Health and safety when doing tree felling

Health and safety when doing tree felling. 8 Preparing for felling 36 10. A healthy tree is easier to fell than a diseased or damaged tree. This method merges the benefits of both techniques, offering enhanced control and precision. Do NOT work in the presence of hung trees. Logging is the process of cutting down trees, an element of the logging task. This section of the tree work website provides guidance on a range of key topics and forms the basis of health and safety advice for people working in forestry and arboriculture. A number of dangers are inherent in felling trees. Your safety is essential whenever you are felling a tree. When it comes to felling trees, safety is everything. Avoid felling a tree onto stumps, large rocks, or uneven ground. D = Diameter. 2. Using wedges at the rear of the tree, or pulling ropes is a good idea to stabilise the weight of the tree. Safe manual tree felling. Lean of Tree. This course is designed to educate anyone who operates a chainsaw about tree felling procedures used in an environment that has restricted access, with both targets and obstacles within the drop zone. Previously, the fine was £2,500 or twice the value of the trees felled. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) database was used to identify occupational tree-felling fatalities in the United States during the period from 2010 through the first half of 2020. Clearfell tree fallers shall be in constant radio contact with another person. Felling trees in the name of conservation is Tree felling or removal is a technical process which require us to follow OSHACT standards to safely remove and fell trees from our customers’ property. za The biggest health and safety risks occur during harvesting so much of the advice is around this activity. Sometimes it is possible to push or pull the hung-up tree to free it. , Jan to Mar, Apr to Jun, Jul to Sep and Oct to Dec). Limbs often roll and move during cutting and removal. Primary Objectives. This is also a good time to sharpen the chain. As a PCBU, you must consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with your workers and their Mar 15, 2024 · A shovel and a jug of water, especially if you’re in a fire-prone area. Feb 25, 2023 · The simple fact is that if you cut down a tree, it is called “cutting down” a tree. It is generally easier and safer to fell a tree in the direction that it is already leaning. Safety distance: at least twice the tree height. Before making the felling cut, it’s essential to prune the tree’s trunk by removing any branches and twigs up to shoulder height. Mar 1, 2010 · Tree felling safety. Selecting the appropriate felling technique is crucial for safe and effective tree removal. Subscribe. Exemption – Volume and diameter. 1/4 - 1/3 of tree diameter: 1/4 - 1/3 of tree diameter: 1/4 - 1/3 of tree diameter: Point of notch closure: just before tree hits ground: middle of fall: middle of fall: Degree of safety: high: medium: medium: Advantages: greater accuracy of felling into target area. Shortly after the man started work, his father heard a shout and discovered his son bleeding from a cut to his neck. Ease of Removal Jan 18, 2024 · Tree felling is a legally controlled activity. Everyday Safety Page 2 TREE FELLING SAFETY • Multiple people limb cutting on the same felled tree should be avoided. Feb 26, 2023 · Felling without a licence now carries the risk of an unlimited fine. All reasonably practical steps in the circumstances must be taken to ensure the safety of workers. For the undercut, cut upwards at a 20-degree angle towards the end of Sign text states "Warning Tree felling in progress". It is important to take all necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear, and to make sure the area is cleared of people and objects before The National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 1 General 11. Plan the size, depth and placement of the notch. 2 Individual tree to be felled 36 Nov 15, 2022 · Do not use a deep notch with an angle less than 45°, or a back cut that is too high. 10. When thinned, the foot-breaking bar is appropriate for tiny trees. The cut should be made ¼ of the diameter of the tree or up to ⅓ of the diameter but no deeper. It’s crucial to check for diseases or decay in the tree as these can affect the strength of the tree and the felling process. hinge stays intact until tree hits ground. Jul 1, 2005 · Resources such as case studies, video clips, research reports and leaflets can help you protect your health and safety and that of your employees. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 places a duty on employers and self-employed to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that their work does not affect the health and safety of others. This section provides a list of the 53 accident incident reports used in this analysis and their dates. Once the tree starts to fall, you move away from the tree at the aforementioned 45-degree Sep 14, 2021 · To reach their conclusions, the researchers analyzed an Occupational Safety and Health Administration database to identify occupational tree-felling fatalities in the United States during a 10 Dec 15, 2023 · 5. For further information refer to the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Arboriculture. 4. Caused by poor judgment of felling path or inaccurate cutting. When the tree begins to move, workers should be moving along the escape route and away from the falling Felling trees near powerlines is a common practice in forestry operations. The bottom line for health and safety in small scale forestry is if you do not have the experience to complete the work safely then −. Checking for Diseases. Mar 13, 2019 · A wise precaution—slip a wedge into the back-cut to ensure that the bar won’t be pinched if the tree tips back. This is extremely dangerous. A minimum distance of two tree-lengths must be maintained between the tree felling operation and any other person or operation. The man had climbed into the tree using an extended ladder and was carrying a chainsaw to cut branches. 2 Felling wedges 34 10. Jan 6, 2023 · The efficacy of a felling wedge can be modeled with the following formula: (WL*H)/D=CD. Factors such as the tree’s size, lean, and surrounding A dull chain saps your strength and shortens the life of the bar and engine. 3 metres from the ground; 8cm or less, 10cm or less for thinnings and 15cm or less for cutting coppice. For a number of reasons, the process of felling trees is crucial. The licence will The safety zone applied to tree felling operations. I'm not really up to speed with tree felling, so I wanted to run some significant hazards and controls past you guys - can anyone spot anything I've missed please? Fall from height - correct access / fall restraint or arrest Use of Chain saw - PPE inc specific clothing, gloves, ear defenders, face shield Jul 27, 2023 · Trim the Trunk. For your safety, use a fall-arrest harness attached to a secure part of the tree. Health and Safety always comes first. A felling licence granted by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides authority under the Forestry Act 2014 to fell or otherwise remove a tree or trees and to thin a forest for management reasons. The proper felling cut is made flat and approximately one inch above the point of the wedge that was removed when the face cut was made. Before felling, you should make sure that there are no people within a distance of at least twice the tree height from the tree you intend to fell. This might be in bushland on Country or be in a home garden or community area such as in a park, a school or accommodation area. 8. The felling cuts around the trunk should be made from the opposite side of the felling cut that felled your stand. The tool for felling depends on the size and location of the tree. Ninety percent of tree felling accidents happen within 15 sec of the tree beginning to move, and within 5 ft of the trunk. Resources and References: 1. #4 – Hinge plan – The face notch and hinge are critical to safe, accurate, and consistent tree felling results. Jul 1, 2014 · The safest way to get a hung-up tree on the ground is to use a tractor or truck and a long rope to pull it down. Husqvarna, a brand synonymous with quality and reliability, unveils its set of three felling wedges, approximately 8 inches in size. Where: WL = Wedge Lift (thickness of the back of the wedge) H = Tree Height. 1 WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW Everything from the ALEP Guide Operate and maintain chainsaws is Safety during tree felling. 2. 2 FIVE STEP TREE FELLING PLAN08 May 23, 2024 · Exemptions from the need for a felling licence In any calendar quarter you may fell up to 5 cubic metres without a licence as long as no more than 2 cubic metres are sold. Determine the Cutting Technique. It also decreases work productivity in felling operations due to the time that is needed for the felling of hung up trees. Use the quick and easy editor to add your details, make changes, and download a completed document branded with your business name. This scenario has also been the cause of several injuries. Feb 16, 2016 · Wedges are designed to do two things: (1) keep your bar and chain from getting pinched when making the back cut (or felling cut); and (2), tip the tree over in the direction you want it to fall. 1 General work area 36 10. Whether you are using a chain saw to cut firewood, trim trees or harvest large timber, you will be performing three basic operations: felling, limbing and bucking. Planning the Escape Route: A Lifesaving Step. Aug 8, 2023 · Carefully study the tree and assess the direction in which it naturally leans. Provide analysis and guidance to the interagency wildland fire community concerning tree hazard identification and mitigation, chain saw and cross-cut saw operations, and tree felling Apr 7, 2024 · Access to the 53 Tree Accident Reports from 2004-2019. A 28-year-old self-employed tree surgeon was killed while felling a tree at a private dwelling. 2 Stem breakage 35 10. Common tools include chainsaws, handsaws, or felling axes. Hazards in tree pruning, trimming, and felling are electrocution, falling, noise, and being struck. Safely felling trees requires an evaluation of the surrounding areas to identify potential hazards. A licence is not required: For trees that have the following diameters when measured 1. If uncertain, consult a professional in your area. Embedded hyperlinks are provided to the reports. are not exposed to health and safety risks associated with tree work Further information on the risk management process is in the model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks. This grant is open all year round and Mar 25, 2016 · Make the cut approximately 18-20 inches from the ground (no higher than your hip) at a right angle. Aerial (PPE) Lifting equipment in arboriculture. 11. 3 Tearing at the stump and splitting 35 10. You and your work colleagues should use signal coloured jackets or vests to be easily visible to each other and passers-by. We have produced guidance on tree felling. As well as the above risks, the chainsaw operator cannot safely place the back cut and monitor the action of his colleague operating the line. The back cut should start at the corner of the face notch; occasionally even a bit higher. repairing. 1 Consultation . Additionally, without the slow-to-fall effect that the hinge is Nov 20, 2020 · Forests2020, 11, 1225 2 of 19. This will ensure you have a clean and unobstructed cutting path to enhance the safety and Get all the tools you need for felling, which include an ax, a mallet, and a hammer. This Tree Felling Risk Assessment has been created to assess the risks associated with tree cutting and felling operations. The first step in tree felling is to assess the tree’s health, size, and location. Each topic page provides information and advice as well as references to some of the other most relevant HSE publications. Managing public safety is the responsibility of everyone involved in forestry work. The act establishes a framework for the conservation and sustainable management of forests and woodlands. This section of the site includes: How to prepare for felling a tree Except in Open Face felling, the backcut must be above the level of the horizontal facecut in order to provide an adequate platform to prevent kickback. Designing the Escape Route. 6. And please remember, if you get tired while performing any of these operations (felling, limbing or bucking), stop and rest! Your safety depends on it. Avoiding the risk of injury to you and people nearby requires careful preparation and planning. Bars are a common tool used for felling trees in addition to saws. , 2020) to avoid stump jump. Felling involves cutting a standing tree and dropping it in the place you want it. Stand facing the tree so that where it will fall is on your right and your escape routes on your left. Feb 22, 2024 · The three primary felling techniques are the conventional notch and back cut method, the directional notch and hinge method, and the use of mechanical aids such as winches or felling wedges. Landing a tree where you want it facilitates the rest of your operations. Apply Your Knowledge Making the main felling or back cut while your workmate is simultaneously applying tension to the line. Aerial tree work. This will ensure that you have a clean and unobstructed cutting path to enhance the safety and precision of the tree’s fall. Methods. wood chipping. The cut must be made around one-third of the way into the tree, and it must slope downward at a 45° angle. 3 HEALTH AND SAFETY SYSTEM05 02 CONTRACTOR AND CREW07 2. Trim the Trunk. As shown in the above figure, it is similar to the Dutchman in that the two front cuts do not meet exactly. 7 Felling quality 35 10. . However, every kind of felling carries a degree of risk, and that risk should be assessed and managed. Typically, it entails either only chopping off the trunk and throwing the debris in the trash, or merely chopping off the top of the tree and removing the limbs. This step is all about establishing a clear and safe path to quickly move away from the tree as it begins to fall. To make the wood surrounding a tree's base easier to cut through, a foot-breaking bar is a substantial rod that is utilised in the process. 266(h)(2)(vi) and ] The backcut may be at or below the horizontal facecut in tree pulling operations. Sep 14, 2021 · To reach their conclusions, the researchers analyzed an Occupational Safety and Health Administration database to identify occupational tree-felling fatalities in the United States during a 10 WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY (WHS) In this unit, your workplace is wherever you are doing the work. If you are going to push it by hand, set down your saw and push with both hands for greater force and stability. Determine the desired thickness and length of the hinge. This was low enough for some landowners to fell trees Felling away from the slide path will reduce problems for the extraction team when the treetops are large, while felling to the slide path can reduce the extraction distance substantially. Drive in additional wedges until the tree falls. 1 PLANNING 08 2. Throwback. 11 / Tree felling 11. You will normally need permission from us to fell growing trees and we will normally provide this by issuing a felling licence. The escape route should be a cleared path that angles 45 degrees away from the direction the tree will fall. Job prescription A job prescription or harvest plan is the written instructions a contractor receives from the forest owner (or manager), setting out the requirements Working with chainsaws – safety first. To establish the hinge, we need to make a back cut. Work through the Five Step Tree Felling Plan (Kohlich et al. You are trying to tip the tree’s center of gravity up and over the hinge. In response to pests and disease outbreaks Each topic section is most relevant to Arborists, tree surgeons and forestry workers and will help you find essential information and guidance on good practice and what you need to do to help prevent accidents happening. 1 Stump heights 34 10. Be aware of sloped and uneven ground. pruning. Additionally, take note of the wind direction, as this should align with the tree's natural lean to ensure a controlled fall. 1 HARVEST PLAN 04 1. You will learn how to gather the necessary data to develop a Tree felling is a positive management technique which increases the health and diversity of trees and their associated wildlife within woods. 1. Below, OSHA identifies some of the more common hazards and offers tips on how to eliminate them. The third step is planning your escape route, which is crucial for ensuring personal safety during the tree-felling process. Get good advice from experts, such as the Forest Industry Contractor’s Association Apr 10, 2024 · To start off cutting the wedge, you must make a diagonal cut into the tree’s bark on the side opposite the felling direction. In the majority of cases the tree feller should be able to form the back cut, leave a hinge of Chainsaw operator training (basic tree felling) This course provides participants with relevant, comprehensive and accredited training in order to equip those participating with the skills and knowledge to safely carry out basic manual tree falling operations and in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety legislative requirements and standards. Ensure the work area around the tree to be cut and surrounding grounds is free of obstructions. Manual tree felling is one of the highest risk activities in forestry, and mechanised or machine-assisted felling is a safer alternative method. You should also have a solid understanding of the key concepts of tree felling, such as felling hinge, directional notch and felling cut, as well as what methods and techniques to use, depending on the tree. How to fell trees: If the tree is thicker than the bar length, first cut the right side, then swing the saw and cut the middle and left. Make your top cut downwards towards the stump height mark at an angle of approximately 70 degrees and stop when you have reached 25% of the diameter of the tree. The additional risks associated with undertaking tree felling operations in close proximity to powerlines must be managed effectively. 5. Clear the area around the tree and in the direction of the intended fall to create a safe working zone. Provide products to assist in the identification and mitigation of risk factors and decision-making ability in the hazard tree environment. The person who cuts down the trees is a feller. Durable, Safe and Visible with compliant text and symbols. 01 PRINCIPAL AND CONTRACTOR 03 1. Dec 8, 2023 · 3. Jun 2, 2021 · Proper tree felling begins with a notch. Continue your felling cut, pausing to add more wedges. This makes for a cleaner fall and eliminates the need to use wedges, allowing gravity to do the work. 266(g) (2) (iii), making the selection based on tree species, size, lean, location, and safety. g. Be careful when handling fuel. Jun 28, 2023 · 608201001 SET Husqvarna Felling Wedge Set of 3. less danger of kickback and other Aug 9, 2019 · Alternatively, contact the Forestry Commission in advance of any tree felling and seek our agreement that the proposed works do, or do not require a felling licence. Felling is required for safety reasons, such as the removal of dead, diseased, or hazardous trees, and also permits trees to be removed from an area to create space. Feb 21, 2022 · Decide which direction you want the tree to fall and make a felling mark to show where your top cut will start. But be sure to work from the butt of the tree. Set warning signs and install barriers as needed. Be aware of others working in the area. Lodged Tree (also called A Hung Tree) A cut tree that has not fallen completely to the ground, but is lodged or leaning against another tree. trimming. List B allows, ‘the felling of a tree that is dying or dead or has become dangerous’ without a faculty but subject to consultation. 3. The escape route should be identified and cleared prior to cutting. Sep 22, 2021 · Felling licence application process to be simplified when swift action is required to prevent the spread of pests or diseases and protect public safety. Safety and Health Administration database to identify occupational tree- felling fatalities in the United States during a 10-year period—from 2010 through the first half of 2020. Case studies; Key lessons. Stop cutting when there is a hinge of wood between the felling cut and notch. properly prepare and plan before you fell a tree. Trim the trunk. If you want to prevent the tree from pinching your chain and bar, make use of this wedge. 3 When to use wedges and felling levers 34 10. These wedges have been crafted with utmost precision, keeping the challenges of felling larger trees in mind. So, lets using the diagram of a leaning tree below as an example. Apr 12, 2024 · Restocking may be needed after felling due to a tree health issue. The Forestry Act 2014 provides for a single licence process for tree felling: Aug 29, 2021 · There is a need to focus on hazards associated with tree felling activities so that proactive prevention strategies can be developed. Check for nearby buildings, roads, bystanders, pets, and overhead hazards, such as power lines and dead or hanging limbs. On the side of the tree facing the direction that the tree will fall, slice down into the trunk at a roughly 70-degree angle. Missouri Ridge WFU–9/6/2005. Felling wedges can then be used during the final cut to assist the tree in beginning to fall. Complies with ISO 7010 and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. Use control lines on trees to direct their fall in the intended direction. You need to provide control measures to protect members of the public. Jul 8, 2020 · Remember to use your escape route as soon as or before the tree begins to fall. Move the chainsaw at least 10 feet away from the fueling point before starting ­the engine. Here are the steps involved in tree felling: 1. Subscribe for free health and safety news and updates on this industry. If a tree is hung up, the main priority should be its felling. A person shall always be available on site to monitor and assist with any tree felling activity if required. T F. 3 Dangerous ash trees This guide was previously titled Guide to managing risks of tree trimming and removal work. Jul 18, 2023 · Bars. #5 – Back cut technique – The back cut Sep 14, 2023 · 6. AFAG leaflets Oct 18, 2023 · Drive your first wedge into the felling cut behind the chainsaw. To ensure that safe work procedures are followed, it is crucial to be aware of the risks related to tree felling. Limbing is the removal of the branches from either standing or downed trees. Feb 17, 2023 · If you're ready to tackle tree felling with a STIHL chainsaw, you'll need to know the right techniques and safety precautions. All variable are in the same unit of measurement. Cut a notch using the “open face” or “undercut” method as described in the OSHA Logging Standard 29 cfr 1910. 2 HAZARD MANAGEMENT 05 1. A foldable hand saw. maintaining. Aug 29, 2021 · Methods An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) database was used to identify occupational tree-felling fatalities in the United States during the period from 2010 through the List A allows, ‘the lopping or topping of any tree that is dying or dead or has become dangerous’ without consultation. Assess the Tree. Landowners and forestry works managers The Swing Dutchman is a felling method used to pull a tree against its lean so it will fall in a more desirable direction. When felling less than 5 cubic metres in a calendar quarter (e. 2 Oct 5, 2023 · When a tree experiences too much frontal pressure, pulling the tree forward before the felling hinge can fold, the result is an incredibly dangerous split up the tree. removing amenity trees. A feller buncher is a machine capable of cutting down a single large tree or grouping and cutting down several small ones May 1, 2017 · Introduction. Refuel after letting the saw cool for about 10 minutes. Grant West Prescribed Fire Fatality–10/2/2004. Jul 17, 2023 · Tree felling is the process of completely or partially removing a tree. situation which increases injury risk in workers and damages wood quality and the support tree. Chainsaws and tree felling continues to kill; Good practice for tree climbing operations; Publications. Tree felling demands specialised expertise and safety precautions, regardless of whether you use a chainsaw for Jan 26, 2016 · Step 5: Back Cut. A barber chair can be deadly for a woodcutter as it causes the trunk to snap back and strike whoever is behind it. CD = Crown displacement. This cut will help in guiding the tree’s fall in the desired direction. This isn’t essential for felling a tree, but it can come in handy for cutting out a pinched chainsaw bar that would otherwise be impossible to get unstuck. Made of ABS heavy-duty material, these tools can split wood and withstand extreme abuse and weather. 84 of 1998) is the primary law that governs tree felling in South Africa. Before finishing the felling cut, insert the foot-breaking bar. co. Choosing the Appropriate Tool. Vertical orientation. appropriate safety equipment when operating a saw. 266(h)(2)(vii)] Domino felling is prohibited. The Science of Tree Felling. [29 CFR 1910. Jul 27, 2023 · Clear the area around the tree and in the direction of the intended fall to create a safe working zone. The combination of a Shallow Notch and a Thick Hinge is a strategic approach used in challenging felling environments. fell either to one side or fell straight down until you have felled a complete circle around the tree’s trunk. Many of the hazards are the same, but the tree, the surrounding area and the felling activity present some additional hazards. Improvement work may be required to remove trees and rhododendron infected by diseases. This section of the site covers the following topics: Create your document in minutes with this ready to use Tree Felling Risk Assessment template. When felling a back-leaning tree, think of your wedge as a lever. Tree felling is a complex process that requires knowledge of tree anatomy, physics, and safety. Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about felling a There are more hazards present when you use a chainsaw to fell trees than when you just use it to cut timber on the ground. Read more. Figure 3. Felling a tree Felling a tree can literally make or break your day. This step is very important. Chainsaw safety, maintenance, use, and handling are core components of this course. The “felling cut” is the third and final cut in felling a tree and it is made on the opposite side of the tree from the face cut. This will prevent cracking and other damage to the tree. Felling is the process of cutting down trees, an element of the logging task. Legal requirements for tree felling. +27 12-808-1086 ernst@treecarepta. A first-aid kit stocked with trauma supplies. Make another cut into the notch above your first cut, at a 45-degree angle to cut out all of the wood for a clear hinge. 1. Contains the exclamation mark symbol. Apr 5, 2024 · The steps for felling a tree include determining the direction for the tree to fall, preparing the area around the tree, making cuts in the trunk of the tree, and finally felling the tree. This model is built for safety and longevity. Have these death-traps pushed or pulled down by a machine. Dec 8, 2023 · The thick hinge acts as a buffer, reducing the tree’s momentum as it falls. 6 Felling and timber losses 34 10. And remember to insert the wedge. Guidance for tree surgeons, chainsaw operators, forestry workers and managers. It should be carried out as part of a management plan based on scientific research of the effects caused, and should be appropriate to the species concerned. Continue cutting on that angle until the chainsaw is around one-third of the includes advice on planning, the five tree felling plan, the seven causes of harm, tree driving and wind-throw and machine assisted felling. It sets out the requirements for obtaining a permit to fell trees, the penalties for illegal tree felling, and the types of Step 4: Felling cuts around the trunk of the tree that is facing your escape route. New OEM Set of 3 8″ Husqvarna Felling Tree Wedges. Shallow Notch and Thick Hinge. Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group. The re-named and updated guide provides information on managing risks associated with tree trimming and removal work, including: lopping. 1 Felling levers 33 10. Working with chainsaws. Calendar quarters are defined as 1 January to 31 March, 1 April to 30 June, 1 July to 30 September, and 1 October to 31 December. 6. Safety Tip: Dec 3, 2020 · Step 3: Plan and clear the escape route. Oct 5, 2018 · The safe felling of a tree using an open face notch consists of making three precise and strategic cuts; the top cut, the pluge cut, and the back or felling cut. Be careful not to cut into the hinge. Chainsaw (PPE) Forestry Operations. rp ip fz wr zj bb cq rs wo sd