05.03.2005

Report available on tree climbing and access

The UK Health & Safety Executive has published a comprehensive report on safe access for arborists. The report centres on Rope access, but includes references to the use of ladders and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.

The report contains Information which should reduce accidents amongst arborists by helping them to select the best rope access or work positioning system for tree work says the HSE announcement. To download of copy of the report: click here:

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."