Tree Work Safety Guide - California Department of ...

1 Tree Work Safety Guide Cal/OSHA publications are available at Contact the Consultation Services offices listed on the back cover for assistance. Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch Division of Occupational Safety and Health Contents How to Improve Tree Work Safety 1. Common Tree Work Safety Topics 3. Prevent Electrocutions 3. Working Safely at Heights 5. Prevent Injuries from Falling Objects 6. Chain Saw Safety 7. Wood Chipper Safety 12. Palm Tree Work 15. Heat Illness Prevention 16. Key Cal/OSHA Requirements 17. Resources for Safety and Health in Tree Work Operations 19. Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Back Cover This document is not meant to be either a substitute for or a legal interpretation of the occupational Safety and health regulations.

2 Readers should refer directly to Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations and the Labor Code for detailed information regarding the regulation's scope, specifications, and exceptions and for other requirements that may be applicable to their operations. Tree Work Safety Guide safeguard employees from injury while performing tree work. How to Improve Tree Work Safety Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive health and Safety program that includes written rules and safe work procedures for all tasks performed. Ensure qualified tree workers direct tree trimming/removal/repair operations and Tree care operations include the trimming, immediately correct any identified pruning, felling, and removal of trees and hazards or improper work practices.

3 Bushes. They involve climbing trees, using portable ladders, working at heights Qualified Tree Worker while using hand and portable power An employee who, through related tools, working near energized overhead or training and on-the-job training downed power lines, feeding chippers, experience, has demonstrated familiarity and other hazardous operations. with the techniques and hazards of tree maintenance, removal, and the Tree work accidents can result in severe equipment used in the specific traumatic injuries and deaths. The most operations involved. commonly reported causes include falls, electrical shock, being struck by falling objects, and chain saw lacerations. Most Create a culture of Safety in your are preventable through hazard company for workers to establish safe recognition, hazard control, effective work habits, emphasizing the importance employee training, and the use of of working safely, and not taking chances appropriate personal protective or shortcuts.

4 Equipment. Provide Safety training to employees that This Safety Guide is intended to assist addresses the hazards associated with tree care companies by providing an tree work they perform. Safety training overview of the regulatory requirements must be: and safe work practices that can 1. Completed prior to a job assignment. Proper use and maintenance of: Provided in the language(s) workers Safety equipment, including understand. harnesses, belts, tree saddles, ropes, and lanyards. Safety Documented and additional refresher equipment must be inspected training must be given whenever before each use and immediately necessary. withdrawn from service if it is The training should also include a defective or damaged.

5 Requirement that the employees can Personal protective equipment demonstrate safe work practices. (PPE), such as hard hats, face Safety instruction must be provided on all shields, Safety glasses and shoes, relevant areas of tree work, including: gloves, high visibility clothing, and hearing protection. Hazards associated with tree work, including electrical hazards. Equipment/tools, such as chippers, pole pruners, trimmers, and chain Safe work procedures and special saws. techniques needed to perform tree pruning, trimming and felling. Conduct an initial job site inspection and Fall prevention perform daily hazard assessments before Methods of communication the start of each workday to identify all First aid and cardiopulmonary existing hazards and other potentially resuscitation (CPR) dangerous conditions.

6 Roadway Safety Have a qualified tree worker conduct a job Rescue procedures briefing to communicate and discuss with the crew: The specific hazards associated with the job before starting work on the job. Employee New hazards observed while working practicing on the job. rescue procedures The appropriate work procedures to follow, , safest method of entry into the tree. Appropriate personal protective equipment needed to accomplish the work safely. 2. Also, provide general Safety Check for weather updates and storm information to employees, including: warnings. Take into account the additional Be attentive to other workers' dangers that weather conditions such as activities as unexpected actions high winds, fog, ice, rain, high heat, can trigger new hazards.

7 Thunder and lightning can bring to the worksite and stop work, if necessary. Stay alert to surrounding hazards especially uphill, where gravity can National Weather Service Website send hazards toward employees. Wear high- visibility attire and take a Common Tree Work Safety position Topics where they can be easily There are many operations involved in tree seen by work trimming, cutting, pruning, repairing, others. removal, etc. Information on some of the most common Safety topics in tree work is Provide provided below. adequate supplies of potable Prevent Electrocutions drinking water for employees ALWAYS ASSUME THAT POWER. and LINES ARE ENERGIZED! Drinking sufficient water encourage can prevent heat illness consumption.

8 Control pedestrian and vehicular traffic effectively, as needed. 3. When work is near overhead or downed Never touch a power line or make any power lines, always assume that all power contact with an object (energized tool, lines and any attached equipment, such tree limb, equipment, etc.) that is in as transformers, are energized. Before contact with a power line. Any contact work begins, contact the utility company can be fatal. for immediate assistance. Be alert to changing weather conditions, Electricity can jump from a power line such as strong winds, that can cause to nearby objects. Electrocution can branches to fall onto power lines and occur even though the worker is not then contact the worker, thereby directly touching the power line bringing the worker into the electrical because an arc can form between the pathway, causing shock or power line and a nearby object, such electrocution.

9 As a pruning pole held by the worker. Only use insulated (nonconductive). Electrocution can also occur when a tools, ropes, ladders, etc., near power worker is standing on the ground near lines. a downed power line even though the worker is not touching the power line. Visually inspect the specialized personal protective equipment, , insulating Provide specialized training to workers on (rubber) gloves with leather protectors, the dangers of electrical shock/ for defects and damage prior to use electrocution and the critical importance of each day, and follow proper procedures using PPE, special tools and techniques, for examination, testing, cleaning, and and other safe work practices: storage to ensure it provides the needed protection.

10 Follow the 10-foot (minimum approach distance) rule. Never perform tree Additional training, on-the-job experience work where trees or branches and special skills are required for the (including leaves) are within 10 feet of following employees: high- voltage energized power lines and conductors. Qualified tree workers are permitted to perform tree work within 10 feet of an Also, remind employees to keep body energized low- voltage (600 V or less). parts, clothing, tools, and equipment, power line, but cannot work less than 1. such as ladders or aerial devices, foot from the low- voltage power line. beyond this minimum approach distance and as far away as possible Qualified line-clearance tree workers are from all overhead power lines.