Assume that All Power Lines Are Energized!
Contact the utility company to discuss de-energizing and grounding or shielding of power lines.
All tree trimming or removal work within ten feet of a power line must be done by trained and experienced line-clearance tree trimmers. A second tree trimmer is required within normal voice communication range.
Line-clearance tree trimmers must be aware of and maintain the proper minimum approach distances when working around energized power lines.
Use extreme caution when moving ladders and equipment around downed trees and power lines.
Stay Alert at All Times!
Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions.
Perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting work.
Eliminate or minimize exposure to hazards at the tree and in the surrounding area.
Operators of chain saws and other equipment should be trained and the equipment properly maintained.
Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, etc., recommended in the equipment manufacturer’s operating manual.
Determine the tree’s felling direction. Address forward lean, back lean, and/or side lean issues.
Determine the proper amount of hinge wood to safely guide the tree’s fall. Provide a retreat path to a safe location.
Inspect tree limbs for strength and stability before climbing. Tree trimmers working aloft must use appropriate fall protection.
Do not climb with tools in your hands.
If broken trees are under pressure, determine the direction of the pressure and make small cuts to release it.
Use extreme care when felling a tree that has not fallen completely to the ground and is lodged against another tree.
Never turn your back on a falling tree.
Be alert and avoid objects thrown back by a tree as it falls.
Safety Clothes:
Helmet/face shield: Tree removal specialists have to wear helmets or a face shield to defend against any falling tree debris so they don’t get a concussion. It’s also good for them in case they fall. These should also be able to protect them from electricity in case they fall back near a power line by absorbing the shock.
Gloves: Heavy work gloves are another important piece of a tree service professional’s ensemble, as it defends their hands from any kind of cuts, bruises or infections from poisonous plants, insects or chemicals. These also allow them to have a better grip when scaling a tree and making cuts with a chainsaw.
Chainsaw protective clothing: To operate a chainsaw safely, you need to have the right kind of clothing. This means having thick clothing that can handle any debris the chainsaw throws off while cutting, including rugged pants and jamming protective chap, sometimes made of Kevlar. The chaps also help in case the chainsaw comes too close.
Goggles/safety glasses: Tree removal professionals need eye protection from the chainsaw debris and limbs while up in the tree or down on the ground cutting it into pieces. If they don’t wear a protective face shield, then they will either wear safety goggles or glasses to protect their eyes. This way their eyesight stays 20/20, and they avoid unnecessary accidents.
Earmuffs/ear plugs: Research has shown that extended time without ear protection against chainsaw noise causes damage to the inner ear, which leads to long-term hearing damage. To combat against that, professionals wear earmuffs or ear plugs while operating the chainsaw. It protects their hearing while allowing them to still do the job.
Work shoes: To get a better grip on the tree and protect their feet from work gear and tree debris, tree removal professionals need to have the right kind of shoes. They cannot wear regular tennis shoes to a work site. Boots with strap-on spikes are often required for optimal scaling and also steel-toed for protection from toppled limbs while cutting the tree up.
