FOLLOWING an endorsement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Arboricultural Association has announced the release of the second edition of the Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture: Tree Work at Height (ICoP) – now available as a free download or online e-book.
After reviewing the ICoP, HSE issued the following endorsement: “The Health and Safety Executive was involved with the Arboricultural Association in producing this guidance. HSE endorses the guidance, as it follows a sensible and proportionate approach to managing health and safety.”
The first edition of this document was published in 2015. Following recent developments, chiefly around two-rope working, there was a need to revise the guidance on the principles of managing tree work at height.
This second edition of the ICoP provides revised and updated guidance, with planning protocols for managing resources, personnel and equipment aimed at ensuring safe and efficient working practices. It also provides the basis for the further development of detailed technical guidance on individual tasks and equipment.
The ICoP is not intended to provide guidance on how tasks and specific techniques should be performed. It identifies and considers the underpinning principles, informing the upcoming technical guidance that relates to specific arboricultural operations.
The industry consultation for Technical Guide 1 will be launched this month. The subjects of each guide are as follows:
Technical Guide 1: Tree climbing and aerial rescue
Technical Guide 2: Use of tools in the tree
Technical Guide 3: Rigging and dismantling
Technical Guide 4: Use of mobile cranes in tree work
Technical Guide 5: Use of mobile elevating work platforms in tree work.
Forestry Journal remains dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and views from across our industry, plus up-to-date information on the impacts of COVID-19.
Please support us by subscribing to our print edition, delivered direct to your door, from as little at £69 for 1 year – or consider a digital subscription from just £1 for 3 months.
To arrange, follow this link: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/subscribe/
Thanks – and stay safe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article