Tree Trimming Safety

Dead or broken tree branches present hazards.

Tree trimming is hazardous, presenting the potential for injury from falls, electrocution, and damage inflicted by sharp cutting tools or falling objects. Whether you are cleaning up trees damaged by a storm, trimming trees in your yard, employed in tree maintenance or harvesting lumber, safety must be your first consideration. Taking thorough safety precautions will help avoid injury to yourself and those around you.

Assess Area For Potential Hazards

Well maintained trees enhance your property.

Before starting, assess the area. Look for broken limbs, dangling electrical wires or developing weather hazards. Avoid climbing trees or branch cutting when it is icy, rainy, very windy, foggy, or when there is lightning. Clear the immediate area around a damaged tree. If a tree has partially fallen on others, be alert to their springing back action, which could propel branches or objects toward you. If you’re working near a roadway, be certain that falling branches won’t create additional hazards.

Prevent Electrical Accidents

Chain saws should be used with caution.

Always assume that power lines are energized and never touch dangling ones! Before starting any work with trees that are near power lines, contact the utility company about turning off the energy, grounding or shielding these lines with insulating blankets. Know the minimum safe working distance from live power lines; use non-conductive tools and equipment. When removing branches, use pull ropes to prevent them from falling over power lines and wear rubber gloves when using a pole pruner. Wooden pruner handles must be dry and the cutting head connected to the lower end of the pole with a polypropylene rope, never a chain or wire. Use extreme caution when moving ladders near downed power lines.

Avoid Falls

When trimming trees, one person should remain on the ground.

Check safety gear, harnesses, latches, ropes to be certain that equipment is in good working order with no tears or flaws. Don’t raise or lower cutting equipment on safety lines which could cause damage. When cutting, avoid nicking or accidentally damaging lines and safety ropes. Do not climb with saws, pruners or cutting tools in your hands. Don’t use dead, cracked branches for support; be wary of diseased, weakened or split trees. When climbing, move one hand or foot at a time, placing them on separate limbs. Break off dead branches as you climb. Tie ladders to secure branch before using and never leave partially sawn limbs on trees. An aerial lift may be the safest choice for trimming diseased trees but be certain you know its operation.

Avoid Injury From Falling Objects

Do not work in trees during storms or lightning.

Before cutting, assess the leaning tree and clear area where it will fall; then prevent bystander access. Avoid walking under damaged trees as limbs may suddenly drop. Raise and lower tools on hand lines or in buckets. Attach tools securely by one end so they don’t catch easily on branches.

Use Safety Equipment

Avoid power lines when trimming trees.

Wear non-conductive hard hat, safety goggles, leather gauntlet gloves, long-sleeved, well fitting clothes that will not become hung up on tree branches. Protect yourself from chainsaw kickback with chaps and protective gear. Wear tough safety shoes with a heel and non-slip sole. Use safety belts, lifelines, approved ropes and fall protection gear. Always work with someone on the ground; know first aid and CPR.

References

• OSHA:Tree Trimming & Removal Safety Tips
• National Ag Safety Data Base:Tree Trimming Safety
• State Insurance Compensation Fund:Tree Trimming Safety