Job Risk Assessment - Pondhead Conservation

1 Pondhead Conservation Trust (PCT) Job Risk Assessment for Chainsaw Operators Location Pondhead Inclosure, Lyndhurst, New Forest Period Covered 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2016 People and area covered by risk Assessment : Members of PCT Management Committee and all Chainsaw Operators Pre-task site check to be undertaken to identify any potential hazards. Access points for emergency vehicles - Beechen Lane, Lyndhurst SO43 7DB SU303072 No lone chainsaw work to be undertaken First aid kit containing emergency contact numbers to be taken to the task site.

2 A qualified first aider to be on site at all times. Mobile phone to be available on site. Any accidents to be recorded on the PCT Accident Book The Hazard Level of risk Potential effects Prevention Measures to be taken Tick if relevant Saw Strike to hands and feet. High Serious injury, limb loss or death All operators to be fully trained and certified to NPTC level in chainsaw operation and registered with FISA All operators to wear approved PPE, full ballistic trousers, boots gloves and helmet with visor.

3 Operators to carry a first aid belt pack at all times. Sawdust/wood chippings Medium Damage to eyes, blindness. Respiratory problems from treated wood. All operators to use eye protection, mesh visor on helmet. Ensure good ventilation and take regular breaks. Vibration Medium Hand Arm vibration Syndrome All operators to observe maximum daily operation time. Good maintenance of equipment, including minimum of full annual service. Hands to be kept warm, and regular breaks to be taken and regular job rotation.

4 Saw strike to third party High Serious injury, limb loss or death When working with volunteers, the operator to ensure all members of the party know how to approach operator instructions to form part of safety briefing. Volunteers and other task members to keep a distance of at least 5 metres (or two tree lengths) from operator. Operator to check that felling area is clear of volunteers/members of public. Safety signage to be used to warn public of forestry operations Noise Medium Hearing damage, deafness, long term damage from prolonged use.

5 All persons working with saw or as part of chainsaw working group to wear full ear protection to ensure no long term or progressive loss of hearing, Falling trees, branches and debris. Hang up of felled tree High Crushing injury, impact injury to head or body, possible death. When working with volunteers a safety briefing should take place prior to felling operation to explain task, working distances and safe operating procedures. All members of party to observe safe practices. Operator to check felling area prior to dropping a tree.

6 Operator to make an Assessment of working area prior to work commencing, Lifting Medium Manual handling injury to back or muscle strain Ensure all members of party are aware of safe lifting practices and aid each other if lifting big logs. Log tongs should be used for larger items. Inclement weather, high wind and rain High Loss of control of felled tree, risk of slipping. Make area safe and Stop operation. Warn other members of work party Transportation of saws, equipment and fuel Medium Injury to driver and passengers from moving objects, or spillages All equipment to be safely secured when in transit.

7 Refueling Medium Spillage giving rise to explosion, fire or pollution Never refuel with engine running. Fuel can must be labelled up with contents. Keep container at least two tree lengths from felling area and away from sources of ignition and sunlight. Always use fuel can with auto fuel shut off to prevent spillage or over fill. Mop up spillages as they happen, including spills on clothing. Use only bio-chain oil. Storage of saws and fuel/oil at operational base. High Spillages giving rise to inhalation of fumes, physical contact or fire and explosion.

8 Saw to be stored safely and in locked store area. Fuel/oil to be stored in fume cabinet. Limit amount of fuel stored at any time. Assessment completed by Pondhead Conservation Trust Signed Date