AA Teccie (Paul)

Not surprisingly, my contribution includes AFAG 401: Ladders Check ladders for defects before use (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions). See ‘Further reading’ for more advice. Ladders are normally only used as a means of access into the crown of the tree. Once the climber is secured to the tree by rope/lanyard and harness, the ladder should be removed. Position the base of the ladder at a distance approximately one-quarter the height of the ladder, away from a vertical line dropped from the point of contact with the tree. The unsupported part of the ladder must not touch any obstructions, even when loaded with the climber’s weight. Incorporate a non-slip or stabilising base on the ladder and secure the ladder appropriately, either by attaching a rope from the tree to the ladder base or by having a member of the ground staff foot the ladder. Where possible, pre-install a climbing line to safeguard the ladder ascent. If this is not possible, the climber needs to be secured to the tree before leaving the top of the ladder, or carrying out any other work. AND the industry ICOP: 2.8.2 Ladder The use of ladders or steps must be restricted to low risk, short duration tasks, such as accessing the lower portion of the tree canopy in order to begin a staged ascent or limited duration access for hedge trimming. If ladders are to be used for tasks which require the user to be ‘hands free’, the operative should ensure they are also correctly anchored into the tree structure. If the task requires working from a ladder for extended periods of time, another work method must be considered.

Saw something very similar in a woodland in Burnley just recently whilst delivering a Tree Inspection course, riddled with Kretzschmaria / Ustulina too...maybe worth a closer look. Cheers.. Paul

Hi Ian, hope yer well. Is it an emergent Ganoderma' appen? Cheers, Paul PS the attached may be "of interest" ARBACApplicationForm-V3.docx

Not doubting the above advice / information, which contradicts mine , but guidance on the planning portal make no reference to "reserved matters", only differentiating between FULL and OUTLINE planning permission. Hence I would be cautious about proceeding with tree removals as reserved matters and recommend prior confirmation of such from the LPA / TO. Cheers.. Paul Now a 'shrinking violet'...well okay, a weed.

Pretty sure, even with agreed reserve matters, outline planning does not override the TPO still, i.e. in the 2012 Regs. Paul

You'll find their contact details here: Directory of Arboricultural Association Registered Consultants Cheers..

Hi Betula, can I suggest in canvassing views, always very useful, you also make contact with a few AARCs and seek theirs too. Cheers.. Paul PS Along with my main role in managing the ARB Approved Contractor Scheme I am also part of the AA team managing the RC Scheme.

Thank you Jay, your post here is much appreciated and it's very pleasing to hear the ArbAC status is working so well for you / the business. Obviously there is still much work to do but its good to hear we are at least getting some things right. Thanks again.. Paul PS the other important thing here is what the business does with the accreditation and the way it promotes itself on the back of it...well done!

Sorry, not sure the message above posted

Hi, I understand cost is an issue, particularly for a start-up business, but I do believe the scheme offers value for money. Try to get to a workshop and I can explain more and in detail. The £495, +VAT unfortunately, is an initial assessment fee payable every 5th year but with an interim assessment fee of £450 +VAT in year 3. The additional CHAS fee is an annual licence fee, plus admin, which is payable whoever you use. Sorry not much detail here but struggling tapping a smart phone screen. Cheers.. Paul

Why not consider looking into your (only real) 'industry specific' accreditation, i.e. ARB Approved Contractor (see Become an ARB Approved Contractor ) and support the cause in terms of greater industry representation and recognition. We run one-day workshops, FREE, and you can both find out more about ArbAC AND ask me about the other accreditation opportunities (see Training - Arboricultural Association ) Because of SSiP membership, ArbAC is deemed an equivalent safety scheme to all the others. SORRY all, if you reply here I'm up in Scotland for a few days so may not be able to respond immediately. Cheers.. Paul PS Forgive me, I'm sure all are aware but this is a business accreditation opportunity not an individuals, albeit many individuals cite their reasons for becoming approved as a personal goal.

"Pendula, pendula.." (arboricultural speak for "bravo, bravo") Cheers Betula, good, very pertinent / astute, post Paul

Hi Steve, a 'launch' date hasn't yet been determined but it will be soon. Paul PS Just to confirm it hasn't yet appeared on the site

hahaha, yeah, probably better to get approved first Gary cheers, n hope yer well. Paul

Hi there, I understand your frustrations here but its the first change in probably 30 years, or more, n long overdue some would say to both update n refresh the logo. Members who are on the AA various committees, including 'Media and Communications,' which is open to all did have an input, or at least the opportunity to do so. Once finalised, there will be a reasonable time period / lapse to phase in use of the new logo n appreciate there's never a good time to do something like this but we wanted to give people the 'heads up' in case they had it in mind to do some changes in the near future. Sorry again but at least you've got the opportunity to start planning the phase in perhaps Cheers.. Paul

So, what did I do wrong?

As others have said you have 2 years to implement the consent. I would strongly advise liaison with the LPA here and keep them informed. Cheers.. Paul

Whilst this seems understandably logical, i.e. phased removal, apparently there is no research to back it up. Remember also, in general terms, heave only occurs where trees significantly pre-date buildings and hence they've been constructed on desiccated soils without the appropriate engineering controls being used. Cheers.. Paul

Not sure of your employment situation, e.g. employee or self-employed, largely academic though as far as H&S is concerned, but you have a duty to report anything you consider unsafe or likely to endanger the health, safety and well-being of yourself and others. Your concerns sound quite reasonable and I would expect the employer to act accordingly and to review the risk assessment. In terms of working near power-lines further guidance can be found on the Tree Work section of the HSE website at Working near power lines and cables which states: What you need to do When arboricultural (aerial and ground) works are proposed within 10m (measured at ground level horizontally from below the nearest wire) of overhead power lines a risk based approach needs to be adopted. In practice this means that you should seek specialist advice and guidance from the owner of the power line (Network Operator) before undertaking any work within this distance. I recall a previous occasion when assessing a very large organisation and one of their guys came back to the office showing a large Leylandii that appeared to 'internally combust' but this was due to impacting and shorting (?) a OHPL than ran through the tree crown. Take care out there.. Paul

Wadda'bout a bog standard 'Shortbread' with a strong coffee...my occasional treat being as how my body is a temple...and doomed! This thread is addictive..

Apparently, according to Peter Kay, "Hobbs Nobbs" are the SAS when it comes to dunkers...very funny (but then I am a noverner!) Cheers...or should that be "aaaaaaaaaaaah" (that Typhoo Tea moment) Paul

Excellent post / thread...CPD / CPD / CPD. Thank you.. Paul

The above is very much a competent/proficient operator, OR employers, view on training and assessment, with which I wholly agree...as someone from the 'arb' industry. The point I was making was that the legal system seems to have a different take on it, apparently Good post, cheers! Paul

PS As a matter of (related) interest, as informed by several colleagues who undertake 'expert witness' work, in the event of an accident the legal system seems to be very much more interested in the training, including refreshers / updates, of individuals rather than their "certificates of competence" (as was.)

Hmmm, not sure. Is independent assessment "a guarantee of competence"...or merely an assessment / test that the, often basic level, skills trained prior are in place. I would suggest the reference to NPTC is more historic, particularly within the 'arb' sector, as a benchmark of 'competence' (a word and not necessarily a fact) and the fact it is associated with City & Guilds, which service many other industry sectors, means it has a wider recognition, perhaps. At the end of the day as an industry you now have a choice / options of Lantra Awards or C&Gs/NPTC and, at the end of the day, AND as it has always been, it is very much down to the individual instructor/assessor and trainee/assesse(?) as to how effective the process actually is...AND don't forget YOUR very important role in the "competence development" process by assisting with the consolidation of those trained/assessed skills in the workplace. Reet, time to head fer the hills me thinks Cheers.. Paul