Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for tree removal
- Trees are assessed for size, structural defects, weight distribution, spread/width, wind loading and canopy.
- The fall site is assessed considering wind speed and direction, topography, safe fall zone, exclusion zone, any potential danger to the public or property, and environmental implications.
- Tools, equipment and machinery are selected according to appropriate removal methods.
- Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise guidelines.
- OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.
- Risk controls selected determine work method to cut and drop, or use rigging techniques.
- Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.
- Coordinate site preparation
- A safe fall zone and exclusion zone are determined considering tree characteristics, degree of lean of tree, and site, environmental, and safety assessments.
- A planned escape route, noting debris and other potential hazards is determined.
- Fall zone and escape route are cleared and surrounding features/structures are protected from damage.
- Exclusion zone is identified, appropriate safety barriers erected and safety procedures implemented and monitored.
- Dismantle branches
- Weights of tree branches are ascertained so that they do not exceed the safe working limit of equipment.
- Branches are dismantled using the "cut and drop" method, or cut and lowered by ropes in accordance with accepted rigging techniques.
- Dismantling techniques are employed to ensure branches fall or are lowered safely into the determined drop zone with no damage to property and equipment, or injury to personnel.
- Dismantle tree
- A safety lanyard and climbing spurs are used to ascend tree to perform sectional felling.
- An elevated platform is used for access to assist sectional felling.
- Sections are cut and thrown using a directional scarf and back cut with an accepted industry method.
- Sections are cut and dropped using a horizontal cut and appropriate hinge wood.
- A pull rope is used to control fall of tree sections.
- Industry standard hitches and knots are used in rope lowering of cut tree sections.
- Fell wind thrown and suspended trees
- The risk potential of wind thrown or suspended tree is assessed.
- Safe work methods which apply to the removal of wind thrown or suspended trees are adopted.
- Hand or power winches are used to pull out the suspended tree as necessary.
- The root system of a wind thrown tree lying on the ground is propped.
- Wind thrown tree is crosscut in correct position to reduce trunk movement and prepare it for removal.
- Complete felling operations