BASIC INDUSTRY STANDARDS
We feel it is important to promote the basic industry standards, as often clients are not familiar with what to expect of a tree surgeon. Arboriculture as an industry has come a long way in the past few years. However still has far to go. Unfortunately far too often contractors are falling short of the expected industry standards. Below we have compiled a short guide to help you identify a reputable contractor.
INSURANCE
A contractor must have public liability insurance, preferably to a minimum value of £5m. They should also hold employers liability insurance.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
A contractor should make health and safety a priority. Although not always a legal requirement, a reputable contractor will be able to provide you, on request, copies of their generic and site specific risk assessments. Asking for a copy of these when you are obtaining quotations, may help you decide which contractor takes heath and safety more seriously
QUOTATION
A contractor should provide you with a written quotation with a clear and detailed specification of work and price prior to works commencing. The quotation should detail reasonable payment terms. You should not be expected to pay until the work is completed to the specification agreed and you have received an invoice. We strongly advise that you do not pay any money upfront.
QUALIFICATIONS
A contractor must be qualified to undertake their given task. Within tree surgery these qualifications are awarded by City and Guilds NPTC. The most important qualifications to undertake general tree surgery are:
-
CS30 - Basic chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting
-
CS31 - Felling small trees
-
CS32 - Felling medium trees
-
CS38 - Tree climbing and aerial rescue.
-
CS39 - Use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness using free fall techniques.
-
CCS41 - Aerial tree rigging