HOW TO BE AN EXCELLENT GROUNDMAN

This is how I'll submit the groundman article. It will be added to (edited) as I receive ya'lls suggestions. It's all pc'd up and the grammer and punctuation is much better. The suggestions have just about all been given, but I'm still open for anything that doesn't go into any more detail than necessary.

I still don't like putting groundman in the title, but that word is pretty much the industry standard. I'm gonna use it, but only once -- in the title.

I started another thread so the final copy wouldn't be buried five pages into the old thread.

Thanks Brian... I dunno whut happened..

It double-posted, also. It's fixed.

Bump for a slow AS nite...

List looks good MB a couple of questions though # 3 what is a chauffers license? I thought all commercial trucks needed a CDL either a class B or C. Anything with air brakes has to have that endorsement as well. Looks like some of what's in # 4 might be owners responsibility. Ok to ask groundman to check on items but list makes it sound like they should supply? Maybe I mis read anyway good list.

Originally posted by Dadatwins
Ok to ask groundman to check on items but list makes it sound like they should supply? Maybe I mis read anyway good list.

Click to expand...

Securing a signed document from a new employee stating the job description CYA and lets the new hire know where you stand. By giving them two copies they will have their personal copy.
I wish I was given this on my first day!

I'm not sure where I said you have to provide your own equipment...

I re-read and no, you did not say they should supply but they are there to check and make sure that those items are in the truck. ie: first aid kit ( a good one for serious injury not a scratch kit) , wasp spray, cones and flags, but it is the owners responsibility to make sure those items are on the truck to begin with and the groundmans job to check and make sure they are present and stocked. I guess I would feel better if it read to check and advise supervisor if any of these are missing ? Just my most humble opinion.

P.S. About the license, have never seen a chauffer's license except to drive a taxi cab, limo or bus. In N.Y. a few years after I started driving all were converted to letter system CDL. I started with a old Class 3 and went to a Class B w air/ brakes and haz mat and that 's all I ever had but if they still call it a chauffer's in your town go for it.

the perfect grounds man

will the real spyder man please stand up

Look at the monitor on the left. It looks like Spidey believes in getting a well-rounded education

Tom

Alright I changed chauffeuer to commercial and added a little bit.

I still don't like saying 'groundman'.

I'm not sure that calling the dropzone the "kill" zone lends much confidence to a new employee, nor does it hint at good logistics. quite simply we cut wood into little peices, not quite sure where the concertina, and feilds of fire come into play in arboriculture but hey different strokes.

some quick thoughts

Master Blaster:
I have read through your ground workers guide and found it to be instructive/ informative and usefull to the point where I would like to make it available to my helpers.

I do have a few quick thoughts
1. When reading this I realized that it is a whole lotta info.
Can you catagorize each operation using topic headings?
If the volume is broken down it will be easier to refer to each section and discuss each operation during the training process.
2. On Item 2: Are you mixing the jobs of crew groundman with the job of crew leader? I am refering to stocking items like replacement clothes, wasp spray, maps etc.
Prehaps a better suggestion would be to have the groundman(women) make a list of desired/needed items and see to it that the suggestions are submitted AFTER work and are listened to.
3. (I am jumping around a bit) On item 4 PPE is required and should be made available to the crew. The groundman CAN refuse to work if it is not supplied, but it is NOT the responsibilty of the groundman to supply these items.
4. Item 7, Calling the customers is not the responsibility of the groundmen but of the crew leader or owner or scheduler.
5. Item 14: Prehaps include that appropriate clothing MUST be worn at all times. (you might want to add no sandels, open toed shoes)
6. I like item 21, good thinking to add this, very important
7. Item 25, Raking methods are different with every crew (beyond the "stupid" methods) and the groundman should learn how the others want it done. "When in Rome do as the Romans do".
Also you do not cover how to operate a blower, when to operate a blower (not when sweeping needs to be done first). I think 25 is a basic skill set that so many folks just dont know how to do. Have you ever seen someone work a blower and take a whole lotta time and still have a dirty street?
8. Opinions vary on how to send up a saw. Huskys have a choke handle that can snag and brake off if the saw is sent up using the top handle as the attachment, but sometimes I like to have the saw come up so the bar is ready to insert in a cut (bigger saws)
9. Item 30, this is an art, roping and you have done a good job of briefly explaining it.
Keeping the jobs seperated, cutter and rope man is a good idea, but sometimes not practical, maybe stress common sense here as well in working together.
10. Did you stress keeping ALL ropes free and clear. Not walking on the ropes. Re-flaking the bull ropes, climbers rope every chance you get?
these are just quick thoughts...

Thanks for taking the time to compile this.
Frans

I would add to the first paragraph, Show up for work on time, rested and sober. Nothing like working with someone that is half asleep because they spent all night on their SONY Playstation or whatever. They too are a hazard.

a good young groundie..shouldn't mind driving the crew home ,on a friday night after we've been to the pub ..we like to occasionaly stop off at our favorite watering hole on a frieday,especialy after a long hard week ..we only stay for a couple of hours..so the groundie shouldntmind not drinking and driveing us home

Yes Frans, it IS a lot of info to absorb. I organized it like a day at work, as Mike M suggested.
If I am mixing up the jobs of a groundie and a crew leader it is only because I feel ALL groundies should be potential crewleaders, even if they don't have the title. If you act like a crewleader, then you will probably BECOME a crewleader. At the very least you will be an EXCELLENT GROUNDMAN.
Concerning raking, I will challenge ANYONE ANYTIME to do it more efficiently than I have outlined.
I added your suggestions. Thanks!

Jumper, I DID leave the 'rested' part out. It's in now.

Wiley, I think the term kill zone re-enforces the seriousness and danger involved when working in this area. But I will change it if enough members think it's not appropriate.

Phew! Is this thing EVER gonna get done?

MB I agree with your principle in using kill zone I think that it should be called the hole, dz whatever that sounds mellow, but i totally beleive in conveying the harsh realities of a mistake in our line of work. I mean really isnt life just one big kill zone, especially for the average moron running around us with their heads firmly planted up their arse?

I don't like the rule that makes any submission the property of TCI. I don't think I'm gonna be so quick to submit.

Hmmmmmm...

give em nothin mb unless there is a fee comin your way

Originally posted by aussie_lopa
give em nothin mb unless there is a fee comin your way

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Well, they pay $100. I have a publisher friend that thinks I could do better. Make it into a booklet form... and pics, maybe expound a little... or, not.

I dunno. :alien:

I can dig that.

Just as long as I get to keep it as my own.

copy right

The copy right should be yours. If they have an agreement that says other tell them that you plan to use it for the industry. And perhaps don't give them the complet list. Paraphrase the items.

You should be able to do both.

Jack