Tree Hazard Evaluation Report for West Midlands RFCA

Transcription

1 Tree Hazard Evaluation Report for West Midlands RFCA Case Details Address Your Reference Our Reference Project Manager ISO Check - Our Contact Number WM RFCA Cateswell House, Sir Henry Parkes Road, Canley, Coventry, CV5 6TA Andrew Cayley BSc (Hons) Arb, M.Arbor.A Report Date 11 th October 2017 TPO / Conservation Area Status TPO/Conservation Area: To be confirmed at tree surgery stage. Scope of Report To carry out a detailed tree inspection of onsite trees to assess their condition, risk and hazard. To identify appropriate tree works. To identify the recommended year for re-inspection based on tree condition and land use.

2 Contents 1.0 Scope of Works Visual Tree Assessment Site Overview Observations Limitations Photographs 5 Appendices Appendix 1 Site Plan 10 Appendix 2 Tree Survey Data 12 Appendix 3 Tree Survey Schedule 15 Appendix 4 Surveyor Profile 16 Appendix 5 ArbNet 18 Environmental Services Page 2 of 18

3 1.0 Scope of Works 1.1 To carry out a detailed tree inspection of onsite trees above 7.5cm diameter at 1. assess their condition, risk and hazard. To identify appropriate tree works. 1.2 To identify the recommended year for re-inspection based on tree condition and land use. 2.0 Visual Tree Assessment 2.1 Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) refers to the process used for identifying the condition of inspected trees. In summary each tree is inspected in a methodical manner. The inspection seeks to identify the presence of visual symptoms. These help the inspector identify whether remedial works are required to abate or manage defects noted. 2.2 Each tree is assessed in the same way. The overall condition of the tree is inspected from a distance approximately equivalent to the height of the tree (where space permits). This seeks to identify the overall condition of the tree, canopy shape, presence of leans etc. 2.3 The area around the base of the tree is then inspected to identify whether ground disturbance has occurred. This could be in the form of mechanical damage to roots, or identifying evidence that the root system has been weakened. 2.4 An inspection of the stem and branches of tree is then undertaken from ground level. This seeks to identify decay pockets, stem cracks, reactive growth of wood, decay fungi, bark condition and many other factors associated with VTA. 2.5 In addition an assessment is made of the suitability of the tree to its location, for example, no defect may be present but branches may be obscuring security lighting. 2.6 Only once this assessment is made will any appropriate tree works and the relevant re-inspection year are prescribed. 3.0 Site Overview 3.1 The site is relatively large and comprises of a main two-storey office / drill hall, associated admin buildings, steel framed warehouses and a caretakers bungalow. 3.2 The site is generally level with no adverse or unusual topographical features; the site is predominately set to hard-standing with landscaped areas to the front and left flank. 4.0 Observations 4.1 The tree resource on site is generally in a fair conditions with the majority of the trees requiring no immediate works. 4.2 T9 (Plum) was noted to retain moderate crown deadwood, some of which overhangs the adjacent front footpath this should be removed to avoid potential injury to pedestrians. 4.3 T10 (Laburnum) is a standing dead tree which overhangs the boundary with Sir Henry Parkes Road and the adjacent bus-stop; this tree should be removed without further delay. Environmental Services Page 3 of 18

4 4.4 The on-site tree groups TG1 and TG2 were noted to have branches in contact with the buildings (minor at this stage); consideration should be given the pruning these back to limit the potential for future damage. 4.5 A similar situation is occurring with TG3, these off-site trees are substantially overhanging the boundary and should be cut back to increase clearance to RFCA property and the owners advised to survey the trees regularly. 4.6 Minor Ivy coverage was also observed to some of the trees which should be removed and the trees maintained as Ivy free specimens. 4.7 Trees T1, T14, T15, T17 and T18 of our previous report have been removed. 5.0 Limitations 5.1 Trees should be re-inspected as per the recommendations in this report. 5.2 The recommended re-inspections will seek to evaluate the effectiveness of management proposals and to reevaluate the condition of the tree stock to meet your duty of care to ensure, insofar as is reasonably practicable, that people and property are not exposed to unreasonable levels of risk. 5.3 Trees should be inspected by a suitably qualified arboriculturalist after severe weather, localised ground works or other factors that may affect tree health and structural integrity, to assess their condition and evaluate the need for any remedial action. 5.4 Any events that require a detailed inspection to assess tree condition should be carried out by a qualified arboriculturalist. 5.5 Recommendations for tree management have been based on current Arboricultural Best Practice as set out by the Arboricultural profession and all relevant publications 5.6 The presence of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) or Conservation Area status must be determined prior to any tree works being implemented, failure to do so can result in fines in excess of 20, A legal Duty of Care requires that all works specified in this report should be performed by qualified, arboricultural contractors who have been competency tested to determine their suitability for such works in line with Health & Safety Executive Guidelines. Additionally all works should be carried out according to British Standard 3998 (1989) Recommendations for Tree Work. 5.8 Any comment relating to 3 rd party trees has been made without full access to the tree(s). We would advise you to instruct us to contact the 3 rd party or notify the 3 rd party to undertake further inspection work. Environmental Services Page 4 of 18

5 6.0 Photographs TG1 - Leyland Cypress contact with main building TG1 - Leyland Cypress Hornbeams T2 and T3 Branches from TG2 in contact with building Environmental Services Page 5 of 18

6 TG2 - Mixed Species Group Third-party (TG3) overhanging branches Third-party vegetation (TG3) overhanging branches View of front boundary vegetation T3 - T7 Environmental Services Page 6 of 18

7 T5 and T6 (Cherry & Goat Willow) T7 Silver Birch Dead Tree (T10) note Ganaderma to base T8 Ornamental Apple Environmental Services Page 7 of 18

8 Trees T10 - T16 Cypress trees T20 & T21 Trees T24 - T28 Oak (T28) Environmental Services Page 8 of 18

9 Oak (T29) Environmental Services Page 9 of 18

10 Appendix 1 - Site Plan Environmental Services Page 10 of 18

11 KEY T = Tree TG = Tree Group H = Hedge Tree Survey Plan Tree Hazard Evaluation Report for West Midlands RFCA Ref: Date: Unit 4, Linnet Court Cawledge Business Park Alnwick Northumberland NE66 2GD planninges@uk.innovationgroup.com t: f:

12 Appendix 2 Tree Survey Data Tree No. Species Height (m) T1 Cherry <5m T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Fastigiate Hornbeam. Fastigiate Hornbeam. Norway Maple. Cherry. Goat Willow. Silver Birch. Ornamental Apple. Plum. 10m to14m Age Class Past Management Defects General Comments Date of Inspection Risk Target & Year of Next Inspection Tree Works Removed Removed Recorded for continuity purposes only N/a N/a No Gross Defect ed. Multi stemmed tree at 0m with minor inclusions. Small self-set Cherry growing within stems. No Gross Defect ed. Slightly asymmetric canopy. No Gross Defect ed. Multi stemmed tree at 0.3m. Co- Dominant stems with minor Included Union. No Gross Defect ed. Ivy beginning to obstruct main stem. No Gross Defect ed. Deadwood overhanging boundary fence. Ivy covering main stem and primary scaffold. Minor Crown dead wood. Multi stemmed tree at 0m with minor inclusions (stable). Sever / cut ivy and strip to 3m; maintain as Ivy free specimen. Sever / cut ivy and strip to 2m. Remove dead wood throughout the crown. Maintain as Ivy free specimen and ensure shrubs do not preclude survey of stem base. Remove dead wood overhanging boundary / footpath. Sever / cut ivy and strip to 2m; maintain as Ivy free specimen. Work Priority 12 months Immediate Immediate Environmental Services Page 12 of 18

13 T10 T11 T12 T13 T16 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23 T24 T25 T26 Laburnum. Ornamental Pear. Norway Maple. Norway Maple. Ash. Norway Maple. Norway Maple. Leyland Cypress. Leyland Cypress. Ornamental Pear. Norway Maple. Norway Maple. Holly. 10m to14m 10m to14m 10m to14m 15m to1 15m to1 10m to14m Dead (Gross Defect).Ganoderma applanatum/ adspersum. Advanced state of decay, standing adjacent to boundary fence / footpath. No Gross Defect ed. Average form, shape and condition. Leaf Colour Size and Density = Normal For Species N/A - Tree to be felled No Gross Defect ed. Low level branches close to gutters. No Gross Defect ed. Slightly asymmetric canopy due to companion tree shading (not significant). No Gross Defect ed. Slightly asymmetric canopy. Suppressed specimen on edge of T30' canopy. Fell to ground level. Immediate Environmental Services Page 13 of 18

14 T27 T28 T29 T30 Rowan. Red Oak. Red Oak. Norway Maple. TG1 Leyland Cypress. TG2 TG3 Mixed Species Group (Italian Alder, Cherry, Field Maple and Goat Willow). Mixed Species Group. 10m to14m 15m to1 No Gross Defect ed. Clematis growing within canopy, may out compete tree - reassess at next survey. No Gross Defect ed. No Gross Defect ed. No Gross Defect ed. Low level branches in contact with roof (minor at this stage). Lowe level branches from the Field Maple and Goat Willow are touching building. Tree located on 3rd party land so full inspection not possible. We recommend you advise 3rd party to undertake appropriate inspection. All comments on this tree have been made without the benefit of a full inspection.. N/A - 3rd Party Tree Cut back branches from the Field Maple and Goat Willow to suitable side growth points to provide 1.5m clearance from POL Store. Located on 3rd party land - advise them the tree requires regular inspection and any advised works undertaken. Overhanging branches should be cut back to suitable side growth points to provide 2.5m clearance from the building. 12 months Environmental Services Page 14 of 18

15 Appendix 3 Tree Surgery Schedule Tree No. Species Height (m) Age Class Past Management Defects General Comments Date of Inspection Risk Target & Year of Next Inspection Tree Works Work Priority T7 T8 T9 T10 TG2 Silver Birch. Ornamental Apple. Plum. Laburnum. Mixed Species Group (Italian Alder, Cherry, Field Maple and Goat Willow). 10m to14m No Gross Defect ed. No Gross Defect ed. Deadwood overhanging boundary fence. Ivy covering main stem and primary scaffold. Minor Crown dead wood. Multi stemmed tree at 0m with minor inclusions (stable). Dead (Gross Defect).Ganoderma applanatum/ adspersum. No Gross Defect ed. Ivy beginning to obstruct main stem. Advanced state of decay, standing adjacent to boundary fence / footpath. Lowe level branches from the Field Maple and Goat Willow are touching building. N/A - Tree to be felled Sever / cut ivy and strip to 3m; maintain as Ivy free specimen. Sever / cut ivy and strip to 2m. Remove dead wood throughout the crown. Maintain as Ivy free specimen and ensure shrubs do not preclude survey of stem base. Remove dead wood overhanging boundary / footpath. Sever / cut ivy and strip to 2m; maintain as Ivy free specimen. Fell to ground level. Cut back branches from the Field Maple and Goat Willow to suitable side growth points to provide 1.5m clearance from POL Store. 12 months Immediate Immediate Immediate 12 months Environmental Services Page 15 of 18

16 Appendix 4 Surveyor Profile Environmental Services Page 16 of 18

17 Andrew Cayley Senior Arboricultural Consultant B.Sc. (Hons) M.Arbor.A. Institute of Chartered Foresters (Associate) Arboricultural Association (Professional) Andrew Cayley Senior Arboricultural Consultant Specialist Areas Tree Related Subsidence Tree Preservation Orders Appeals / resurveys Large Scale Tree Surveys CPR compliant report compilation and representation at court Contact Details T: M: Andrew.Cayley@innovation.group Brief Details of Experience Andrew Cayley joined Marishal Thompson, now known as Innovation Property (UK), shortly after graduating in June 2005 with a first class honours degree in Arboriculture; however he has been working within the industry since He has a wide range of experience both within the consultancy and contracting sectors of the industry having worked both in the UK and USA. Andrew s current role is ensuring the technical quality of the Innovation Property (UK) tree related subsidence reports whilst routinely undertaking Subsidence and tree Hazard surveys / reports. He has taken practical experience from within the consultancy sector and applied this to develop and streamline the delivery of the Innovation Property (UK) volume subsidence risk reporting systems. In addition to Andrew s work within the Subsidence sector, he also acts as an Expert Witness producing part 35 CPR compliant reports, joint statements of common ground and representing clients at all stages within the legal process. Andrew has experience of giving evidence at court and also at informal hearings. Degree/University BSc (Hons) Arboriculture, University of Central Lancashire H N D Rural Land Management, tingham Trent University N C H Arboriculture, Myerscough College

18 Appendix 5 - ArbNet Environmental Services Page 18 of 18

19 Tree surgery and forestry operations have been recognised as one of the most dangerous industries in the UK. The odds of someone in forestry and arboriculture sustaining a major injury in any one year are estimated to be 1 in 120 (HSE). The risks associated with tree work outstrips construction! The law is clear. If you instruct contractors then you have real risks. These risks are magnified when applied to tree work operations. ArbNet applies industry leading systems backed by experienced and qualified staff to effectively manage a clients Duty of Care. The odds of someone in forestry and arboriculture sustaining a major injury in any one year are estimated to be 1 in 120 (Health and Safety Executive) How to engage ArbNet To instruct ArbNet to carry out tree works or provide a free quotation please contact either us through the web site or via the details below. E: treesurgery@innovation-environmental.co.uk T: Do you instruct tree works? Organisations instructing tree works contractors have real liability The ArbNet Contractor Assurance Scheme Severity / Impact Transfer the Risks Retain the Risks Avoid the Risks Reduce the Risks Likelihood / Frequency Figure 1: Risk Management Strategy Decision Maker If you instruct tree works contractors and do not sufficiently test their competence and procedures then you may be liable to prosecution in the event of an incident. You could be exposing your organisation to prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Corporate Manslaughter Coroporate Homicide Act The ArbNet Contractor Assurance Scheme provides a national network of fully vetted tree surgery contractors. The scheme offers a clear strategy for risk management (see figure 1) that enables organisations to outsource their risks. ArbNet offers managed liability and other multiple benefits that make commercial sense. HSE research relating to injury rates per 10,000 employees for the period 1990/ /96 helps to put these figures in perspective. Injury rates per 10,000 employees All Industry ArbNet ensures: All manufacturing All agriculture Your risk is out sourced Construction Your legal duty of care is fulfilled Forestry & Arboriculture Costs controlled by competitive tendering Customers are supported by an experienced team All receive first class customer care

20 How to engage ArbNet To instruct ArbNet to carry out tree works or provide a free quotation please contact either us through the web site or via the details below. E: treesurgery@innovation-environmental.co.uk T: Case Study: The Risk is Real! An effective risk management strategy A tree surgeon was ly killed while undertaking works at a domestic property during March Whilst undertaking works within the canopy of the tree an accident occurred causing a fatal injury. It was reported that emergency services attended the scene of the accident to find the tree surgeon suspended within the tree from his harness. Paramedics were unable to reach the victim and fire brigade was called to assist. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. It is not possible to provide further detail at the time of writing due to the ongoing investigation; however previous circumstances of a similar nature have arisen due to failings in the application of work at height and emergency procedures. All contractors undertaking tree works must have on the ground personnel who are trained in performing Aerial Tree Rescue. To breach such a requirement is a direct contravention of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Investigations undertaken by our ArbNet team have identified that the contractor concerned is a former member of the ArbNet panel. The contractor was removed a number of years earlier due to failure to maintain required standards. The incident has been classified as an industrial accident and the Health and Safety Executive are carrying out a full investigation. It is wholly possible that Corporate Manslaughter legislation could be applied to this tragic situation. All organisations have a statutory duty to ensure that contractors are competent and to ensure activities do not put the safety of themselves or others at risk. Such responsibility would be applicable in this case and any failing in meeting this duty is likely to be viewed as a management failure. The risks associated with tree works are high due to the nature of the work. These risks stretch beyond the work team and have the capacity to injure residents and members of the public. Strategic risk management is needed by those who engage tree contractors. ArbNet provides systems that allow you to transfer the risk and effectively manage your Duty of Care. The law relating to a clients obligations for the safety of contractors and others is comprehensive. ArbNet is aware of these requirements and has aligned its procedures to protect all parties. ArbNet enables you to transfer your risks to our systems of an effective risk management strategy of any organisation. Customer Care The following information sets out the results of continuous customer satisfaction surveys. % Level of satisfaction Punctuality 97.7 Information & communication 95.1 It is wholly possible that Corporate Manslaughter legislation could be applied to this tragic situation Conduct on site 94.0 Overall satisfaction 96.8