We love to keep up to date with new practices, courses, assessment news and much more in the arboriculture industry. Over the years that Scott Fraser Training, we have been documenting activities that have been taking place daily. Have a read through some of our blog posts below and let us know what you think; we'd love to hear from you.
Rope access or SRT work positioning - are they the same or different?
This summers Arboricultural Association newsletter contains an update on the widely anticipated Technical Guides. These refresh the existing guidance (Guide to Good Climbing Practice & MEWPS) that many will be familiar with and expand into new areas, this includes Tree Rigging and Cranes.
BWSC Kent Renewable Power Station Sandwich Discovery Business Park
In 2018, the BWSC power plant in Sandwich came online utilizing both Roundwood and chip from the South East region to produce heat and power. We were asked to deliver some tree surgery training for their operatives who need to use chainsaws as a part of their role in sampling incoming Roundwood.
Climbing on both ends of your rope - don't run out!
Trainees are often keen to talk about as well as trying out new equipment and techniques. With tree climbing techniques and equipment continually evolving, it’s good to understand and appreciate early basic techniques before going with some of the more recent mechanical innovations, such as zigzag.
Lantra Re-certification – Tree climbing and Aerial Rescue
Recertification of its instructor network is one of the ways Lantra Awards maintains its high standards. Although the recent aerial tree work re-cert in Surrey was poorly attended, it was without a doubt a worthwhile day for the four instructors present.
Chainsaw Power Unit Maintenance – Air Filter Maintenance
Air filters are often the first part of the power unit practical assessment to be discussed and maintained in the City & Guilds NPTC Unit 201. You will be asked to explain the function and maintenance requirements. Once that is complete, you would then demonstrate that on your own chainsaw.
Chainsaw Drive Sprockets & Bell Housings - What can go Wrong?
Drive Sprockets & Bell housings are covered on our introductory chainsaw maintenance courses, both for Domestic (one day) and for professional users (2 days) leading to either Lantra Awards ITA or City & Guilds NPTC Units 201 Chainsaw Maintenance.
Basic Tree Climbing - Pole Type Rescue Clarified
Over the past 20 years, tree climbing & aerial rescue courses have changed, not just in response to advances or evolution of equipment & techniques, but also, the increasing importance of equipment standards.
What should I have in my climbing first aid kit?
Although we offer basic aerial rescue training with our tree climbing courses, we strongly advise taking part in a First Aid Training course to ensure that you are knowledgeable on steps to take, should a medical emergency arise.
Timberwolf Brushwood Chipper blade change – Lantra ITA Brushwood Chipper
Brushwood chipper blade maintenance is covered on our Lantra ITA courses, and we generally use a Timberwolf 150DHB road towed machine as it’s fairly representative of the machines our clients have as either tree surgery contractors or will likely encounter entering the industry.
Bespoke refresher training - ground based chainsaw, climbing & aerial cutting
We’re always keen to carry out refresher training with people who are keen to improve and develop their tree surgery contracting skills. I recently worked with a chap named Martin on a one-to-one course over the space of three days, which was a real pleasure.