primary branches, it's often exceeded. The above is not necessarily detrimental dependent upon the trees ability to tolerate and respond...not that it would have had much chance had the customer got their say in the matter, nc1, Don't suppose it's anywhere near Houghall College is it, as could take a closer look next Weds? Cheers Sam Paul

Hi, I'm trying to get a 'statement' from Treelife in response to your post here. As I understand it "so far", Dave and Andy are planning on retiring / moving on in 4 years time AFTER the new L4 / L6 intakes this year have completed their course...they would not leave anybody "in the lurch", so to speak. Post more later. Cheers.. Paul

What was the spec as looks a pretty heavy crown reduction?

Possibly coz it was on the Jeremy Vine Show on R2 last Friday I think. Amey, who are the PFI main contractor / 'partner' (?), have contracted a couple of the AA Approved Contractors to undertake the works, including one who have worked for Sheffield for many years, and they paint a very different story to that reported in the press. Cheer.. Paul PS Before anyone asks the AA position statement is here Arboricultural Association - Jeremy Barrell comments on the Sheffield Street Trees issue

Course 'FLYER' now attached with more details. Cheers all.. Paul SHAD Leaflet - Web2.pdf

Hi there, thought you said above you weren't doing it...but maybe that related to the L6 question. So, presumably Darren is delivering the L4 to you? Sorry, just trying to clarify who is delivering what. Thanks.. Paul

The AA is hosting this FREE one-day event on behalf of HSE, to encourage engagement with the wider tree work industry. As such the first 60 places will be reserved for arboricultural contractors who are not current Arboricultural Association members or ARB Approved Contractors. Financially supported by HSE, it is delivered by a team of Arboricultural Association Technical Officers, HSE staff and the Arb Matters training team. For further details see Arboricultural Association - Course Thanks all.. Paul

Hi all, a heads up for this FREE event at Wrexham (Chirk Castle, sounds nice.) For further info and booking see Arboricultural Association - Course Detail Thanks all n hope to see you there.. Paul

BUMP...and to say, as numbers are quite low, IF its a particular bad day and you'd rather be indoors than out, or if the planned job falls through last minute, please just turn up at Houghall College for 9.30am The drawback to this 'informal' approach is there won't be a certificate of attendance provided for CPD evidencing purposes and nor will the business qualify for a 25% discount* on the initial assessment fee. Cheers...n soooooo hopping to see you there Paul *Ts & Cs apply (basically you have to apply for assessment WITHIN 3 months of the workshop, i.e. by 17th May...2016!!! )

Luv to think England but see Scotland as an under-dog / dark horse. The outcome of the Calcutta Cup (at Murrayfield) will be defining I think.

Hi Gary, Whilst the 'trainee' often will have their "rigging ticket" its experience in and understanding of the examining bodies are looking for as a prerequisite. Cheers.. Paul

Tom Wells at Expertrees. We're having a few glitches with the website at the moment n hence he'll be on there shortly. Cheers.. Paul

How clever is that...and they've incorporated the Flexibility Strategy from Mattheck