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| To advance the science of arboriculture for the public benefit |
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Utility arboriculture represents an estimated £150 million of arboricultural work in the UK each year adjacent to electricity supplies, plus work adjacent to rail and telecommunications networks. It is important that the standards of both tree work and safety within the industry are consistent nationwide and this is the principal objective of the AA Utility Arboriculture Group. The AA UAG operates under the AA's Professional Committee and is comprised mainly of utility arboriculture contractors who recognise the importance of working together to bring about positive change in the industry. The Group's Terms of Reference focus on the unification of standards and recognise that this will only be achieved and maintained by fostering appropriate links with clients particularly the electricity suppliers (Distribution Network Operators), the Department of Trade and Industry as regulator, the Health and Safety Executive, training organisations (especially Lantra Awards), awarding bodies (especially NPTC) and so on. The Department of Trade and Industry consulted the Group in 2005 requesting views on the proposed changes to the Regulations governing electricity safety, quality and continuity and a Group response was made. The Group publishes regular features in the AA members' Newsletter. To receive these features when published either join the AA, or join the Virtual Utility Arboriculture Group. Membership of the Virtual UAG is by email and is free. |