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In light of a recent HSE press release,
concerning the prosecution of a property
development firm which failed to check whether
the tree surgeon they engaged was competent
to carry out the work in question, Treevolution
ran a seminar entitled Engaging Arboricultural
Contractors in Windsor Great Park for the
Arboricultural Association on June 19th
2003.
The aim of the seminar was to enable anyone
engaging an arboricultural contractor to
understand the legal framework within which
we have to operate. The first part of the
day was spent indoors, where Liam McKeown
explained the Health and Safety Regulations,
training and certification available to
arborists, and how the regulations affect
the planning and implementation of work.
This was supported by accounts of real life
incidents in which Liam was engaged as an
expert witness, which caused something of
a stir!
The second half of the day was mainly spent
outside, where Richard Allmond and Liam
ran practical demonstrations of tree climbing
and safe working methods using a Stihl MS200
top-handled chainsaw, and gave appraisals
of tree climbing and rigging equipment and
Risk Assessment for commercial arboriculture
The final session was spent explaining
the requirements for achieving Approved
Contractor status, bearing in mind the revamped
Arboricultural Association’s Approved
Contractor scheme, under which existing
contractors are going through a process
of re-inspection. As a matter of interest,
although 10% of the 30 contractors who are
programmed for a reassessment have dropped
out, over 50 new contractors have now expressed
interest in becoming Approved Contractors.
The seminar was hosted by Kevin Frediani,
Assistant Park Superintendent at Windsor
Great Park, with assistance from Mark Robinson
and his colleague Phil. The setting was
the York Club, which afforded fantastic
views across the park.
Delegates included representatives from
Eastleigh, Runnymede, Poole, Vale of White
Horse, Guildford, Mid Beds, Essex, Hammersmith
and Fulham Borough and District Councils,
and Marishal Thompson, amongst others.
Repeats of the seminar are planned for
October in both the Midlands and South Scotland.
For details contact the Arboricultural Association
on 01794 368717.
In addition, on June 28th Treevolution
once again supported the Irish Branch of
the Arboricultural Association by delivering
a seminar at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan,
Co. Dublin. Speakers included Catrina Glancy
from the Health and Safety Authority, and
Dave O’Neil of the Irish Electricity
Supply Board. Treevolution explained the
current legal framework in the UK and presented
practical demonstrations (given by Richard
Allmond). The seminar was organised by the
Irish ‘three wise men’ (as I
heard one delegate say), Fhelim Sheridan,
Joe McConville and Roy Goodwin. For further
information contact Fhelim on 00353 12860403.
As the current wrangle over insurance cover
for arboricultural contractors in the UK
develops, the legal requirements and associated
training and certification need to be addressed
once more.
If you require any help with your training
and certification requirements, contact
Treevolution on +44 (0) 1766 890495, or
www.treevolution.co.uk.
Liam McKeown
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