Tree Work Safety Fact Sheet
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Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch Safety & Health Fact Sheet Division of Occupational Safety and Health Tree Work Safety Tree work includes trimming, pruning, felling, and How to Improve Tree Work Safety removal of trees and bushes. It involves climbing To ensure tree worker safety, the employer should: trees, using portable ladders, working at heights while using hand and portable power tools, working • Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive health and safety program that includes written near energized overhead or downed power lines, safety rules and safe work procedures for all tasks feeding chippers, and other hazardous operations. performed. • Ensure that qualified tree workers direct tree Accidents related to tree work can result in severe trimming/removal/repair operations, and immediately traumatic injuries and deaths. Commonly reported correct any hazards or improper work practices accidents include falls, electrocutions, and those identified. caused by falling objects. Most accidents can be prevented by recognizing and controlling hazards in QUALIFIED TREE WORKER advance as well as training employees on safe An employee who, through related training and on-the- work practices and effective use of personal job experience, has demonstrated familiarity with the techniques and hazards involved in tree maintenance, protective equipment. and removal, and use of special equipment. Cal/OSHA Requirements • Create a company safety culture that encourages workers to establish safe habits, emphasizing the Regulations that specifically apply to tree work are listed importance of safety and not taking risks or below, and can be found in the Title 8 California Code of shortcuts. Regulations (T8CCR) • Provide safety training to employees to improve their Sections on Tree Work, Maintenance or Removal knowledge and awareness of workplace hazards to help them perform their work more efficiently and 3420 Scope and definition safely. Safety training must be: 3421 General requirements Practical and include a requirement for 3422 Tree workers' saddles employees to demonstrate the ability to safely 3423 General electrical hazards perform work on their own. 3424 Mobile equipment Completed prior to a job assignment. 3425 Portable power hand tools 3426 Hand tools Provided in language(s) workers understand. 3427 Safe work procedures Documented to establish proof of training. Safety training must cover the following topics at a There are additional regulations that affect employers minimum: engaged in tree work. Among the most common are: The job-specific hazards associated with tree 2940.2 Clearances from high-voltage power lines work including electrical hazards. 3203 Injury and Illness Prevention Program Safe work procedures and special techniques 3328 Requirements for machinery and equipment for performing tree pruning, trimming, and felling. 3380 Personal protective devices 3395 Heat illness prevention Fall prevention equipment and practices. 3458 Fall protection for date palm operations Methods of communication. 3648 Fall protection while working with aerial devices First aid and CPR. Roadway safety. 1 Tree Work Safety conditions such as high winds, fog, ice, rain, Rescue procedures (see additional information). high heat, thunder, and lightning can bring to Hazards associated with pesticide and fertilizer the worksite and stop work, if necessary. application. National Weather Service Website Proper use and maintenance of: http://www.weather.gov/ . Safety equipment such as harnesses, belts, • Protect tree workers tree saddles, ropes, and lanyards. Inspect from heat-related safety equipment before each use and illness. Provide immediately withdraw from service if found adequate supplies of defective or damaged. potable drinking water . Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as and encourage hard hats, face shields, safety glasses, shoes, frequent gloves, high-visibility clothing, and hearing consumption. protection. • Control . Equipment and tools such as chippers, pole pedestrian pruners, trimmers, and chain saws. and vehicular • Conduct an initial job site inspection and perform traffic daily hazard assessments before the start of each effectively, work day to identify all existing hazards and other as needed. potentially dangerous conditions. • Establish rescue procedures and provide training • Prior to the start of a job, have a qualified tree in emergency response protocol. Provide worker conduct a job briefing with the crew to training in aerial rescue procedures for communicate and discuss: employees whose job assignments may require Specific hazards associated with the job before it them to perform aerial rescues. starts or even while working, if a new hazard is • Provide at least two trained people who can discovered. administer first aid and CPR for field work The appropriate work procedures to follow, e.g., involving two or more employees at a location. the safest method to access a tree. • Have workers wear a tree workers' saddle and Appropriate personal protective equipment require at least two means of being secured needed to accomplish work safely. when they work aloft. • Provide general information on safety to employees • Make sure that employees are tied in or secured including: while ascending the tree and remain so until the work is done and they are back on the ground. Being attentive to what other workers are doing, as unexpected actions can create new hazards. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide proper How to use tools, equipment, PPE, fall protection gear, and high-visibility other items necessary to perform tree work safely. attire, and the importance of Contacting Cal/OSHA Consultation Services positioning Publications: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/PubOrder.asp themselves in : www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/consultation.html order to be Consultation Programs easily seen by Toll-free Number: 1-800-963-9424 others. Onsite Assistance Program Area Offices Central Valley: 559-454-1295 San Diego/Imperial: 619-767-2060 Staying alert to surrounding hazards at all times, No. California: 916 263-0704 San Bernardino: 909-383-4567 especially while working uphill where gravity can SF/Bay Area: 510-622-2891 San Fernando Valley: 818-901-5754 send dangerous materials down toward other La Palma/LA/Orange: 714-562-5525 employees working at lower elevations. The information is not neither a substitute for nor legal interpretation of the occupational safety and health regulations. Readers need to refer directly to Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations for • Check for weather updates and storm warnings. detailed information regarding the regulation’s scope, specifications, exceptions and for other Take into account additional dangers that weather requirements that may be applicable to their operations. 2 OCT 14 .