Following an endorsement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) received this week, the Arboricultural Association is pleased to announce the release of the second edition of the ‘Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture: Tree Work at Height’ (ICoP).
The feedback received from the industry consultation for the second edition of the ICoP was invaluable in finalising the document, which is now available as a free download or online e-Book. We are very grateful to the many individuals and organisations that have contributed to the revision process.
After reviewing the ICoP, HSE issued the following endorsement:
“The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 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 publication of the first edition of this document in 2015 was a seminal moment in the development of the arboricultural industry, which has expanded exponentially over recent years. Through the innovation and creativity of numerous individuals working in the sector both practical techniques and management systems have evolved to support a highly skilled and professional workforce, which continues to grow.
Following recent developments and in order to meet the many challenges we face in managing tree work at height safely, efficiently and compliantly, there was a need to revise our guidance on the principles of managing tree work at height.
This second edition of the industry code of practice (ICoP) provides revised and updated guidance, with planning protocols for managing resources, personnel and equipment to ensure 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 in June 2020.
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