Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential aspect of maintaining safety during cleanup operations, whether it be in a domestic setting following a small spill or in large-scale industrial environments dealing with hazardous materials. The proper use and understanding of PPE can significantly reduce the risk of injury or health issues that may arise from direct exposure to dangerous substances.
At its core, PPE refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include physical, electrical, heat, chemicals, biohazards, and airborne particulate matter. Each type of hazard requires specific types of PPE.
Firstly, it's crucial to conduct a thorough hazard assessment before beginning any cleanup operation. This assessment will guide what types of PPE are necessary based on the risks identified. For instance, cleaning up after a flood might require waterproof clothing and boots to prevent contact with contaminated water; whereas handling chemical spills may necessitate gloves and respirators designed specifically for chemical protection.
Head protection is one common requirement in many industrial cleanups. Helmets and hard hats can protect against falling objects and bumping into fixed objects. For eye protection, safety glasses or face shields are used depending on the likelihood of splashing liquids or flying debris.
Respiratory protection is another critical element when dealing with airborne hazards such as dust from demolition activities or fumes from chemicals. Depending on the intensity and nature of the contaminants, different filters and masks might be required – ranging from simple dust masks to full-face respirator systems.
Protective gloves are also pivotal during cleanup operations involving handling waste material directly. The type of glove needed varies widely: rubber gloves can resist certain chemicals while heavy-duty leather gloves might be chosen for their durability against abrasive materials.
For body protection, choices range from simple coveralls which provide a basic barrier between the worker and potential contaminants to more specialized suits that offer insulation against chemical exposure or extreme temperatures.
Footwear also plays an essential role; durable boots with slip-resistant soles are necessary for avoiding accidents on slippery surfaces often found in cleanup sites.
Each piece of PPE must meet specific standards set by regulatory bodies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States. These standards ensure that all equipment performs effectively under extreme conditions without failing.
Training is equally important as having the right PPE; workers should be properly trained not only on how to wear their equipment but also on how it functions against various threats they might encounter during cleanup operations. Furthermore, regular inspections and maintenance checks should be conducted to ensure all equipment remains in good working order over time.
Ultimately, adhering strictly to Personal Protective Equipment requirements is not just about compliance with safety regulations – it's about safeguarding human lives during potentially dangerous tasks such as cleanups after accidents or natural disasters. By thoroughly assessing risks beforehand and equipping workers correctly while ensuring continuous training and assessments of gear effectiveness - we maximize our ability to handle hazardous situations safely.
The effective management of hazardous materials is crucial not only for environmental health but also for the safety of individuals who handle such substances. This essay outlines critical steps in the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials, adhering to established safety protocols during cleanup operations.
1. Identification and Inventory: Before any interaction with hazardous materials, it's essential to accurately identify what these substances are. This can usually be done by checking container labels, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), or Safety Data Sheets (SDS). These documents provide comprehensive information about the chemical nature, hazard level, and emergency procedures associated with the material. Additionally, maintaining an inventory helps track quantities and ensures that all substances are accounted for throughout their lifecycle.
2. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital in protecting individuals from the harmful effects of hazardous materials. Depending on the specific type and threat level of the material being handled, PPE may include gloves, goggles, face shields, respirators, and protective clothing. The use of appropriate PPE minimizes direct exposure to harmful chemicals through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
3. Proper Handling Techniques: Safe handling techniques are paramount to prevent accidents during the transport and use of hazardous materials. Workers should be trained on how to lift and move containers correctly to avoid spills and physical injuries. Tools such as trolleys or forklifts should be used appropriately to handle heavy containers. Additionally, care must be taken to ensure that containers are properly sealed and stored upright at all times to prevent leaks.
4. Emergency Preparedness: Preparation for potential emergencies involves having a well-thought-out action plan that all personnel are familiar with. This includes training on how to deal with spills, fires, or accidental exposures related to hazardous materials. Essential supplies such as spill containment kits, fire extinguishers appropriate for chemical fires, and first aid equipment should be readily accessible in areas where hazardous materials are handled.
5. Controlled Environment: Maintaining a controlled environment while handling hazardous materials minimizes risks significantly. This involves ensuring good ventilation systems are in place to dissipate harmful vapors or gases effectively; implementing proper storage practices such that incompatible chemicals are segregated; and maintaining clean workspaces free from unnecessary clutter that could exacerbate spill incidents.
6. Legal Compliance: Adhering to local laws and regulations regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous materials is non-negotiable for safety compliance. These regulations often dictate specific methods for disposing of particular types of waste safely – whether through methods like incineration or chemical neutralization – as well as stipulate necessary documentation for tracking waste disposal processes.
7. Disposal Procedures: The final step in managing hazardous wastes responsibly is ensuring their proper disposal according to regulatory standards designed specifically for each type of material involved. Hazardous wastes should never be disposed of through regular trash collections; instead they require special treatment at certified facilities capable of processing them without harming people or the environment.
In conclusion, managing the safety protocols during cleanup when dealing with hazardous materials requires a systematic approach centered around thorough identification procedures, rigorous use of personal protective equipment, strict adherence to safe handling techniques, preparedness for emergencies involving these substances while maintaining a controlled working environment compliant with legal regulations governing their disposal.
Safety protocols during cleanup operations are critical to ensuring the wellbeing of personnel and preventing further incidents. Among these protocols, the Procedures for Emergency Response and First Aid stand out as crucial elements that need careful consideration and implementation. This essay explores these procedures in the context of cleanup activities, highlighting their importance and suggesting practical measures.
Firstly, emergency response procedures are vital because they establish a structured approach for handling unexpected situations such as spills, injuries, or equipment failures. These procedures should begin with a clear plan that includes immediate steps to control the situation and minimize harm. For instance, in the event of a chemical spill during cleanup, the first action should be to evacuate the area and contain the spill if safely possible, using spill kits equipped with absorbents and neutralizers.
Training is a central pillar in emergency responses. Regular drills and training sessions should be mandatory to ensure all employees know their roles and responsibilities when an emergency arises. This not only helps in reducing panic but also ensures that the response is swift and efficient. Additionally, having a designated emergency response team with specialized training in handling hazardous materials can be invaluable during critical moments.
Communication also plays a significant role in effective emergency responses. Establishing clear lines of communication ensures information is relayed promptly and accurately to all involved parties, including local emergency services if necessary. Employing tools like alarms, intercoms, or even mobile alert systems can facilitate this rapid communication.
Moving on to First Aid procedures, these are equally essential as they provide immediate care to those injured until professional medical help arrives. Every cleanup operation should have easily accessible first aid kits tailored to potential risks associated with specific tasks or environments. For example, if workers are at risk from cuts or abrasions due to handling debris, first aid kits should include bandages, antiseptics, and gloves.
Training once again comes into play; it's imperative that all staff undergo basic first aid training which includes CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification. This preparation enables employees not only to assist colleagues who might be injured but also increases overall safety awareness within the team.
Moreover, regular reviews of first aid procedures ensure that they remain relevant and effective as conditions change over time or as new risks emerge during cleanup projects. It is advisable also to conduct post-incident reviews where teams discuss what happened during an accident or near-miss incident and how well they responded based on existing protocols. Such reflections often provide insights that lead to improvements in both emergency responses and first aid preparations.
Lastly, it's important for organizations conducting cleanups to liaise closely with local health facilities where medical support can be quickly mobilized when needed. Knowing ahead of time where your nearest hospital or clinic is located can save precious minutes in an emergency.
In conclusion, robust Procedures for Emergency Response and First Aid are indispensable components of safety protocols during cleaning operations. They not only safeguard personnel but also contribute significantly towards achieving organizational resilience against accidents or unforeseen events during such activities.
The Importance of Proper Ventilation and Air Quality Control in Safety Protocols During Cleanup
When dealing with cleanup operations, whether post-construction, following a disaster, or during regular maintenance, the significance of maintaining proper ventilation and air quality control cannot be overstated. These elements are crucial for ensuring the safety and health of all individuals involved in the process.
Proper ventilation plays a pivotal role in mitigating hazardous conditions that can arise from accumulated dust, fumes, gases, and other pollutants common in cleanup sites. Effective ventilation systems help disperse these harmful contaminants, replacing contaminated air with fresh air. This is especially critical in enclosed spaces where the lack of natural airflow can concentrate pollutants to dangerous levels.
Air quality control is equally important. During cleanup operations, workers are often exposed to a variety of particulates and chemicals that can pose serious health risks if inhaled. For example, after demolition or construction work, particles such as silica dust can become airborne and are extremely harmful when breathed into the lungs. Similarly, cleaning agents used during cleanup may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which need to be adequately managed through good air quality practices.
Implementing safety protocols like using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and regular monitoring of air quality not only helps in protecting the respiratory health of workers but also contributes to their overall well-being by reducing potential irritants. Moreover, compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines or other relevant standards ensures that cleanup activities are performed within safe limits of exposure to airborne contaminants.
Furthermore, good ventilation and air quality control also impact the efficiency of cleanup operations. Workers operating in well-ventilated areas with fewer airborne hazards are less likely to suffer from ailments caused by poor air quality such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. This leads to higher productivity and better focus on safety practices.
In conclusion, ensuring proper ventilation and rigorous air quality control during cleanup operations is essential not only for meeting legal safety requirements but also for preserving the health and efficiency of workers. Investing in robust systems to manage these aspects effectively safeguards against potential health risks associated with polluted environments typical at many cleanup sites. Ultimately, these protocols contribute significantly towards creating safer working conditions which is a fundamental requirement for any successful cleanup project.
In any setting where machinery and tools are used, especially during cleanup operations, prioritizing safety is paramount. The risks associated with handling machinery and tools can be substantial but are largely preventable with the right techniques and protocols. This essay outlines essential strategies for minimizing the risk of injury during such activities.
Firstly, proper training stands as the cornerstone of safe machinery and tool use. Before an individual is allowed to operate any equipment, comprehensive training must be provided, covering not only the operation of the machinery but also emergency procedures and troubleshooting common issues. This ensures that every operator understands how to handle equipment safely and is aware of what to do in case something goes wrong.
Secondly, regular maintenance and inspection of machinery and tools play a critical role in preventing accidents. Equipment should be checked regularly for signs of wear or damage, such as frayed cords, dull blades, or loose components. These inspections should be documented meticulously to track the condition over time and ensure no faulty equipment is used.
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is another crucial layer of defense against injuries. Depending on the machinery or tool in use, appropriate PPE might include gloves, goggles, helmets, ear protection, or respirators. It's important that workers are not only provided with these items but also trained on why they are necessary and how to use them correctly.
Implementing a tidy workplace environment also significantly reduces risks. During cleanup operations, ensuring that all tools are returned to their correct places prevents accidental injuries caused by tripping over or bumping into misplaced items. Similarly, cleaning spills immediately and removing debris from work areas helps maintain a safe working environment.
Furthermore, adopting ergonomic practices can substantially decrease the likelihood of injuries such as strains or sprains. Workers should be educated on proper lifting techniques and encouraged to use mechanical aids whenever possible. Adjustable workstations might also be considered to accommodate different heights and physiques reducing physical strain over long periods.
Lastly, fostering a safety culture where workers feel empowered to voice concerns and suggest improvements is incredibly beneficial. Regular safety meetings can be held to discuss ongoing issues and successes in managing workplace hazards. Encouraging open dialogue about safety ensures continuous improvement and commitment from everyone involved.
In conclusion, while machinery and tools are indispensable in many sectors including cleanup operations; their associated risks cannot be overlooked. Through adequate training, rigorous maintenance routines, proper use of PPE, maintaining tidy environments, implementing ergonomic solutions; employers can create safer workplaces drastically reducing injury risks related to machinery and tool usage.
When discussing safety protocols during cleanup operations, it becomes essential to emphasize the importance of reporting incidents and near misses. A well-structured guideline for these reports not only ensures a safer working environment but also fosters a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand what constitutes an incident or a near miss in the context of cleanup operations. An incident is any event that results in injury, property damage, or significant interruption of normal operations. A near miss, on the other hand, refers to a situation where no harm occurs but had the potential for such outcomes under slightly different circumstances.
Effective guidelines for reporting these should include several key components:
1. Immediate Response: The first step in any safety protocol should be immediate action to secure the area and provide any necessary medical attention. Ensuring that all personnel are safe from further harm is the priority before any reporting procedure begins.
2. Notification Process: There should be a clear and straightforward process for notifying supervisors or safety officers about an incident or near miss. This process should be well known among all employees, easily accessible, and should guarantee anonymity if necessary to encourage openness without fear of reprisal.
3. Documentation: Detailed documentation is vital. This includes describing what happened, identifying the sequence of events leading up to the incident or near miss, noting the date and time, and recording any conditions that may have contributed to the occurrence (such as environmental conditions or equipment malfunctions). Photographs or diagrams can also be helpful here.
4. Analysis: Once documented, there needs to be an analysis phase where causes are identified—not just superficial causes but root causes that could help prevent future occurrences if addressed properly.
5. Follow-Up Actions: Based on the analysis, specific actions must be outlined and implemented to mitigate risks identified from the incident or near miss. These actions could range from revising work procedures to conducting additional training sessions or upgrading equipment.
6. Review Mechanism: Guidelines should establish a regular review mechanism by which reported incidents and near misses are periodically reviewed at higher management levels to ensure that follow-up actions have been effective and that similar incidents have been mitigated across similar environments within the organization.
7. Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture where continuous improvement is sought through learning from each reported case. This can foster an environment where employees feel valued and responsible for their own safety as well as their colleagues'.
Implementing comprehensive guidelines for reporting incidents and near misses during cleanup operations allows organizations not only to comply with legal requirements but also promotes best practices in occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS). More importantly, it supports creating safer workplaces by proactively addressing potential hazards before they result in accidents—a critical aspect in maintaining high morale and productivity amongst staff involved in potentially hazardous cleanup activities.
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests and woodlands for associated resources for human and environmental benefits.[1] Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands.[2] The science of forestry has elements that belong to the biological, physical, social, political and managerial sciences.[3] Forest management plays an essential role in the creation and modification of habitats and affects ecosystem services provisioning.[4]
Modern forestry generally embraces a broad range of concerns, in what is known as multiple-use management, including: the provision of timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, natural water quality management, recreation, landscape and community protection, employment, aesthetically appealing landscapes, biodiversity management, watershed management, erosion control, and preserving forests as "sinks" for atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Forest ecosystems have come to be seen as the most important component of the biosphere,[5] and forestry has emerged as a vital applied science, craft, and technology. A practitioner of forestry is known as a forester. Another common term is silviculturist. Silviculture is narrower than forestry, being concerned only with forest plants, but is often used synonymously with forestry.
All people depend upon forests and their biodiversity, some more than others.[6] Forestry is an important economic segment in various industrial countries,[7] as forests provide more than 86 million green jobs and support the livelihoods of many more people.[6] For example, in Germany, forests cover nearly a third of the land area,[8] wood is the most important renewable resource, and forestry supports more than a million jobs and about €181 billion of value to the German economy each year.[9]
Worldwide, an estimated 880 million people spend part of their time collecting fuelwood or producing charcoal, many of them women.[6][quantify] Human populations tend to be low in areas of low-income countries with high forest cover and high forest biodiversity, but poverty rates in these areas tend to be high.[6] Some 252 million people living in forests and savannahs have incomes of less than US$1.25 per day.[6]
Over the past centuries, forestry was regarded as a separate science. With the rise of ecology and environmental science, there has been a reordering in the applied sciences. In line with this view, forestry is a primary land-use science comparable with agriculture.[10] Under these headings, the fundamentals behind the management of natural forests comes by way of natural ecology. Forests or tree plantations, those whose primary purpose is the extraction of forest products, are planned and managed to utilize a mix of ecological and agroecological principles.[11] In many regions of the world there is considerable conflict between forest practices and other societal priorities such as water quality, watershed preservation, sustainable fishing, conservation, and species preservation.[12]
Silvology (Latin: silva or sylva, "forests and woods"; Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, "science of" or "study of") is the biological science of studying forests and woodlands, incorporating the understanding of natural forest ecosystems, and the effects and development of silvicultural practices. The term complements silviculture, which deals with the art and practice of forest management.[13]
Silvology is seen as a single science for forestry and was first used by Professor Roelof A.A. Oldeman at Wageningen University.[14] It integrates the study of forests and forest ecology, dealing with single tree autecology and natural forest ecology.
Dendrology (Ancient Greek: δÃŽÂνδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξÃÂλον, ksulon, "wood") is the science and study of woody plants (trees, shrubs, and lianas), specifically, their taxonomic classifications.[15] There is no sharp boundary between plant taxonomy and dendrology; woody plants not only belong to many different plant families, but these families may be made up of both woody and non-woody members. Some families include only a few woody species. Dendrology, as a discipline of industrial forestry, tends to focus on identification of economically useful woody plants and their taxonomic interrelationships. As an academic course of study, dendrology will include all woody plants, native and non-native, that occur in a region. A related discipline is the study of sylvics, which focuses on the autecology of genera and species.
The provenance of forest reproductive material used to plant forests has a great influence on how the trees develop, hence why it is important to use forest reproductive material of good quality and of high genetic diversity.[16] More generally, all forest management practices, including in natural regeneration systems, may impact the genetic diversity of trees.
The term genetic diversity describes the differences in DNA sequence between individuals as distinct from variation caused by environmental influences. The unique genetic composition of an individual (its genotype) will determine its performance (its phenotype) at a particular site.[17]
Genetic diversity is needed to maintain the vitality of forests and to provide resilience to pests and diseases. Genetic diversity also ensures that forest trees can survive, adapt and evolve under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, genetic diversity is the foundation of biological diversity at species and ecosystem levels. Forest genetic resources are therefore important to consider in forest management.[16]
Genetic diversity in forests is threatened by forest fires, pests and diseases, habitat fragmentation, poor silvicultural practices and inappropriate use of forest reproductive material.
About 98 million hectares of forest were affected by fire in 2015; this was mainly in the tropical domain, where fire burned about 4 percent of the total forest area in that year. More than two-thirds of the total forest area affected was in Africa and South America. Insects, diseases and severe weather events damaged about 40 million hectares of forests in 2015, mainly in the temperate and boreal domains.[18]
Furthermore, the marginal populations of many tree species are facing new threats due to the effects of climate change.[16]
Most countries in Europe have recommendations or guidelines for selecting species and provenances that can be used in a given site or zone.[17]
Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, forest protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for timber, aesthetics, recreation, urban values, water, wildlife, inland and nearshore fisheries, wood products, plant genetic resources, and other forest resource values.[19] Management objectives can be for conservation, utilisation, or a mixture of the two. Techniques include timber extraction, planting and replanting of different species, building and maintenance of roads and pathways through forests, and preventing fire.
The first dedicated forestry school was established by Georg Ludwig Hartig at Hungen in the Wetterau, Hesse, in 1787, though forestry had been taught earlier in central Europe, including at the University of Giessen, in Hesse-Darmstadt.
In Spain, the first forestry school was the Forest Engineering School of Madrid (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Montes), founded in 1844.
The first in North America, the Biltmore Forest School was established near Asheville, North Carolina, by Carl A. Schenck on September 1, 1898, on the grounds of George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Another early school was the New York State College of Forestry, established at Cornell University just a few weeks later, in September 1898.
Early 19th century North American foresters went to Germany to study forestry. Some early German foresters also emigrated to North America.
In South America the first forestry school was established in Brazil, in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, in 1962, and moved the next year to become a faculty at the Federal University of Paraná, in Curitiba.[34]
Today, forestry education typically includes training in general biology, ecology, botany, genetics, soil science, climatology, hydrology, economics and forest management. Education in the basics of sociology and political science is often considered an advantage. Professional skills in conflict resolution and communication are also important in training programs.[35]
In India, forestry education is imparted in the agricultural universities and in Forest Research Institutes (deemed universities). Four year degree programmes are conducted in these universities at the undergraduate level. Masters and Doctorate degrees are also available in these universities.
In the United States, postsecondary forestry education leading to a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.[36]
In Canada the Canadian Institute of Forestry awards silver rings to graduates from accredited university BSc programs, as well as college and technical programs.[37]
In many European countries, training in forestry is made in accordance with requirements of the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area.
The International Union of Forest Research Organizations is the only international organization that coordinates forest science efforts worldwide.[38]
In order to keep up with changing demands and environmental factors, forestry education does not stop at graduation. Increasingly, forestry professionals engage in regular training to maintain and improve on their management practices. An increasingly popular tool are marteloscopes; one hectare large, rectangular forest sites where all trees are numbered, mapped and recorded.
These sites can be used to do virtual thinnings and test one's wood quality and volume estimations as well as tree microhabitats. This system is mainly suitable to regions with small-scale multi-functional forest management systems
Forestry literature is the books, journals and other publications about forestry.
The first major works about forestry in the English language included Roger Taverner's Booke of Survey (1565), John Manwood's A Brefe Collection of the Lawes of the Forrest (1592) and John Evelyn's Sylva (1662).[39]
cite book
cite journal
The Society of American Foresters grants accreditation only to specific educational curricula that lead to a first professional degree in forestry at the bachelor's or master's level.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 Key findings​, FAO, FAO.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO (license statement/permission). Text taken from The State of the World's Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people – In brief​, FAO & UNEP, FAO & UNEP.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA IGO 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2023​, FAO, FAO.
Lithia Springs may refer to:
Arboriculture (/ˈɑËÂrbÉ™rɪˌkÊŒltʃər, É‘ËÂrˈbÉâ€Ã‹Âr-/)[1] is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, and removal.
A person who practices or studies arboriculture can be termed an arborist or an arboriculturist. A tree surgeon is more typically someone who is trained in the physical maintenance and manipulation of trees and therefore more a part of the arboriculture process rather than an arborist. Risk management, legal issues, and aesthetic considerations have come to play prominent roles in the practice of arboriculture. Businesses often need to hire arboriculturists to complete "tree hazard surveys" and generally manage the trees on-site to fulfill occupational safety and health obligations.[citation needed]
Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks or other populated settings, by arborists, for the enjoyment, protection, and benefit of people.[citation needed]
Arboricultural matters are also considered to be within the practice of urban forestry yet the clear and separate divisions are not distinct or discreet.[citation needed]
Tree benefits are the economic, ecological, social and aesthetic use, function purpose, or services of a tree (or group of trees), in its situational context in the landscape.
A tree defect is any feature, condition, or deformity of a tree that indicates weak structure or instability that could contribute to tree failure.
Common types of tree defects:
Codominant stems: two or more stems that grow upward from a single point of origin and compete with one another.
Included bark: bark is incorporated in the joint between two limbs, creating a weak attachment
Dead, diseased, or broken branches:
Cracks
Cavity and hollows: sunken or open areas wherein a tree has suffered injury followed by decay. Further indications include: fungal fruiting structures, insect or animal nests.
Lean: a lean of more than 40% from vertical presents a risk of tree failure
Taper: change in diameter over the length of trunks branches and roots
Epicormic branches (water sprouts in canopy or suckers from root system): often grow in response to major damage or excessive pruning
Roots:
Proper tree installation ensures the long-term viability of the tree and reduces the risk of tree failure.
Quality nursery stock must be used. There must be no visible damage or sign of disease. Ideally the tree should have good crown structure. A healthy root ball should not have circling roots and new fibrous roots should be present at the soil perimeter. Girdling or circling roots should be pruned out. Excess soil above the root flare should be removed immediately, since it present a risk of disease ingress into the trunk.
Appropriate time of year to plant: generally fall or early spring in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
Planting hole: the planting hole should be 3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should be dug deep enough that when the root ball is placed on the substrate, the root flare is 3–5cm above the surrounding soil grade. If soil is left against the trunk, it may lead to bark, cambium and wood decay. Angular sides to the planting hole will encourage roots to grow radially from the trunk, rather than circling the planting hole. In urban settings, soil preparation may include the use of:
Tree wells: a zone of mulch can be installed around the tree trunk to: limit root zone competition (from turf or weeds), reduce soil compaction, improve soil structure, conserve moisture, and keep lawn equipment at a distance. No more than 5–10cm of mulch should be used to avoid suffocating the roots. Mulch must be kept approximately 20cm from the trunk to avoid burying the root flare. With city trees additional tree well preparation includes:
Tree grates/grill and frames: limit compaction on root zone and mechanical damage to roots and trunk
Root barriers: forces roots to grow down under surface asphalt/concrete/pavers to limit infrastructure damage from roots
Staking: newly planted, immature trees should be staked for one growing season to allow for the root system to establish. Staking for longer than one season should only be considered in situations where the root system has failed to establish sufficient structural support. Guy wires can be used for larger, newly planted trees. Care must be used to avoid stem girdling from the support system ties.
Irrigation: irrigation infrastructure may be installed to ensure a regular water supply throughout the lifetime of the tree. Wicking beds are an underground reservoir from which water is wicked into soil. Watering bags may be temporarily installed around tree stakes to provide water until the root system becomes established. Permeable paving allows for water infiltration in paved urban settings, such as parks and walkways.
Within the United Kingdom trees are considered as a material consideration within the town planning system and may be conserved as amenity landscape[2] features.
The role of the Arborist or Local Government Arboricultural Officer is likely to have a great effect on such matters. Identification of trees of high quality which may have extensive longevity is a key element in the preservation of trees.
Urban and rural trees may benefit from statutory protection under the Town and Country Planning[3] system. Such protection can result in the conservation and improvement of the urban forest as well as rural settlements.
Historically the profession divides into the operational and professional areas. These might be further subdivided into the private and public sectors. The profession is broadly considered as having one trade body known as the Arboricultural Association, although the Institute of Chartered Foresters offers a route for professional recognition and chartered arboriculturist status.
The qualifications associated with the industry range from vocational to Doctorate. Arboriculture is a comparatively young industry.
An arborist, or (less commonly) arboriculturist, is a professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in dendrology and horticulture.[citation needed]
Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood (silviculture or forestry). An arborist's scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger.[citation needed]
In order for arborists to work near power wires, either additional training is required or they need to be certified as a Qualified Line Clearance Arborist or Utility Arborist (there may be different terminology for various countries). There is a variety of minimum distances that must be kept from power wires depending on voltage, however the common distance for low voltage lines in urban settings is 10 feet (about 3 metres).[1]
Arborists who climb (as not all do) can use a variety of techniques to ascend into the tree. The least invasive, and most popular technique used is to ascend on rope. There are two common methods of climbing, Single Rope System (SRS) and Moving Rope System (MRS). When personal safety is an issue, or the tree is being removed, arborists may use 'spikes', (also known as 'gaffs' or 'spurs') attached to their chainsaw boots with straps to ascend and work. Spikes wound the tree, leaving small holes where each step has been.[citation needed]
An arborist's work may involve very large and complex trees, or ecological communities and their abiotic components in the context of the landscape ecosystem. These may require monitoring and treatment to ensure they are healthy, safe, and suitable to property owners or community standards. This work may include some or all of the following: planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support; preventing, or diagnosing and treating phytopathology or parasitism; preventing or interrupting grazing or predation; installing lightning protection; and removing vegetation deemed as hazardous, an invasive species, a disease vector, or a weed.[citation needed]
Arborists may also plan, consult, write reports and give legal testimony. While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same. Some may just provide a consulting service; others may perform climbing, pruning and planting: whilst others may provide a combination of all of these services.[2]
Arborists gain qualifications to practice arboriculture in a variety of ways and some arborists are more qualified than others. Experience working safely and effectively in and around trees is essential. Arborists tend to specialize in one or more disciplines of arboriculture, such as diagnosis and treatment of pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies in trees, climbing and pruning, cabling and lightning protection, or consultation and report writing. All these disciplines are related to one another and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, however not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.[citation needed]
Arborists choose to pursue formal certification, which is available in some countries and varies somewhat by location. An arborist who holds certification in one or more disciplines may be expected to participate in rigorous continuing education requirements to ensure constant improvement of skills and techniques.[citation needed]
In Australia, arboricultural education and training are streamlined countrywide through a multi-disciplinary vocational education, training, and qualification authority called the Australian Qualifications Framework, which offers varying levels of professional qualification. Government institutions including Technical and Further Education TAFE offer Certificate III or a diploma in arboriculture as well as some universities.[3][4] There are also many private institutions covering similar educational framework in each state. Recognition of prior learning is also an option for practicing arborists with 10 or more years of experience with no prior formal training. It allows them to be assessed and fast track their certification.[citation needed]
In France, a qualified arborist must hold a Management of Ornamental Trees certificate, and a qualified arborist climber must hold a Pruning and Care of Trees certificate; both delivered by the French Ministry of Agriculture.[5][6]
In the UK, an arborist can gain qualifications up to and including a master's degree. College-based courses include further education qualifications, such as national certificate, national diploma, while higher education courses in arboriculture include foundation degree, bachelor's degree and master's degree.[citation needed]
In the US, a Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional who has over three years of documented and verified experience and has passed a rigorous written test from the International Society of Arboriculture. Other designations include Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist and Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). The USA and Canada additionally have college-based training which, if passed, will give the certificate of Qualified Arborist. The Qualified Arborist can then be used to offset partial experience towards the Certified Arborist.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified credential (TRAQ), designed by the International Society of Arboriculture, was launched in 2013. At that time people holding the TRACE credential were transferred over to the TRAQ credential.[citation needed]
In Canada, there are provincially governed apprenticeship programs that allow arborists' to work near power lines upon completion. These apprenticeship programs must meet the provincial reregulations (For example, in B.C. they must meet WorkSafeBC G19.30), and individuals must ensure they meet the requirements of the owner of the power system.[citation needed]
Trees in urban landscape settings are often subject to disturbances, whether human or natural, both above and below ground. They may require care to improve their chances of survival following damage from either biotic or abiotic causes. Arborists can provide appropriate solutions, such as pruning trees for health and good structure, for aesthetic reasons, and to permit people to walk under them (a technique often referred to as "crown raising"), or to keep them away from wires, fences and buildings (a technique referred to as "crown reduction").[7] Timing and methods of treatment depend on the species of tree and the purpose of the work. To determine the best practices, a thorough knowledge of local species and environments is essential.[citation needed]
There can be a vast difference between the techniques and practices of professional arborists and those of inadequately trained tree workers. Some commonly offered "services" are considered unacceptable by modern arboricultural standards and may seriously damage, disfigure, weaken, or even kill trees. One such example is tree topping, lopping, or "hat-racking", where entire tops of trees or main stems are removed, generally by cross-cutting the main stem(s) or leaders, leaving large unsightly stubs. Trees that manage to survive such treatment are left prone to a spectrum of detrimental effects, including vigorous but weakly attached regrowth, pest susceptibility, pathogen intrusion, and internal decay.[8]
Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of photosynthetic potential. Proper pruning can be helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed.[9]
In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may harm trees. The coverings may encourage growth of decay-causing fungi. Proper pruning, by cutting through branches at the right location, can do more to limit decay than wound dressing [10]
Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control through soil application, stem injections or spraying. Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.[citation needed]
Arborists can also assess trees to determine the health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed in technology and sophistication from practices of the past. Many current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including that of Alex Shigo, considered one "father" of modern arboriculture.[11]
Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of arborists, including boundary issues, public safety issues, "heritage" trees of community value, and "neighbour" issues such as ownership, obstruction of views, impacts of roots crossing boundaries, nuisance problems, disease or insect quarantines, and safety of nearby trees or plants that may be affected.[citation needed]
Arborists are frequently consulted to establish the factual basis of disputes involving trees, or by private property owners seeking to avoid legal liability through the duty of care.[12] Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree[13] in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed,[14] or to recover damages resulting from tree theft or vandalism.[15] In cities with tree preservation orders an arborist's evaluation of tree hazard may be required before a property owner may remove a tree, or to assure the protection of trees in development plans and during construction operations. Carrying out work on protected trees and hedges is illegal without express permission from local authorities,[16] and can result in legal action including fines.[17] Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a Homeowner's association (see also Restrictive covenants) may need an arborists' professional opinion of a hazardous condition prior to removing a tree, or may be obligated to assure the protection of the views of neighboring properties prior to planting a tree or in the course of pruning.[18] Arborists may be consulted in forensic investigations where the evidence of a crime can be determined within the growth rings of a tree, for example. Arborists may be engaged by one member of a dispute in order to identify factual information about trees useful to that member of the dispute, or they can be engaged as an expert witness providing unbiased scientific knowledge in a court case. Homeowners associations seeking to write restrictive covenants, or legislative bodies seeking to write laws involving trees, may seek the counsel of arborists in order to avoid future difficulties.[19]
Before undertaking works in the UK, arborists have a legal responsibility to survey trees for wildlife, especially bats, which are given particular legal protection. In addition, any tree in the UK can be covered by a tree preservation order and it is illegal to conduct any work on a tree, including deadwooding or pruning, before permission has been sought from the local council.[citation needed]
The protagonist in Italo Calvino's novel The Baron in the Trees lives life on the ground as a boy and spends the rest of his life swinging from tree to tree in the Italian countryside. As a young man he helps the local fruit farmers by pruning their trees.[citation needed]
Some noteworthy arborists include:
The International Society of Arboriculture, commonly known as ISA, is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia,[1] United States. The ISA serves the tree care industry as a paid membership association and a credentialing organization that promotes the professional practice of arboriculture.[2] ISA focuses on providing research, technology, and education opportunities for tree care professionals to develop their arboricultural expertise. ISA also works to educate the general public about the benefits of trees and the need for proper tree care.[3][4]
Worldwide, ISA has 22,000 members and 31,000 ISA-certified tree care professionals with 59 chapters, associate organizations, and professional affiliates throughout North America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and South America.[5]
ISA offers the following credentials:
The Certified Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have a minimum of three years' full-time experience working in the professional tree care industry and who have passed an examination covering facets of arboriculture.[6][7] The Western Chapter of the ISA started the certification program in the 1980s,[citation needed] with the ISA initiating it in 1992.[8]
The Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) or simply Master Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have attained the highest level of arboriculture offered by the ISA and one of the two top levels in the field. There are several paths to the Board Certified Master Arborist, but typically on average each has been an ISA Certified Arborist a minimum of three to five years before qualifying for the exam (this can vary depending upon other education and experience). The certification began as a result of the need to distinguish the top few arborists and allow others to identify those with superior credentials.
The Master Arborist examination is a far more extensive exam than the Certified Arborist Exam, and covers a broad scope of both aboriculture management, science and work practices. The exam includes the following areas:
Another credential that is on a par with the Master Arborist is that of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, the Registered Consulting Arborist.[9] There are perhaps six hundred individuals with that qualification, and only 70 arborists who hold both credentials.[citation needed]
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