UETTDRVC26

RECAP: PPE

PPE can prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to workers using chain saws. Employers must ensure that PPE is in
good working condition prior to starting work around the network.

Employers must provide and ensure workers properly use PPE, including:

 Head protection, such as a hard hat

 Hearing protection sufficient to reduce noise exposure to 90 decibels or less
 Eye/Face Protection such as safety glasses.
 Appropriate protective footwear per company standards.
 Leg protection such as chainsaw pants or chaps.
 High-Vis
 Arc-resistant clothing

Provisions and tools for cutting around the network from the ground

 Chainsaws Chainsaws are potentially dangerous types of equipment that can cause fatal or major
injuries especially if used by untrained workers. Operators should have received training in the use
of the chainsaw. Chainsaws should not be operated above shoulder height due to the risk of
musculoskeletal disorders, vibration and reaction forces from the chainsaw. A pole saw could be
used for small branches above shoulder height. For larger branches an EWP or other alternatives
should be considered.
 Pole saws & Power Pruners Pole saws are designed for light to medium trimming of elevated tree limbs and
branches. They can be petrol, electric (battery) or hydraulically powered. Pole saws are available in a variety
of rigid, fixed length; and extendable models. Operators should have received training in the use of the pole
saw. Operators should not stand directly under the branch being removed. Care should also be taken to
minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders when using such equipment as long-handled tools can
become difficult and tiring to operate after prolonged use.
 Hand / Pruning Saws These saws are designed to cut on the pull stroke. The thin blades will not bow because
they are under tension while being pulled across the surface to be cut. If your saw ever becomes caught in a
branch squeeze, DO NOT PUSH HARD and NEVER WRENCH THE HANDLE. These actions may damage the
blade. Always lift the weight off the blade to release the saw.
Refueling and Chainsaw Fire Risks

Refuel and oil chainsaws/pole saws in a well ventilated area; maintaining the area free of smoking; and preventing
spills or damage to the environment; according to legislative requirements, manufacturer’s specifications and
recommendations.

Make sure you have the required fire extinguisher available. The saw should be fuelled and lubricated appropriately
on the ground at least four metres away from the work/starting zone

Fuel Spills and Spill Kits

If spilled or ignited by a spark or other ignition source, a fuel spill can cause fire and serious burn injury, or property
damage.

 Use extreme caution when handling petrol or fuel mix. Fuel your chainsaw in well-ventilated outside areas
only.
 Select bare ground for fueling.
 AVOID spilling any fuel on your clothing or shoes. If this happens change into clean clothing immediately.

Various state environment protection agencies all agree that spill kits are an acceptable mitigation tool and are a
preferred method of containing and absorbing workplace spills. If you encounter a serious spill at work, you must
notify the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), your Supervisor and the Network Operator.

Handling Hazardous Chemicals

A chemical hazard is a type of occupational hazard caused by exposure to chemicals in the workplace. Workers must
consult the Safety Data Sheet and wear correct PPE when handling hazardous chemicals.

Required PPE includes:

 Gloves (suitable for chemicals);

 Eye protection;

 Suitable footwear

 Ventilator / breathing apparatus

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are documents that provide critical information about hazardous chemicals. For
example, they include information on:

 the chemical’s identity and ingredients

 health and physical hazards
 safe handling and storage procedures
 emergency procedures
 disposal considerations.

Businesses should use MSDS when they assess the risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. MSDS may be
requested from the manufacturer, importer or supplier of a hazardous chemical. MSDS must be supplied to a
workplace:

 when the hazardous chemical is first supplied to the workplace

 the first time a hazardous chemical is supplied after an MSDS has been amended.

Guidelines for using a cutting plan

Cutting plans or job allocations involves making decisions that lead to clear specifications of where and under what
conditions trees may be cut using technical information. Practical guidelines included in an annual cutting plan are:

· Technical information;

- minimum diameter that may be cut,

- distribution of trees on the ground in relation to topography and practical road access,

- site types and the site characteristics

· Clearly define on maps and on the ground those areas vegetation which are to be excluded from working
near due to environmental or social reasons.

Cutting plans are usually supplied at the beginning of a job. Before any work can be carried out, the job
sheet/cutting plan needs to be checked for correct location and job specification. A SWMS must be selected,
hazards identified, suitable controls put in place, and signed by all on the work site.
 COMMUNCATION FROM THE GROUND:

When undertaking climbing work it is essential that communication be maintained:

 Climbers and ground crew should stay in constant communication via both sight and
sound.

 Two reliable ways of maintaining communication is via hand signals and two-way
radios/wireless comms headsets

 Ground crew must maintain an exclusion zone throughout the works.

 Climbers and ground crew must monitor any exclusion zones.

 All work should stop if other people (or animals) enter the work area.

FINISHED WORK FOR THE DAY?

When you have completed the job, you should:

• Check that the completed work meets the requirements and quality standards.

• Contact the appropriate person to notify them of the works completion.

• Sign off and return any works or access permits you were working under.

• Complete the job sheet, sign off the hazard assessment (if required).

• Contact the network operator to notify them of the job completion (if required).

RECAP: Tree felling plan

Tree fallers should ensure that they always follow a five step tree felling plan.

1. SITE ASSESSMENT

 Assess the stand for hazards relating to the trees, terrain, other operations, and power lines.
 Assess the strength and direction of the wind and whether it will affect safety.
 2. INDIVIDUAL TREE ASSESSMENT

 Look for signs of a hazardous tree. Trees may be dangerous for a range of reasons, for example because of
overhead hazards like hung-up trees or widow-makers as well as their characteristics and location. Dead or
hazardous trees are unpredictable and extra care should be taken to identify hazards and put control measures in
place to protect the feller. For example, these trees are more likely to fall unexpectedly or have branches break
off. An accredited feller should only fell a hazardous tree which is within their competency. Damage to trees caused
by fire, wind, snow or insects may mean all trees in an area are hazardous. The risk from hazardous trees increases
with high winds, periods of drought, recent isolation or dry (dead) limbs.

 Note the ground condition and soil moisture.

 Check the surrounding trees for interlocked branches, dead tops or branches that may fall into the work
area.
 Determine if you can fell it safely and plan the felling cuts.
 Decide on the felling direction. This will help determine which side of the tree will be the safest for the
escape route.

3. PREPARATION OF THE WORK AREA AND ESCAPE ROUTE

 Clear vegetation and obstacles from around the base of the tree.
 Always think about your escape route before you begin any felling cuts. Where possible, the escape route
should be at a 45-degree angle opposite the felling direction.
 Be sure your escape route is clear of obstacles or hazards before beginning.

4. FELL THE TREE USING SAFE FELLING TECHNIQUES

 Good felling technique is critical to safe, accurate, consistent results.

 All trees over 200mm at the stump must be felled using a scarf and back cut.
 The degree of forward or back lean will determine how many wedges and/or whether a pull rope will be
necessary and how much power may be required to pull the tree over.

5. RETREAT AND OBSERVE

 Remember to finish the felling cut on the safe side of the tree and use your escape route as soon as the tree
begins to fall.
 Watch for falling material and be far enough from the base of the tree to avoid a kick back, butt swing, or
bounce.
 Avoid walking directly behind the tree.
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