The Arboricultural Association has announced the launch of a new Industry Code of Practice for Tree Work at Height, the development of which has been sponsored by STIHL and the C&G NPTC Fund.

The aim of the document is to provide consistent and safe methods for managing resources, personnel and equipment to ensure safe and efficient working practices when working at height. As such the standard provides managing and planning guidance for the responsible and competent person within an organisation and is not intended to be a technical guide to the detailed processes – although it is expected that such guides will emerge in the future and will refer to the ICOP.

The ICOP offers a clearly defined methodology for planning, resourcing and managing tree work. Communication channels, roles and responsibilities, resource requirements, competencies and pre-work site assessment all need to be considered to ensure safe and effective tree work.

Simon Richmond Senior Technical Officer at the Arboricultural Association commented, “The launch of the ICOP this week marks yet another step forward in the continuing professional development of the industry. As the consultation process has developed there has been real interest from all over the sector. We would like to offer particular thanks to our sponsors, author, Chris Cooper-Abbs and the team of peer reviewers who have worked so hard to bring the project to fruition."

Read the ICOP online here