Chainsaw work and insurance

[_Karlos_]

Hi all, after some advice if possible.

I have recently passed the CS30 & 31 modules. I work full time as an engineer but I am studying (and almost completed) for a degree in conservation, with the aim of changing career asap. I have just purchased a good chainsaw and I feel comfortable with it as I've had particularly goood trianing. I'd like to make a bit of money on the side, doing jobs for people, felling small trees, trimming branches etc. I may even start up doing a bit of landscaping. However, I'd just like some advice on public liability insurance, bearing in mind that for the present I'm only going to be doing 'odd jobs' for friends etc?

Any particular insurers to go for, or advice on making a bit of spare cash from my chainsaw and new qualifications would be most welcome!?

Thanks

Karlos.

[The Woodman]

Hi Karlos

What immediately struck me on reading your post was the advert right alongside to the left! A firm offering offering Public Liability Insurance. One of the clever bits of computer workings I think.

http://www.crowthorne.co.uk/public-l...FcYe4Qodvi4IEA

You could do worse than look at their website and support a firm who presumably pay to advertise on WAB.

Congratulations on getting your tickets and good luck with your work, don't shirk on the insurance - you never know when you'll you'll need it.

[_Karlos_]

LOL! Oh yeah!!
Sorry, didn't even look, I don't visit this site very often and it's so 'busy' that I didn't look around the peripheries, was just after some first hand experience.

Thanks

[eeyore]

When I was freelancing most recently I used zurich , but NFU are another good one, and you can also get insurance deals through the guild of arb if you are a member. I used to pay about £180 a year for £5M public liability insurance which also came with £2m proffesional indemnity insurance, £1million personal injury, and legal assistance.

if you are working regularly then this is a good deal, but if you are only working occasionally a good broker can get you by the day insurance to a similar level of cover at about £20 per day

by the way although you dont mention it I hope you have also invested in a good set of PPE - insurers will insist on it and will not cover accidents that result from not wearing it

also dont forget that cS30 and 31 cover small trees up to 15" dia only, and dont cover working aloft or chipper or winch work (lthough the courses do cover the basics of the latter) - your insurer will insist on further quals if you ae going to offer a full arb service

[_Karlos_]

Great, thanks for the advice.

[Dorts]

Karlos, apart from the 'Public Liability' cover which you should have, usually up to, £10-20,million,(in case you drop a tree on a bus); you should also consider covering yourself.
I have worked with chainsaws all my working life, and as carefull and compitant as I am, there have been a couple of times when, while self employed, I have had to take time off work through minor injury.
My only other advice is, first, if possible never work alone with a chainsaw until you are very experienced, (and even then it is not to be recommended); get a mate to give you a hand.
And second, when starting out, don't take-on more than you can easily handle, things can go wrong very easily and quickly when you overstrech yourself.
If you have had good training this should all have been said many times, but it is still worth mentioning.
There's plenty of work out there, so have fun and all the best.
Dorts.

[APC]

Look in the Insurance section on Arbtalk.co.uk

Also, consider asking around if other established guys will take you on from time to time. That way, you avoid the insurance thing as you would usually be under their insurance.

Remember to register Self Employed with Inland Revenue!!!

Adam

[_Karlos_]

Thanks all, good point about lone working, it is something of a concern. Also I have a local firm that I may be able to get some experience with, although voluntarily unfortunately, would be worth it though I reckon.