CPD

Question 1

What did you learn during your CPD on Maintenance and Repair of Historic and Listed Buildings?

Answer 1

• Processes involved when making repairs to listed buildings
• Differentiate between general wear and tear and the need to undertake repairs on materials
• Value of contacting the local conservation officer for advice prior to specifying repair works
• Refer to Historic England and guidance notes on repairs of listed buildings

Question 2

What did you learn during your working from height training?

Answer 2

• Always check safety if ladders before use
• Ensure ladder rungs and protective rubber straps and properly fixed before ascending
• Ensure a flat level surface at the base of the ladder
• Ensure 3 foot extension above the roof line before ascending
• Avoid working from height during bad weather
• Extra vigilant for fragile roof structures, look for dips and bowing of the roof surface

Question 3

What did you learn about Japanese knotweed and other invasive weeds?

Answer 3

Japanese Knotweed

• Causes structural damage to buildings
• Heart or shield shaped leaves about 15cm in size
• Bamboo like zig zag stems
• Grow up to 3m
• Red/purple shoots
• Gylyosate herbicidal treatment over several seasons
• Dig out and excavate 3m beneath the surface and passed the evidence of the last ribosome and apply herbicide
• Do this during later summer and for a few seasons whilst monitoring and taking records

Giant hogweed
- Causes severe skin burns and blindness
- Grows up to 5 meters with large leaves
- Flowers are white umbrella like bunches