Rank: Forum user 
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One of our operatives need to use a cherry picker to cut some branches from a tree over hanging some hoarding.
The cherry picker will need to be used along with a chainsaw on a public footpath.
What would be the correct way to arrange a closure of the footpath ?
The council will need to be contacted im assuming and correct signage etc used ?
IS there a cost assocaited with this as a contractor i have just spoke to says its big money ?
Thought ?
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Rank: Super forum user
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You don't mention who is to do this task or even if it is for work. If it is for work the person doing the task needs to be competent and you need to ensure the site is properly protected. You are probably not blocking the footpath for any length of time but you don't say how wide the path is or if the cherrypicker will block the path completely. More info is needed before a sound response can be made.
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Rank: Super forum user
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If you need to close a public footpath, your are required to contact the relevant authority, its not always the local council.
Its not always expensive, as I’m sure the authority in question will tell you. However, dependant on the type of road, timescales and required room to work safely in, you may be instructed that you have to provide a suitable de-tour route with appropriate signage.
You will also be expected to submit relevant RA’s/MS’s to the authority regarding your system of work before authorisation is granted.
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Rank: Super forum user
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assuming you are working on a footpath is it safe to assume the footpath is next to a road is so then you may need to close a carriage way in one direction and have some form of traffic control in place especially if using a cherry picker as you need to allow for an over-sailing (?) across the carriage way. If it's just a footpath then i don't see it as being that expensive probably more important in having correct RA MS in place.
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user
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Agree with you Phil, it’s getting all the risks assessed and safe working procedures sorted to the requirements of the authority in charge, otherwise it wont get approved.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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You say "one of our operatives". It may take more people for complex works, but consider also the other end of the spectrum, where local authorities replace bulbs in street lamps - one man, one van/mewp with beacon and rear signage, no footpath barriers or signs = "mobile works".
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Rank: Super forum user
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ron:
If your local authority is sending one man.. with a mewp... then who is supervising the ground level emergency controls? Who wrote the risk assessment (and are they based in NI by any chance?)
I had this discussion some time ago.. In my opinion it is not acceptably safe to send a lone worker to park and use a mewp on the public highway. Apart from anything else, how does the guy in the basket stop the wee neds from the local estate operating his controls whilst he's stranded aloft?
Just a thought... sorry its off-thread!
Steve
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Rank: Super forum user
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Is your 'operative' [a rotten word in 2010 in my opinion] qualified to use a chain saw? If not don't do it especially so as more than 1 person should be present when a chainsaw is being used and chainsaw PPE is very very expensive
My advice is to get an expert to undertake the whole job; its probably quicker and cheaper additionally have you delt with the public before as you may have to if it is a public right of way so contact your insurer as you may not be covered for such work
Contact the local authority for closure details and/or if its on private land you will need permission to work from the owner who may want a fee
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for replies, i am in talk with the L/A at the mo and all should run fairly smoothly as the correct R/A method is in place.
What would be your preferred word opposed to operative ?
Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user
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member of staff, employee, team member would do
The problem that I have is that I worked for many years in countries that treat people with respect and as team members so the term 'operative' appears to me to be from the dark ages - I find it sad that in the UK in general we still have different standards for office staff and 'other' types of employees
again I say look at subbing the work as if your team member is not suitably trained re chainsaws with suitable [& very expensive] PPE you could find yourself at risk
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Rank: Super forum user
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I hate the term too Bob, it's still used in the construction industry!
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