Arboriculture is a complex of works on tree care, including planting, pruning, crowning, treatment, and removal. Arborists work at heights, so their activities are regulated by labor safety legislation. In particular, arborists must have a permit for high-rise work.
Labor protection legislation
In Ukraine, the legislation on labor safety regulates work at heights. According to the Law of Ukraine “On Labor Protection”, work at heights is work performed at a height of 1.3 meters or more from the surface of the earth, ceiling or working platform.
Work at heights is considered particularly dangerous, so it must be carried out in compliance with special safety requirements. These requirements are set out in the Law of Ukraine “On Labor Protection”, as well as in other normative-legal acts, in particular:
- Rules on labor protection during work at heights, approved by order of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy of Ukraine of 27.08.2004 No. 272;
- Standard instructions on labor protection for workers performing work at heights, approved by order of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy of Ukraine of 27.08.2004 No. 272.
Requirements for arborists
According to the Law of Ukraine “On Labor Protection”, workers performing work at heights must have special education, training, and work experience. In addition, they must undergo an annual medical examination and special training in labor protection.
Arborists must have the following documents:
- Certificate of qualification of an arborist, issued by an educational institution with an appropriate license;
- Certificate of completion of training in labor protection, issued by an educational institution with an appropriate license;
- Conclusion of a medical specialist on the fitness for work at heights.
Conclusion
Thus, arborists must have a permit for high-rise work. This permit is issued by an educational institution with an appropriate license, on the basis of a certificate of qualification of an arborist and a certificate of completion of training in labor protection.
It should be noted that in some countries, such as the USA, arborists must also have a license to perform tree care work. In Ukraine, such a license is not required.
Arguments for and against the need for a permit for high-rise work for arborists
Arguments for
- Ensuring the labor safety of arborists. A permit for high-rise work confirms that the arborist has the necessary qualifications and training to safely work at heights.
- Protection of life and health of citizens. A permit for high-rise work allows to control the activities of arborists and prevent accidents that can lead to injuries or deaths.
- Ensuring the quality of tree care work. A permit for high-rise work guarantees that the arborist has the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out work at a high level of quality.
Arguments against
- Complicating the activities of arborists. A permit for high-rise work requires additional time and money, which can make the work of arborists more difficult and less profitable.
- Administrative pressure on arborists. A permit for high-rise work can lead to administrative harassment of arborists who do not have such a permit.
Overall, the need for a permit for high-rise work for arborists is a controversial issue. On the one hand, such a permit ensures the labor safety of arborists and protects the life and health of citizens. On the other hand, it can complicate the activities of arborists and lead to administrative pressure on them.
In Ukraine, the issue of the need for a permit for high-rise work for arborists has not yet been resolved. At present, this issue is being considered by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy of Ukraine.
Additional arguments for the need for a permit for high-rise work for arborists:
- A permit for high-rise work can help to increase the trust in arborists from customers. Customers, knowing that the arborist has a permit, may be more confident in his qualifications and ability to safely perform work.
- A permit for high-rise work can contribute to the development of the arboriculture industry in Ukraine. The introduction of such a permit can lead to an improvement in the quality of tree care work and a reduction in the number of accidents at work.
Conclusion
Considering all the arguments for and against, it can be concluded that the need for a permit for high-rise work for arborists is more important. Such a permit can ensure the labor safety of arborists and protect the life and health of citizens. In addition, it can contribute to increased trust in arborists from customers and the development of the arboriculture industry in Ukraine.
However, to implement such a permit, it is necessary to take certain