TreeSurgery.com
Top Tips When Employing a Tree Surgeon
1. Make sure a tree surgeon has adequate insurance and can provide the certificates of their training to do the job in hand!
2. Ask for references.
3. Ask if the tree surgeon works to British Standards. The two main British standards for tree work are: British Standard 3998:1989 ‘British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work’ and British Standard 5837:1991 ‘Trees in Relation to Construction'
4. Obtain a written quote and ask if everything is included.
5. Make sure the tree is not protected
Checklist of things a tree surgeon should do before taking down a tree!
1. Make sure there is written permission from a local authority tree officer where there is a Tree Preservation Order or if it is in a conservation area.
2. Check for a risk assessment identifying hazards such as power cables and risks to the general public and identify the numbers of workers required and equipment needed for the job.
e.g. a minimum of two tree surgeons must be used for any tree climbing operations and one of the groundsmen must be trained in aerial rescue
3. Check for adequate Road Signs
| Signs should always
be put out for any tree surgery work but there is when one is
working on roads one has to pay special attention to the legal
requirement of appropriate signage. Take due care when working on busy roads and pedestrian walk ways by putting out appropriate signs conforming to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signal) Regulations 1996. a} There is a set sequence of signs and distances they must be spaced that tree surgery companies must use to warn drivers and pedestrians. These are specified in the DTLR Code of Practice Safety at street works and road works. b} On busy trunk roads one must use traffic lights, cones, red and white barrier tape and barriers. c} When traffic lights are used, companies must notify local councils and get permission. Sometimes it is required for companies to advertise in local newspapers to inform the general public of any inconvenience to road travel. d} All ground staff and tree surgeons in a tree surgery outfit must wear high visual equipment.
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4. Make sure all the tree surgeons are wearing Protective Clothing
This is a pre-requisite for Tree Surgery.
5. A tree surgeon must plan escape routes when felling trees
6. A tree surgeon must always carry first aid equipment and have numbers of local emergency services just in case. Ideally the team leader should be trained in first aid. An HSE 4 day approved First Aid at Work course is ideal.