NEW QUALIFICATION

Following the successful approval by the ABA Expert Group of the LOLER project standards and certification process further progress has been made by ABA and it's partners.

A number of candidates examined on knowledge and practical ability to inspect rope access equipment for lifting operations were successful during recent examinations. These pioneering arborists and mountain rescue personnel commented 'the qualification is on the right track, it will ensure climbers comply with European legislation and raise their knowledge of inspection requirements for lifting equipment which leads to safer standards used at work'.

ABA approved assessors validated the tests which covered in-depth equipment examination methods, interpretation of inspection records and much more. Further development planned for early 2014 includes more equipment inspection tests and evaluation of the level 2 standards for independent examination to International standards.

ICC/ECC-EUROPEAN CHAINSAW SUCCESS

At the recent ABA International Workshops held in Czech Republic a great deal of progress was made which includes:

• Technical workgroup knowledge sharing/exchange
• Chainsaw Expert Group meetings
• Testing & updating on the International Skills Register
• Review & amendments of the International/European Chainsaw Standards
• Observation of various Forestry & Machinery skills demonstrations

In conclusion, all partners observed a live ICC/ECC chainsaw assessment of a Czech candidate. He successfully passed at both Level 1 & Level 2 demonstrating a very professional performance of his chainsaw skills following a period of preparatory training. Over 200 successful ICC/ECC chainsaw assessments have now taken place & have been recorded on the skills register. Further skills certifications are planned for development & evaluation by ABA during 2014. Successful evaluations will be added to the qualifications database for use & recognition within partner countries.

ABA International Meeting & Workshop 2013

The next ABA International Meeting & Workshops will take place during September 4^th-5^th 2013. This will be hosted by the University of Mendel in the city of Brno. This event provides an opportunity for ABA national qualification centres to make further progress towards international endorsement, recognition & mobility for certificate holders.

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING EVENT-ireland

Following on from the successful pilot tests undertaken recently in Italy on the new forthcoming ABA endorsed qualification, the next step has just been announced. With the support of Kong and other industry leaders in the rope access & climbing sectors and the Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme, the next stage will take place in Dublin-Ireland in June 2013. The 1st International training event for lifting equipment operators and inspectors aimed specifically at arborists/tree climbers will be hosted within the beautiful city of Dublin during June 12^th-14^th. Alongside inspector training & examination a novel new scientific tool for non-destructive testing of climbing ropes will undergo further testing.

LIVE EQUIPMENT TESTS-italy

The next testing stage of the European Leonardo LOLER project will be held in Italy 17-18^th April 2013. New live tests will be undertaken for the user of work at height equipment (harness, ropes etc) and potential independent inspectors. These will include the 1st live test of the new project innovation-rope testing device.

ICC/ECC Chainsaw Assessor Training

The week commencing Monday 3^rd December 2012 saw the completion of another successful national chainsaw assessor training event run in compliance with the ABA International standards following on from earlier events. Not all of the applicants passed the training and examination hosted in Czech Republic but those that did were worthy candidates, ably demonstrating their chainsaw skills during heavy spells of snow and frozen conditions. Basic chainsaw maintenance through to advanced tree felling methods had to be demonstrated on assessment which included specialised techniques for dangerous trees and working on steep slopes. Other assessments included safely taking down hung-up trees with and without the use of winches, knowledge of health & safety and first aid etc.