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Information which should reduce accidents
amongst arborists by helping them to select
the best rope access or work positioning
system for treework has been published by
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in
a research report.
The report is part of a project managed
by Lantra Awards, an organisation that develops
and runs training courses for the land based
sector, and funded by HSE. The project brought
together industry representatives to consider
the practical options for improving rope
access and work positioning systems used
in arboriculture and to explore options
for using twin systems and secondary anchor
points.
Adrian Hodkinson of HSE’s Agriculture
and Food Sector said: “The risks associated
with arboricultural work are often high.
It is important these are sensibly managed
and controlled. This work will help climbers,
employers and trainers when making decisions
about appropriate climbing methods, equipment
selection and attachment to the tree. If
the recommendations are incorporated into
industry guidance and training schemes and
adopted by climbers, the project will help
prevent accidents and enable climbers to
work with more confidence in trees.”
Simon Richmond, Forestry and Arboriculture
Manager at Lanta Awards, said: “ Lantra
Awards is pleased to have had the opportunity
to work with HSE on this project. We have
a responsibility to comply with existing
and proposed legislation and to improve
safe working practices for the industry
but it is most important that we do so with
a practical and workable approach, recognising
what we already do well. I am very grateful
for the support of many industry practitioners
in the progress of this research, and for
the positive and supportive backing from
HSE.”
The report, “Determination of rope
access and work positioning techniques in
arboriculture”, is available on the
HSE web site at www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/pdf/wahreport.pdf
Notes to Editors:
- Lantra Awards is a subsidiary of Lantra,
the agricultural sector skills council.
Lantra Awards develop and run training
courses for the land based sector. Further
details are available at: www.lantra-awards.co.uk
- Representatives from HSE, large and
small employers, trade associations and
training and assessment organisations
took part in the project.
HSE's Research Reports are available on
the HSE web site at www.hse.gov.uk.
Public Enquiries:
Call HSE's InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055,
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business
Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
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