AA Teccie (Paul)

Ha, did 'safer' than that, got Mel to do it!

Have a great time all, be merry, be joyful, be peaceful and 'relax'...hopefully! Thank you for your valued contributions all and I look forward to more in 2013. MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.. Paul, and all at the Arb Association!

Mark 'et al', An observation, if I may. On one level the answer seems very clear, no CA and no TPO (and probably no planning condition for tree retention, which isn;t really the correct mechanism other than as a temp measure for peripheral trees/hedges) = FELL. However, with previous planning permissions renewed etc. and because of the complexity of the UK planning system should we not stick to our area of expertise and let the qualified and competent 'arb consultants' do their stuff. May be not in this particular case, actually, as a call/email to the TO would probably get the green light, but I often read posts and the variation in interpretations and responses and feel quite nervous. A plea I guess, to leave the consulting to the consultants. Cheers.. Paul

It shouldn't / won't, however don't overlook the importance of refresher / update training. I would suggest / recommend that wherever possible you achieve this through "skills advancement", which is the most cost effective and beneficial way for professional users, (sorry gonna use the CS refs here) i.e. ground: CS31(small tree felling)>CS32(med/large tree felling)>CS34(single windblow)/35(multiple windblow) and aerial: CS39(chainsaw from rope & harness)>CS41(sectional felling with rigging)>'advanced rigging' course(partic. for CS41s pre-2000). Speaking with several of the ArbAC assessors who do legal work / accident investigation they all say the HSE/courts seem more interested in "when did any refresher or updating training take place?" rather than what particular NPTC etc. units are held....interstingly enough. See HSE AFAG 805 'Training and Certification' for further info (copy below). Cheers all.. Paul afag805.pdf

Robert, Tea n biccies = :, 3 course lunch (or even 1 course) = ...coz FoC day. You raise an interesting point, and indeed their may be a 'previous' ArbAC in attendance so you can ask him directly. In practice I acknowledge that ArbAC has greater potential value in the commercial / LA sector rather than domestic but there are, I beleive, opportunities here where someone is looking to 'stand out from the crowd'. I also acknowledge that, in the main, 'price is King' and the cheapest man wins...but with more discerning clients who like their trees they may be willing to pay a little more for the contractor with an industry 'quality mark'. Ideally I acknowledge that awareness of the quality mark beforehand would be great but, in reality, other than CORGI/GAS SAFE and maybe NICEIC (for electricians), and perhaps Guild of Master Craftsmen (???), 99% of 'Joe Public' wont have heard of any trade associations / industry accreditations let alone 'ARB Approved Contractor.' What we aim to do is assist the contractor to promote themsleves as an ArbAC and explain what's involved to their clients and of course remind them of the complaints procedure if their unhappy and can't resolve it with you. Sorry, I'm doubtless 'over-staying' my welcome now. Hope to see you there. Cheers.. Paul

POST- Christmas shopping in Princess Street too maybe? :-) Hope to see you there. Paul

Oooow, let me see, how long have you got Robert, err 3 currently: 1. Arboretum Internationale in Perth (Paul Hanson) 2. Cut Above Specialist Tree Services in Newton (Chris White) 3. QTS Group in Strathaven (Barry McLeish) To be honest it's a little bit "chicken and egg" scenario and hence there is much opportunity. We've done some recent 'marketing' with the Scottish Tree Officers Group (STOG) to raise awareness and had some good responses. Interested..? Paul

It may still be useful in that setting a business up following a recognised model, which in part is what 'ARB Approved' is about, can help (particularly if you think 'ARB Approved' may be the way forward for the business in the future.) On pre-requisite that would, unfortunately, exclude you from applying now is that you need to have been 'trading' for min. 2 year period (and the nominated manager needs to have 5 years expereince.) Still, you're welcomed to join us. Paul

Dear 'Scottish / Scotland based' contractors I will be delivering a FoC, 'no obligation', workshop on how to become arb approved on Tuesday 8th Jan @ The Royal Highland Showground, near Edinburgh Airport. I apologise for the short notice but we've only just had confirmation of the min. nos. we need to ensure it runs, but there's definately room for more! The workshop is aimed principally at small business contractors, i.e. "less than 5 staff", and if you can secure a Local Authority Tree Officer nomination beforehand (essentially supporting you and confirming you undertake good quality tree work) then with your attendnace you could 'enter the draw' at the end of the day for a free assessment (saving £495 +VAT), or 2x half-price (saving £247.50 +VAT) assessments (to be undertaken 26-28 Feb. 2013) If you wish to join us we need to know by Fri. 4th Jan. 2013 at the absolute latest and ideally ASAP. Please reply to this post, or 'pm' me, if you wish to know more. Thanks for your time. Paul

Hi Jo, No law as such, essentially HSE will refer you back to manufacturers recommendations regarding standard replacemnet periods or 'shelf life' (see guidance below.) Helmets are generally recommended for replacement every 3 years of sooner if manufacturer says so or subject to significnat incident. If you are varying from this then potentially your are on 'thin ice', so to speak, and would need to have records of periodic inspection by a competent person concluding the PPE was still effective and 'fit for purpose'. However, the old adage "if in doubt, throw it out", must be borne in mind. Personal protective equipment at work (Second edition) - HSE Books See here for a copy of the full PPE ACOP (Approved Code of Practice whihc has 'quasi-legal' status, meaning you should adhere to it.) Cheers.. Paul PPE ACOP stmt(121218).docx PPE(indg174).pdf

Why? There's nothing eliteist (sorry abt spelling) about being an AA member or ArbAC, it's simply a matter of choice is it not? Some are, and will, some aren't and won't. I beleive those that do, do so out of choice, or because a contract or client requires it, but I don;t beleive they consider themselves above the pack. Or maybe I've missed your point completely and your comments are aimed at me? Sorry, really struggling with this one Paul

.......sorry Andy. Please have a 'fantastic weekend'. Take care mate. Paul

HI Albedo, thanks for the post. Like it or not, as I know you know, H&S is increasingly the way of the world, rightly or wrongly, and I do my best to interpret it and help others to comply. Afterall that's what sets us/you apart from the 'not-so-reputable' element, in part. Unfortunately whilst we do seek to gaurantee high quality workmanship the reality is it's (too) often outside the control of the business quoting / appointed. If Mrs Miggins wants her tree 'topping' and despite best efforts to educate her otherwise she sticks to her guns, what do you (or an ArbAC) do when you've got a living to earn...better to do it safely with a reputable contractor yeah? Increasingly too we are seeing LA spesc that leave much to be desired but it's often the highways engineers and/or 'bean-counters' influencing this. Hence quality is indeed very hard to control at source. The ArbAC SCheme will never be the CORGI / GAS SAFE equivalent for tree surgery, it's simply not BIG enough, not dangerous enough (to 3rd parties / MoPs) and doesn't generate enough revenue to even start to appear on the central government radar whihc is where it would need to come from. As I've said many times, the only option is for self-regulation and even suggesting such in this industry is a big enough challenge Cheers.. Paul

Thought we'd got over that one.

Hi Tom, to be honest it will do as much or as little as you want. Depends how much you engage with the orgainsation as it engages with you, updates knowledge, networking etc. are some key benefits of AA membership. I'm pleased to hear you think only half your clients won't have heard of us, I'd suggest it's probably nearer 99% to be honest...but then how many other trade bodies / accreditations (other than CORGI/GAS SAFE or maybe NICEIC) would they know...why should they? What we need to do better is 'arm' AA contractors with stuff to help educare poeple as to what's involved and why they are accredited. Give me a call / pm should you wish to discuss further. Thanks.. Paul

Thanks Andy, useful stuff. Cheers.. Paul

Ok, thanks Steve, that's useful. Have agood weekend. Paul

Hi all, Just on the subject of 'aerial tree inspections', the AA Arborist Working Group ('AWG') are currently working on a guidance note to assist undertaking these where there is no clear instruction as to what the client/owner/consultant wants checking, i.e. a general instruction to undertake a climbing inspection of a tree. I'll let you know when it's published / available. Cheers all.. Paul PS IN case you're wondering what AWG is, it's a group of industry base arborists who come together with a view to producing guidance and providing assistance to benefit the industry and those who work witihin it. Hence if any of you have good ideas you feel would help achieve this, and you're prepared to put the time in to follow them through, then please get in touch with me or Jaime Bray...thanks!

Hi there, I acknowledge that but in the event of an incident or accident etc. HSE or the courts would doubtless look to see if there is an industry standard, i.e. the level 4 award (NPTC), and use that as a benchmark in determining if what you were doing acheived an equivalnet level of control etc. etc. Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, BWC scheme isn't occupation specific at all and hence the various CC TSs Depts. up and down the country who are using the scheme aren't intersted in 'partnering' with industry specifc bodies such as 'ARB Approved Contractor' (ArbAC). I'm sure this does have benefits in the domestic sector, as it gives consumers reassuarnce and 'peace of mind' of a reputable contractor, but it does not imply industry competence, work quality nor safe working practices as ArbAC does. Whilst acknowledging the primary benefit of ArbAC is in the commercial sector, inc. (some) Local Authorities...and hopefully soon to increase as we register the scheme under SSIP (see SSIP - Safety Schemes In Procurement) used in procurement procedures, we have a 'small business' accreditation, in effect, whihc costs cirac £500 per year or nearer £600 if you go CHAS. Cheers.. Paul

Sorry, haven't got time to go thru all other posts so apologies if repeated. 'Independent 3rd party' assurance, insurance companies like/expect it, 'peace of mind', sometimes a contractual requirement. If you are considering doing this yourself you need to be very careful and ensure your inspection is to the same standard as one undertaken by a person having done, and succesfuly completed, the level 4 award in 'thorough examination of arb equipment' and be able to demonstrate / justify how / why. Also you are very well advised to have a record of inspection and that it follow the guidance in the LOLER ACOP. Bearing all that in mind is it not worth engaging an inspector who would/should do this for you whilst you better spend your time doing something else? Just my views. Cheers all.. Paul

Interesting 'conundrum' you post. Just to give another angle/consideration the TCPA (Town & Country PLanning Act) covering trees in Conservation Areas starts at 75mm dia. @ 1.5m above ground level. Interestingly it alos defines a tree as anything and ordinary person might call a tree...or words to that effect. I don't believe there is any right / wrong / definitive answer to your question...but interesting nonetheless. Cheers.. Paul

Hi ANdy, thank you, an interetsing post. If I may, does the FCA meet your needs as an arborist or as a business, or both? What would / could / should we do to attract you? Is it a cost issue? Thanks in anticpation.. Paul

Steve, thank you for an interesting post here (and Jaime, apologies for 'jumping in'.) The idea of an 'AA Approved Arborist', i.e. an accredited individual as opposed to a business as we currently have with 'ARB Approved Contractor', has been mooted before but I'm unsure of the benefits it could bring and indeed the need for it. We currently have the ISA Cert Arborist / the Euro Tree Worker / the NPTC etc. system so what could we add? (That said I do acknowledge these are prinicpally qualifications and not necessarily demonstrating competence and proficiency.) Thoughts???...'et al'! Thanks again.. Paul