AA Teccie (Paul)

Hi all, and HPN, albeit belated:001_rolleyes: We are proposing to deliver an ARB Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop on this date at Kirkley Hall, subject to sufficient interest...as always. It's just that I would normally fly up from Exeter so hence to know sooner rather than later would be useful so I can book flights etc. The event, as always, is FoC and no obligation so please give it some serious thought and let me know either directly by sending a 'pm' please, or to [email protected], or by booking on the website at ARB Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop Also, to make it 'doubly' worthwhile, we were anticipating delivering a 'Risk Assessment for Commercial Arb.' course the following day (Thurs. 12th Feb.) see Risk Assessment for Commercial Arboriculture for further info n booking details. Thanks all n hope to hear back soon.. Paul

Hi Chris, 'et al', this is correct, thank you. Also, Tech Cert (ArborA) is a level 3 qualification regardless of when you attained it. Only under the 'new' system has it been substituted by the ABC Awards Level 4 Arb. Many, understandably, are under the impression the qualification was upgraded to level 4 when ABC Awards took it on from the AA as the awarding body sometime ago but this was never the case. Perhaps its fair to say it was level 4 teaching for a level 3 exam, at least where Mssrs Summerly and Dowson where involved. Regards all, and Happy New Year Paul

...and in particular from me to say thanks for a great year on ARBTALK n well done to all who've supported the Children's Trust RAFFLE (I notice it's almost doubled today to fast approaching £3k today.) HAPPY NEW YEAR too n hope to see you in 2015! Best wishes.. Paul:thumbup1:

Just thought I'd give this a 'BUMP' whilst you're doubtless sat around waiting for Christmas to arrive Jokin apart, why not come along n find out more, no obligation n no commits but the scheme may have something to offer your business...and you. TTFN.. Paul

I said the 'wise®' ones would be along soon. Good stuff, thank you ...and of course that's what I meant to say Merry Christmas.. Paul

In that particular instance, Birch is a pioneer species occupying new ground and hence is 'relatively' short-lived, such that it enriches the ground / flora conditions for longer lived species such as Oak etc. Hence., all species have a natural life cycle which contributes to the greater good I guess. Thereafter, others, far more educated than I will hopefully be along to help. Cheers.. Paul

Nope, it would not be legal as you would be deemed in breach of your employers duties under the H&S At Work Act 1974 and thereby subject to prosecution...potentially, and imprisonment in the event of an accident / incident where you were found negligent. A short term gain is often a longer term loss...if you get that far of course! Cheers.. Paul

BBC News - Salisbury Cathedral: Breathtaking video from tallest spire N I thought we had b*lls...what no branches Interesting viewing. Paul

Suckers profusely on removal in my experience and hence a real problem to resolve. Despite it's attributes it is considered invasive, generally, and often nick named the complete opposite to it's common name, i.e. Tree of Hell. Go careful with them too as the sap can be an irritant to many. TTFN.. Paul

:lol: Likewise, that's why I stopped. Signed..'FB' Paul

Hoping to see you there. See ARB Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop for further info. Cheers all Paul PS Don't forget this is a FREE event...with the BYO lunch option so no-one's disappointed

Likewise, cheers Greg...see you there Paul

Cheers Charlie (assuming it's Charile ) Thanks for coming along and contributing and I understand the assessment day went very well indeed. Congrats n well done..! Paul

Hi there, you would need to inquire directly to NT to get a definitive answer. However £5 million (suitable and appropriate) PL was the previous benchmark for Local Authorities but many now require £10 million. Hence, recommend going to the horses mouth Cheers.. Paul

Whilst I'm sure there's far more up-to-date stuff / guidance out there a quick Google lead to this which is quite informative Incorporating: pros and cons | This is Money Regarding health, safety and environmental compliance, and industry good / best practice, you could take a steer from the ARB Approved Contractor SCheme standards , see Become an ARB Approved Contractor Regards, n good luck...n take care out there, (good) experience is key Paul

Hoping to see you there: ARB Approved Contractor – Preparation Workshops (2015) DATE REGION VENUE Wed. 21-Jan-2015 North West Preston, Lancashire (Myerscough College) Wed. 11-Feb-2015 North East Ponteland, Northumberland (Kirkley Hall) Wed. 25-Mar-2015 North Wales Wrexham, North Wales (Venue TBC) Thurs. 30-Apr-2015 West Midlands Stoneleigh, Warwickshire (Lantra House) Wed. 20-May-2015 East Midlands Seagrave, Leicester (Parkhill Training) Wed. 10-Jun-2015 Home Counties Enfield, N. London (Capel Manor College) Fer now, please treat as 'heads up' as not yet able to book (see Training - Arboricultural Association in New Year for further info.) Thanks all.. Paul

Not me ("Got a CSCS card") but thankfully I don't need one to get in the office. Joking apart, this whole situation is something of a conundrum to me (even tho I'm a ROLO trainer these days..."should I give you my last one?") The situation is further exacerbated by the huge variation in construction companies, site managers, and their requirements...and understanding. However there does seem, generally, to be a shift in that they require to see CSCS/LISS (Landscape Industry Sector Scheme, of which we are part) and, often, NPTC cards...if they know/understand what they are. My 'learn-ED' colleague Simon Cox, is our guru here so I will ask him to post back on the situation. In the meantime, don't blow a gasket Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, a difficult situation you find yourself in. The 'formal' response is: ‘All workers who use a chainsaw should be competent to do so. Before using a chainsaw to carry out work on or in a tree, a worker should have received appropriate training and obtained a relevant certificate of competence or national competence award, unless they are undergoing such training and are adequately supervised. However, in the agricultural sector, this requirement only applies to first-time users of a chainsaw.’ This means everyone working with chainsaws on or in trees should hold such a certificate or award unless: - it is being done as part of an agricultural operation (eg hedging, clearing fallen branches, pruning trees to maintain clearance for machines); and - the work is being done by the occupier or their employees; and - they have used a chainsaw before 5 December 1998. In any case, operators using chainsaws for any task must be deemed competent under PUWER 98. As detailed in the HSE guidance below. I know this is "all, very well and good" and "easy for me to say" but I thought being aware of the formal situation might be useful in considering your options. Do look into the possibility of grants as chainsaw training generally is expensive. Good luck...n take care out there! Paul indg317.pdf

Yeah, okay, so I'm bound to say it but you could consider going ARB Approved. This would both give you an additional 'something' to approach people with, i.e. we've recently achieved a recognised industry approval status (which is also registered with SSiP of course ), and yeah you'll doubtless have to explain what's involved but it can pay dividends. Also, anecdotally, I've certainly noticed a shift in awareness of, and direction to, the scheme by Local Authorities and the like, e.g. National Trust / Environment Agency / Forestry Commission, albeit with some regional variation. Just a thought, not gonna "bang on"...HONIST , but give us a bell 01242 522152 / 07971 995351 ([email protected]) if you wanna know more. Cheers.. Paul Oh yeah, n you can access both the CHAS (commercial) and Trustmark (domestic) schemes once you're fully ARB Approved to..."win, win....win."