bens

Hi The HSE take the view that CHAS and SMAS are equivalent certifciates so they, "should," be in a system of mutual recognition. You could try and refer your client to the attached link and if they maintain that they need a particular certificate ask them why they going beyond the HSEs requirements http://ssip.org.uk/hses-view/ The SSIP was formed to try and prevent companies needing to complete multiple certificates each at a cost which practically all indicate the same thing. The SSIP web page notes the 27 members who all agree their certificates are equivalent another http://ssip.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/List-of-SSIP-Forum-Members-13.03.18.pdf

Hi I don't usually do arb tenders but for more general ones would say Make sure everything can be referenced back. If half way through the contract the service isn't being delivered to plan you need to be able to hold the inspection company to account for their non-performance to your requirements. I would break it down into: 1) contract specifics. Client. Start date, duration. Relevant people. Details of any staff, arb or landscape consultants or maintenance companies they will have to deal with. Location of all trees and sites. 2) performance specifics. Details of inspection requirements. What you expect them to do, ground inspection only, aerial inspection (if so on what justification). Suggest you reference common sense risk management of trees publication. What information does their survey report have to include - tree id, sketch plan, height, spread, defects, age, species, value, corrective works required, priority level of corrective works, competency level required for corrective works etc. Tree tag requirements. Are any summaries or analysis of the results required e.g. if there is a lot of mower damage or deer damage a global solution may be more appropriate response. Is any re-survey required to consider different seasons, what are the timescales for this, what frequency of visits is required if the survey is regularly repeated. 3) Standard stuff. What the survey company always need to comply with. Maybe stating the obvious like carry survey out in daylight. Display warning signage. Are any locations likely to need agreement to get access. What standard should those undertaking the work be qualified to. Is sonic equipment required, if so what triggers it's use. If climbing inspection consider bats and birds etc. Any other standard conditions e.g. parking, access, carrying ID etc. 4) contract stuff, payments frequency and timings , insurance they must hold etc. Make sure it has reference number and date etc.

hi I am studying arboriculture L2 and have got to the fungus types is it rhizina undulata https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/viewFile/9063/8213 9063-8453-1-PB.pdf

Hi I have a koala harness. I got it in June after doing climbing course with Red Stag Woodbridge so the only other harness I had used before was a Sequoia. Shopping for it was Koala vs Treemotion and the Koala had better colours and a funkier name. I am about 12 stone average build 5’8” healthy BMI I should note I am only climbing for fun on a blakes system and prussik so don’t have catapults, throw line, pulleys etc. and it’s also low use kit like once every 2 weeks. I like the harness it hasn’t been a worry as yet when climbing. Attachment points easy to reach, holds well, stops fall if missed footing. It feels most comfortable when you are tied into a couple of anchors and moving about the crown or branch walking The only negatives I have found are when if you’re suspended in it and leaning out to make a throw it can get uncomfortable above the hips by the time you have missed your chosen anchor point a couple of times. Also the padding Courant have put around the waist can become annoying it seems to imprint itself into skin above hips rather than providing cushioning. The padding rubbing can give blisters if your shirt rides up. But hopefully as it gets broken in more it will be better and I will get more efficient in it.