Although Hong Kong is regarded as a concrete jungle, we are still impressed of the treescape surrounding us. This is attributed by arborists and their managerial staff who are responsible for planting, proper maintenance and preservation of trees. The Greening, Landscape and Tree Management (GLTM) Section was established under the Works Branch of DEVB in March 2010 to champion a new, strategic policy on greening, landscaping and tree management with a view to achieving the sustainable development of a greener environment in Hong Kong. This reflects the importance of arboricultural works contributed by the respective managerial staff and arborists. However, arboricultural works such tree trimming involve high risk operations. These include working at height (e.g. carrying out tree trimming at elevated level), operating dangerous equipment (e.g. use of chain saw for tree trimming and removal of wood) as well as imminent danger of the environment (e.g. tree closing to power lines), etc.
All trees have the potential to fail. Serious or even fatal accident could be happened if there is inadequate planning and safe system of work for arboricultural works. Staff in tree management have to carry out risk assessment to identify any dangerous tree and imminent danger of the environment and establish the relevant control measures according to the risk assessment findings. The arboricultural works shall be managed and supervised by people who have acquired the relevant training to ensure the provision of safe and healthy working environment to the workers.

The course aims at providing managerial staff in arboricultural works the knowledge about tree risk assessment and the respective safety measures.

Remarks:
This is a Recognised Continuing Education in Arboriculture Course for the Tree Work Supervisor, Registered Tree Climbers and Chainsaw Operators to enroll. (Course code: TWS,TC&CO-FA2-202433-1 / Functional area: Occupational Safety and Health for A&H / CEA hours: 12). Other Registered Tree Management Personnel also can apply for optional CEA hours. (Note: The subject course is identical to the course with code TC&CO-FA2-202228-1, TC&CO-FA2-2-2228-2 and TC&CO-FA2-202328-1)