We have had our fair share of sun crazy hot days and dry weather lately and, I have to say, I am well looking forward to winter.

I was thinking about pending storms, response crews and some of the general chainsaw operation and maintenance standards that we are identifying during regular training and assessment sessions.

We constantly discover during our regular assessment and refresher courses in chainsaw operation maintenance and tree felling – some of the so-called basic competency levels required as standard by our industry – that attention to detail and standards of sharpening chains is sadly lacking.

It would seem that most chainsaw operators do not use any form of file guide or depth gauge setting tool when sharpening their chains because in their opinion they don’t work: “She’ll be right, mate. Just do a freehand cut!”

Now that it’s a new year, it’s time to consider your strategy for training and how you can keep your existing qualifications up to date.

Within the current WHS legislation there is a general obligation for everyone in the workplace, with a major emphasis on employers, to act with due diligence.

This basically translates to the care that a reasonable person must exercise to avoid harm to others in the workplace.

It’s a pretty open-ended term placing obligations on everyone while they are at work, including employers, the self- employed and employees with the general requirement to carry out their duties.

As responsible operators it is also a requirement for everyone to receive training for their roles and to be deemed competent and current in their required skills.

With recent injuries reported, it’s time to take a look at the proper technique of operating a top-handled chainsaw from a rope and harness or elevated work platform (EWP).

At Training For Trees we have been excited to continue with trials and evaluations of a newly developed chainsaw. It has a unique water-lubricated chain and ample ability to sever/prune tree roots up to 60cm below ground. We tested it in various situations and it performed so well it is now in full production.

Unfortunately we recently heard about two top-handled chainsaw related accidents and injuries. Both incidents involved top- handled saws with climbers working from a rope and harness within the tree canopy. The first incident was a kickback that happened to a climber who was working in a tree and slipped. The chain, which was slowing down but still spinning, cut his left hand knocking off a couple of fingernails which although painful could have been a lot worse.

There has never been a better time to keep your qualifications up to date.

As we approach Christmas and the long summer break, I would like to thank all of you who have recently offered feedback regarding the qualification and job role update project that AgriFood Skills is currently undertaking. As a member of its advisory panel it is essential that we continue to receive industry opinion and it enables us to pass this on to our skills council.

Within the current WHS legislation there is a general obligation for persons in the workplace to act with diligence, which is a pretty open-ended term. It places obligations on everyone while they are at work, including employers, the self- employed and employees, with the general requirement to carry out their duties as responsible operators. It is also a requirement that all workers are trained in their roles and deemed competent and current in their required skills.

One way to demonstrate compliance with these requirements is to attend regular training and update sessions to maintain and improve skill levels. Regular refresher training and assessment programs to suit relevant skills are offered by Training For Trees.

Once a competency or qualification is attained, refreshers are a good way to ensure qualifications are kept up to date with the latest requirements.

This helps identify any bad habits that may have crept in and rectify them with further training.

As we approach springtime there’s never been a better time to consider how you can keep your qualifications up to date.

Within the current Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) legislation there is a general obligation for persons in the workplace to be competent which requires employers, the self-employed and employed workers to carry out their duties as responsible operators. In order to comply with this requirement, employers and the self-employed should attend regular training and update sessions to maintain and improve their skill levels.

Refreshers help you keep up to date with the latest requirements and are a useful way to ensure any bad habits are identified and rectified with further training.

It is often the case that some of the fundamental areas, such as brushwood chippers, are overlooked when considering training and assessment, whereas everyone gets a basic chainsaw certificate. There is not as much consideration given to training and assessment for chipper operators but these are extremely expensive machines that can be dangerous if in the wrong hands.

Take advantage of events, training and courses to stay up-to-date on the ever-changing arboriculture industry.

By the time you read this there will be a new Asia Pacific tree climbing champion and the Queensland state climbing competition will be happening on August 23-24. These events along with Arborcamp, which in QLD will celebrate its tenth birthday this year, and others held by all the various Australian arboriculture associations help advance industry awareness. All these events should be noted on the calendar as essential professional development by anyone involved in the industry.

There seems to be a myth that these events are only for climbing competitors. While they do allow climbers of all skill levels the chance to compete, these events are about showcasing innovative climbing skills and promoting safe practice within our industry, particularly at the Arborcamp which is attended by sponsors who demonstrate and sell climbing gear machinery
and equipment.

Training for Trees runs a number of courses that cover the sectional removal of trees, roping down techniques, and rigging systems.

It is a legal requirement that any personal protective clothing, machinery tools and workplace equipment conforms to relevant Australian Standards, is fit for purpose, is in good working order and is well maintained. It is also a requirement to follow any relevant industry codes of practice.

In Australia, the general amenity arboricultural industry currently has no specific code of practice in place. This makes it difficult for tree companies to find guidance to ensure full compliance with workplace health and safety obligations during the general scope of work.

One of the best ways to ensure compliance is to undertake nationally recognised training and assessment. This will help achieve the relevant qualifications/units of competency and maintain their currency with refresher/update training carried out at regular intervals.

We have had our fair share of sun crazy hot days and dry weather lately and, I have to say, I am well looking forward to winter.

I was thinking about pending storms, response crews and some of the general chainsaw operation and maintenance standards that we are identifying during regular training and assessment sessions.

We constantly discover during our regular assessment and refresher courses in chainsaw operation maintenance and tree felling – some of the so-called basic competency levels required as standard by our industry – that attention to detail and standards of sharpening chains is sadly lacking.

It would seem that most chainsaw operators do not use any form of file guide or depth gauge setting tool when sharpening their chains because in their opinion they don’t work: “She’ll be right, mate. Just do a freehand cut!”

The modern world of arboriculture is a far cry from the days arborists used noisy equipment and lifted heavy things.

Making the effort and spending the time to study and achieve the relevant arboriculture qualifications can lead to a lifelong journey in one of the most diverse industries and will build a skill base that can be used anywhere in the world.

There are plenty of opportunities to up-skill and become qualified through AHC20513 Certificate II and AHC30810 Certificate III in Arboriculture. These certificates are currently recognised as the minimum standards of qualification to be classed as a ground/tree worker or arborist.