AA Teccie (Paul)

Hi SImon, I did the study guide many years ago and it was excellent, I struggled atthe time to access the exam so let it lapse...sadly! See International Society of Arboriculture and I'm sure others will tell you more. Cheers.. Paul

Hmmm, an interesting post. An analogy for just passing your NPTCs would be your driving test, just passed. Would you jump in your car, fully loaded and drive during all weathers up to Scotland for instance? (Doubtless many will say "YES" done that!) Maybe 'newbies' shoudl ahve a green 'P' sign attached to their harnesses NPTCs are useful as a basic skill benchmark, ISA / RFS arb knowledge is great, (good) experience (prob. min. 3-5 years) is very important and all 3 combined = the arborist (my take, others may / WILL differ...coz it;s me ). Take it steady and work safe...with the right people (but sometimes you have to work with the wrong people to judge who are the right people ) Cheers.. Paul

Yup, as 'Treequip' has said it's prob the ISA Certified Arborist course you're looking for which is 'self-study'...n bloomin good too! Enjoy.. Paul

Hey Rob, hope you're well. Tis now the Level 4 Arb and either a certificate or a diploma dependent how many credits you study, i.e. to get the diploma you have to study a broader range of subjects (I believe.) The 'AA Tech Cert', as was, is no more Cheers.. Paul

I agree, in principle as this was always the 'stumbling block' as a previous mandatory unit, BUT I think it's a real shame it's not include as an 'optional' as some assessors still cover it (I believe). We require standard tree planting as a mandatroy skill for ARB Approved and it still surprises me how often there are problems. Cheers.. Paul

Hi all, If you're looking for a way to "stand out from the crowd", and/or to "better position" your business to access commercial contracts, then ARB Approved Contractor status may be the way forward (there, 'sales pitch' over ) Just a quick 'heads up' about the forthcoming ARB Approved Contractor Workshop (ArbAC) at Capel Manor on Wed. 6th Feb. (Unfortunately, this workshop does attract a £50 (+VAT) delegate fee but this is refundable on applying for assessment.) The day is classed as a CPD event, as we cover much regulatory and industry H&S practice stuff etc. and hence a certificate of attendance is provided. REMEMBER, please, that the ArbAC standard sets a benchmark for arboricultural contracting, which is acknowledged by HSE, and hence all businesses whether aspiring to ArbAC or not should be familiar. In other words the workshop is open to all because it's applicable to all. IF you wish to attend, and I'd really look forward to meeting you, please see AA Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop ? Training and complete the booking form below. Many thanks all.. Paul aa_training_booking_form_141212.pdf

Hi Badger, The question from Jaime was prinicaplly aimed at 'members' as opposed to 'arb approved contractors' but still very relevant. I'm really sorry, and to be honest equally 'really surprised', you had correspondence problems with us as Mel(anie) who admins the scheme is always very good and prompt with enquiries. I can only presume for some reason yours fell between the cracks and again I am sorry for that (more likely to be my non-action than Mel's in all honesty.) I'm glad to hear you're busier than ever, that speask volumes about you and the business, but I'd be really intersted to hear more about your research, i.e. how / where / when / who etc. so if you get 5 please give me a call (07971 995351) or 'pm' me. Thanks in anticpation. Cheers.. Paul

Hi all, hope you're well. Just a quick 'heads up' on this one, which will take place at Askham Bryan College (York), as I've had a few enquiries about the NW workshop from NE based contractors and this one's probably easier for many of you. Will post more later. Cheers all n have a good weekend. Paul

U18s require a specific risk assessment (see HSE INDG 317 below). Also Employers Liability Insurance would be required. Cheers.. Paul indg317.pdf

VENUE CHANGE: Myerscough College. Still places available so please do get in touch ASAP! Thanks all.. Paul

Hi Tim, thanks for the post and indeed for joining me on the day, the pleasure was mine (partly influenced by your chosen 'biccies' contribution ) I'm also glad to hear you found the day useful and informative. As we discussed, many arborists, undertaking good quality work on a day-to-day basis, often work in splendid isolation unaware of specific H&S / industry good practice etc. issues. The workshop provides an opportunity to be updated on some of these issues. Regarding your concern about the 'arb qualification' issue, or rather the fact you don't have to have one to be arb approved, this is historic in some respects and something we review at each annual technicial standards day. The scheme has always sought to place more emphasis on knowledge and skills / competence, as imparted verbally and demonstrated practically on the assessment day, than on associated 'paper' qualifications (albeit some, i.e. certain NPTCs etc. are required) and also it comes from an era when arb quals weren't as readily available and accessible as they are these days, and many good, knowledgeable, contractors didn't have them. Please don't think we don't recognise arb quals, as we absolutely do and always take the opportunity to promote and encourage attainment if they are not in place (particularly, for instance, the ISA Cert. Arb. qualification or AA Tech Cert Arb...both 'as was/were' and now level 2 / level 4 arb of course) but we don't feel not having one should preclude access to the scheme. This may indeed change in the future, i.e. a min. level 2 arb qualification may become a manager 'pre-requisite', but for the time being it is something we will continue to encourage and promote. Happy to receive your further thoughts, and/or indeed anyone elses. Thanks for raising it Tim and again for your time in attending the workshop. Best regards.. Paul

Hi Ben, CS32 & chipper or CS38 really all depends on whether you see yourself progressing on the ground or in the tree, either option potentially gives opportunities, although many would say 'go aerial', and is down to you to choose. The 'chipper ticket' option, ideally, is either Lantra Awards or NPTC as both are to national standards and easy to evidence (unlike chainsaws you don't need a "certificate of competence / licence to practice" so either is fine). Many choose just to do the NPTC chipper 'test' to reduce time and cost but the Lantra course is only 1 day anyway so maybe not too much in it. Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, 'Suggestions' which may make you more employable: 1. Driving Licence B+E 2. First Aid (Emergency 1 day, or 3 day) 3. Chipper ticket 4. (NRSWA 1991) Signing, lighting, and guarding at roadworks -operative or supervisor 5. CS32 (as was) Perhaps try for some voluntary work, conservation volunteers / wildlife trusts, and/or offer your services FoC to assist in gaining some experience. AS I say, just some suggestions. 'Good luck'.. Paul

LAST CALL...almost, for the workshop next Tues. 8th at Royal Highland Showground, nr. Edinburgh Airport. Certainly 5pm tomorrow (Friday 5th Jan.) PLEASE let me know ASAP if you're gonna come along for the 'tea n biccies' or as an active delegate with a supporting Tree Officer nomination. Cheers, n hoping to see you there Paul

I've always assumed it was just the downside of 'hybrid vigour', could be wrong tho. Just 'Googgled' geocaching ...I'd be careful hiding stuff down in stumps partic on street trees as other things may have been discarded, i.e. 'sharps' (I know, I know, once a H&S bod always a H&S bod ) Cheers.. Paul PS We used to apply maleic hydrazide (Burtulin), a hormone I think, whihc was effective at reducing, not stopping, epics, trouble was if you missed a year they exploded (it's banned now.)

Just to highlight to NW based contractors who may not have seen the original post. Thanks.. Paul

Jake, climbers often develop into businesses (sorry din't reply sooner!) IMHO opinions, particularly in this industry (altho I have no other to compare to), are often very hard to change unless you go thru the process and "feel the luuuuuvvvvvvvv", SORRY:biggrin: Beleive me the ethos behind the accreditation is the right one and businesses do have to 'buy into' this, and indeed demonstrate tree work to a very good standard, but thereafter the responsibility for maintaining that involves several others and, inevitably, some won't. Again, nothing in life is perfect, and the scheme isn't, as probably no otehr industry scheme is, but I strongly believe in it and will continue to promote it as much as I can. Cheers for asking.. Paul

You're very welcomed Andy, glad it helped. Regarding wearing gloves, it is recommended 'good practice', it doesn't have to be chainsaw protective gloves either, and there's a whole range of different ones out there I regularly see used from the yellow, rubberised ("don't go there!" ) ones to the thinner 'Gripper' gloves that have good dexterity so can be used when climbing. When doing ArbAC assesments, particularly during autumn/winter, i.e. cold(er) weather, we do expect to see gloves used and will question the RA process if they're not as they, at the very least, keep hands warmer and reduce the risk of HAVS damage. So, get in their preferences (gloves-wise), as that's often a good starter, i.e. "look guys HSE/AA recommend gloves so which ones do you want to try" (costs isn't usually excessive) and keep banging the "wear them" drum. Good luck and 'warm hands'..warm heart, awwwww ! Paul

Hi there, Essentially if you are a small business ('less than 5 employees') and interested in becoming 'ARB Approved' you are welcomed to join me at the workshop to learn more. If however you can secure a prior nomination from a local authority tree officer, who is basically confirming you undertake good quality treework usually evidenced on TPO'd etc. trees, then you can both attend AND enter the draw at the end of the day fro 1x FREE assessment (saving £495 +VAT) and 2x half-price assessments (saving £247.50 +VAT). The only requirement is that you have to have been trading as a business for a minimum 2 years, you need to have min. 5 years industry experience and the assessment dates are predetermined (19-21 March (2013)). The pdf. I attached explain more and the 'standard' for arb approved can be veiwed at Become an ARB Approved Contractor, scrolling down to the word doc. BUT I would emphasise these assessments are much more focused on outcomes rather than processes and last time round 90% of entries got at least provisional approval first time round. Hope this helps. Paul

Dear arb contractor, Are you a small business interested in becoming 'ARB Approved?' Could you get support from you Local Authority Tree Officer? Would you be keen to save the £495 (+VAT) assessment fee? SORRY if that all sounds a bit corney but if you genuinely are interested please get in touch ASAP as we are running a workshop on Wed. 13th Feb. at Myerscough College (TBC.) Cheers for your time. Paul PS LA nomination form below. aa_LA_ArbAC_Free_Assess_Nom_Form-1112.pdf

Hi there, you've probably got good replies already so apologies if I'm repeating stuff. Firstly, when you mention "ppe" presumably you mean 'PPE checks', for condition and serviceability etc., rather than actually using PPE...which I hope / am sure you do. These are more 'good practice' issues than a direct legal requirement and should be done periodically. The legal requirement for Risk Assessment, specifically although obvioulsy method statements are part of the same risk management process, is contained within the Management of H&S at Work Regs. 1999 (Reg.3) and it basically requires that where you employ (or engage on a 'labour-only sub contractor basis' = employees, effectively) 5 or more people you have to record the 'significant findings' of the RA process = write it down. However, as others have said, it's much easier to prove you did a RA if something is written down anyway (other than the most simple, straight forward small jobs maybe.) Method Statements (MSs) are 'over requested' in my opinion (shared by HSE too) and should be confined to complex / unusual jobs or works where you need to coordinate with others, i.e. construction sites. Hope this helps...a little Cheers.. Paul PS This is the 'H&S' legal requirement, or rather my interpretation of, contractually and insurance wise it might be different so you need to check.

Hi Jake, thanks for your post and your comments therein...and I wholly share your sentiments and frustrations I'm not naive to think ArbACs never do sub-standard work, if only, BUT I hope it is the minority of time and, as explained previoulsy, it's ofetn at someone elses instruction (yes, I'd love to think ArbACs would "walk away" but they have businesses to run and wages to pay like everyone else.) Not an excuse but an explanation. Also, as I mentioned, there is a complaints mechanism in place to help control standards. In many respects it is unfortunate that the work of a tree contractor, and not just ArbACs, is ofetn left on display for everyone else to view and pass opinion on. The trouble is that often only presents half of the story, so to speak. On approval I often use a phrase Kevin Moore often cited in that "You'll only ever be viewed as good as your worst job", much truth eh? IN terms of the individual accreditation thing, whilst developed by the AA in conjucntion with Lantra SSC it will be an industry wide scheme, probably administered by Lantra SSC, available to all and whilst it will incur the individual a fee this will be an admin fee payable to whoever admins it (prob Lantra SSC.) It will have no direct bearing on ArbAC status but obviously it will be easier to demonstrate staff competence etc. if a business 'buys in'. As I said this is very much at the development stage so I can't offer further info at this time. Thanks again for your interest and please don't dismiss ArbAC based on what you've seen (the minority I'm sure). I know the process helps to improve businesses, all aspects, and at least it gives an industry bench-mark to measure from. Cheers.. Paul

Paul, thank you. Lantra SSC (sector skills council, who receive funding from central government for training/learning etc. in the land-based sector) are looking at 'further' developing an initiative called the Professional Skills Framework (PSF, another 3 letter acronym...we just can't get away from them ) whihc kinda aligns with your proposal. Jaime Bray, the chair of AWG (the AA's Arborist Working Group) is heading up the working group looking at developing it further and getting industry 'buy-in'. Essentially the framework recognises quals / skills / competencies / experience and currency, i.e. I'm not 'current' in climbing skills (some may argue I never was ) and grades operatives accordingly from trainee arborist, or grounder for those essential people who don't have a head for heights, to skilled to master...or similar. So 'watch this space', as they say, and/or initiate a dialogue with Jaime. Cheers Paul. Paul

Good morning all....(EVENTUALLY he puts in an appearance! Sorry but I did promise my wife n kids I'd take a full week off 'over Christmas' and that included letting the battery die on the Blackberry ) Firstly, and to Paul J. in particular, THANK YOU for your very detailed and accurate responses here. You explained and articulated far better than I could I would further emphasise, at this stage (and to be honest for the forseeable future) it is and will remain the business itself which is accredited rather than any individual. That said, the responsibility for maintaining the standards across the business is the nominated manager as an individual (although it can be two people). These days this role has to show an ability to effectively and systematically audit both safety performance (on site) and work quality (across a range of completed works inc. pruning and planting) which are of paramount importance to the accreditation. The scheme does include a formal complaints procedure, as part of the quality assurance process, and it is available principally for the appointing client in the event of dissatisfaction and/ or sub-standard work. The (common) exception to this is the Local Authority Tree Officer who can also complain, for instance, where TPO work is not to standard (although they should implement the TCPA here in the first instance.) The other (uncommon) exception is where a group of contractors, and normally all or mainly ArbACs, as a collective make a complaint and again we will consider this altho mindful of 'sour-grapes' and victimisation claims. Hence there is a mechanism in place, whihc I'm sure could be improved, but it has worked to date BUT it relies on customers / Tree Officers / groups of ArbACs bringing the matter to my attention (whihc happens infrequently.) Occasionally I have been sent photo's of works (alledgedly) undertaken by an ArbAC and on veiwing them I've felt compelled to contact said contractor. The outcome is often "that is what the customer wanted" (despite advising them otherwise) and, more worryingly, "that is what the LA instructed" (often not the TO and usually based on cost. Hence, when you see bad work undertaken by an ArbAC there is often, not always I know, a reason why...nonetheless it still frustrates the hell out of me Nothin in life is perfect, the ArbAC scheme isn't BUT I firmly believe it remains the best and most effective opportunity for a business to demonstrate competence AND most of the time, most of the businesses approved do good stuff whihc is usually overlooked. Sorry for the 'War n Peace' n thanks for asking. Paul