We're back on this one, as we should be. The RRAC release quotes the HSE
inspection paper (can't recall the number/ref right now). Here's the quote.
"Where trees are in very public places we suggest that non-specialist staff
with a working knowledge of trees should look out for obvious problems as
part of their everyday work. Inspection by tree experts is likely to be
appropriate only in very limited circumstances, for example where a tree in a
very public area is known to be unstable but is kept for heritage or other
reasons......... We hope that by sharing our own guidance we have provided a
useful starting point."
I just can't believe that so many Arbs, on the forum and elsewhere can dream
of going along with this.
The example even goes as far as excluding from detailed inspection most
Highway trees. Read it again - tree in a very public area is known to be
unstable! It has to be unstable before it needs expert inspection! This is
just ridiculous. If this is a starting point, its one on where not to start.
The last line of the RRAC release needs a bit of comment too.
"The remit of the RRAC is to provide an independent "voice of common sense?;
a neutral forum to mediate and facilitate difficult risk decisions."
Leaving aside the waffle about 'common sense' and 'neutral' can someone
explain to me where the 'difficult decisions' lie - I have 15000 street trees
and I'd be an idiot if I didn't inspect them regularly using all the
specialist knowledge I've gained in the last 34 years.
Dave
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