A Guide to Safe Work Practice 歐盟樹木工作安全指南

A Guide to Safe Work Practice

1. Introduction

1.1 This leaflet provides guidance on minimum standards for safer work practice in tree work operations including aerial work techniques, use of saws in trees and organisation on work sites for aerial tree work.

1.2 Tree work operations are potentially hazardous to people and property. They must only be carried out by skilled, fully trained operatives.

1.3 The leaflet describes safer methods of work and provides guidance for operatives, employers, clients and national work safety boards.

1.4 The guidance should be used in conjunction with all relevant EU and national safety regulations, legislation
and recommendations. This guidance is not intended to supersede or replace national guidance issued by regulatory bodies or enforcement authorities.

1.5 The European Arboricultural Council is a forum of representatives from arboricultural organisations throughout Europe, which
has the objective of advancing professional standards of tree care.

2. General

Tree work operations are physically demanding. Operatives need to be reasonably fit, both physically and mentally. Regular medical examinations for operatives are recommended. Further medical advice should be taken if operators have any condition affecting:

• Alcohol/drug dependency
• Prescribed medication (affecting the

operators’ ability to use a chainsaw and/ or work at height)

2.1 All operatives must receive appropriate training and certification, where it is nationally available, for the tasks they are required to perform. Tree work operations involving work at height should be properly planned and, where necessary, appropriately supervised.

2.2 A team of two or more persons must carry out all aerial tree work. At least one team member should fulfil the role of a competent grounds person, having the ability and necessary equipment to carry out an aerial rescue.

2.3 Provision for administering first aid on site must be made at all times. All operatives should be trained in emergency first aid procedures and receive regular update training. It is recommended that climbers carry a clearly marked and accessible personal first aid kit.

2.4 A risk assessment of the work site, the machinery to be used, the task to be undertaken and each individual tree must be carried out prior to, and for the duration of, the operation. The risk assessment must include provision for emergency descent and aerial rescue. Initial risk assessment must be utilised to determine whether work from a rope and harness would be deemed reasonably practicable. This means that other methods, such as pole saws from the ground, use of work platforms, etc. are

not feasible and do not justify significant additional time and expense, or will not significantly improve the level of risk to the climber or others (the public, co-workers, etc.). As part of the on-site risk assessment, accurate emergency information should be recorded about the site. This may include site name, location, nearest hospital, on-site operators’ details, mobile phone number(s) and battery life, etc. This list is just intended as an example.

2.5 Extreme weather conditions may impair the operative’s ability to carry out work. Sufficient breaks must be taken to minimize the risk of fatigue and dehydration. Tree work operatives must ensure that work at height is carried out only when the weather conditions do not jeopardise the health and safety of persons involved in the work.

2.6 All equipment must be stored and handled in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations. Application and configuration of work equipment (e.g. karabiners, friction hitches, termination knots, etc.) must be in accordance with manufacturers’ guidance, national industry best practice literature or published research material.

2.7 All equipment must be inspected before use and on a regular basis, in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and national guidance and regulations.

2.8 Tree work operatives should ensure
that all persons engaging in any activity, including organisation, planning and supervision, in relation to work at height
or work equipment for use in such work, are competent to do so or, if being trained, are being supervised by a competent person.

2.9 Where tree climbing has been identified as the most appropriate work method, operators must complete a thorough visual tree inspection prior to climbing. This inspection should identify whether the tree
is safe to climb, the most appropriate access method, anchor points, and the planning of the work sequence. The following list provides guidance as to what operators may look for as part of this pre-climb inspection.

• Cavities, decay or decay fungi
• Deadwood and broken branches

• Dead or flaking bark
• V-shaped unions
• Cracks
• Nesting birds or protected animal species
• External hazards to the tree including

buildings, footpaths, power lines, etc.

Consideration should also be given to any protection rights imposed on the tree which may prevent work taking place.

3. Aerial Work Methods

Tree care operations can be carried out by using a mobile work platform or climbing techniques using a rope and harness.

3.1 Climbing techniques using a rope and harness

3.1.1 Warm-up exercises prior to climbing are recommended to minimise muscle injury.

3.1.2 Specialised ropes and harnesses are available and must be used. All climbing equipment produced after July 1, 1995 must conform to relevant EN specifications where they exist.

3.1.3 A sit harness with leg loops may be used for work positioning, i.e. when working no higher than the anchor point with a taut rope or minimal slack.

3.1.4 If the climbing method exposes the climber to the risk of vertical fall, suitable fall arrest equipment must be used i.e. a full body harness and energy absorber.

3.1.5 Karabiners that are used to connect
the harness to the lifeline must have a spring loaded, self-locking gate that requires at least three distinct movements to open it. Karabiners must be kept in correct alignment when in use and not “chain linked.”

3.1.6 Tree work operatives must ensure that ropes and friction hitch materials selected for work at height are appropriate in relation to length, diameter, safe working load, handling characteristics and interaction or interference with climbing system components e.g. friction cord on rope.

3.1.7 Single rope technique (SRT) access methods may be utilised for tree access and, where appropriate, should be combined with a suitable back-up system. Operators should be aware of the possible significant forces applied to the anchor point (up to two times) when utilising single rope techniques

3.1.8 Footlock methods of rope ascent must only be used if the climber is securely attached with a suitable friction knot or mechanical ascending device. Where appropriate, this access technique should include the use of a suitable back-up system. Operatives using mechanical ascending devices must ensure that suitable back-up

or fail-safe systems are employed in the event of mechanical failure during ascent, i.e. ascender back up.

3.1.9 Anchor points should be carefully selected to ensure free running of the climbing rope and to safely support the weight of the climber. Anchor points must be visually assessed and weight-tested by the climber “bouncing” on the line before ascent, particularly where the anchor point has been

installed by use of a throwline. Special attention should be paid to potential significantly increased loading of the anchor point when single rope access techniques are utilised.

3.1.10 Friction savers should be used where possible to reduce damage to the tree and the rope and to improve the efficiency of the climbing technique.

3.1.11 The climber must be secured to the tree at all times by means of the climbing rope and/or strop(s).

3.1.12 Once in the tree, supplementary anchor points must be installed where the risk assessment dictates, to ensure that the safety of the climber is not put at risk from, for example, a pendulum fall, where the strength of the anchor point is uncertain or compromised, or where there is a risk of the climbing rope being cut.

3.1.13 The climbing rope should be long enough to allow descent from the work position point to the ground. Very long ropes can be impractical to use and other provision may be necessary for descent from exceptionally tall trees.

3.1.14 The end of the climbing rope should be knotted to prevent it passing through the friction knot or descending device.

3.1.15 Climbing irons (or spikes) may be used only during sectional felling operations to assist ascent and work positioning or aerial rescue. The climber must remain attached to the tree through the use of additional ropes or strops when passing obstacles such as side branches.

3.2 Mobile work platforms

3.2.1 Manufacturers’ recommendations along with country-specific guidance, legislation
or published research material on the use of mobile work platforms must be followed at all times.

3.2.2 The load-bearing capacity of the ground must be assessed carefully to ensure the stability of the platform.

3.2.3 The platform must only be used for operatives and necessary tools. The platform must not be used as an anchor point for lowering tree sections or for transporting tree sections.

3.2.4 When the platform is used to provide access for pruning or sectional felling, operatives must be trained in branch- removal techniques.

3.2.5 Care must be taken to prevent falling branches from hitting any part of the platform, boom or transporting vehicle.

3.2.6 Operatives must not over-reach from the platform and it is recommended that they be secured to a designated anchor point with a suitable harness and adjustable lanyard.

3.2.7 The safe working load of the platform (basket) must not be exceeded. The working platform must be suitable and of sufficient strength and rigidity for the purpose for which it is being used.

3.2.8 In the case of wheeled structures, machinery must be fitted with appropriate devices to prevent the platform inadvertently moving during work at height.

3.2.9 A mobile work platform basket must possess a suitable floor surface to ensure that no person or object could fall from it.

3.3 Ladders/static work platforms

3.3.1 Ladders are principally used for access to the crown of the tree. If work is carried out from the ladder, the operative must be attached to the tree by a rope/strop and harness. The top of the ladder should also be secured to the tree. Where a ladder is used for repeated access from the same position, the top of the ladder must be secured.

3.3.2 The ladder must be placed firmly to prevent slipping or twisting, at an angle of approximately 75 degrees (base distance

from the tree equal to 1⁄4 ladder height). Special ladder footing devices may be necessary to improve stability on uneven or slippery surfaces.

3.3.3 Static work platforms such as scaffolding must be positioned so that they are stable and not at risk from the operation being carried out.

3.3.4 A thorough risk assessment should be completed prior to the use of ladders, with consideration being given to the use of this equipment only if that risk assessment has demonstrated that the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified.

3.3.5 Extension or over-rung ladders must
be erected in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions, including the correct number of overlapping rungs when extended.

4. Use Of Saws In Trees

4.1 Handsaws should be used in preference to chainsaws in the tree wherever practicable.

4.2 Chainsaws must only be used for aerial tree work by competent climbers who have been trained in their use and passed a national certificate of competence where this is available.

4.3 Chainsaws expose operators to potentially excessively high levels of both noise and vibration, which in turn can lead to potential health risks to the operators. Good management practices should be adopted to reduce these risks, including – but not limited to – regular chainsaw maintenance programmes, information for employees

on the health risks and adequate PPE.

4.4 The chainsaw should be of a size appropriate to the material being cut. Top- handled chainsaws are designed, and are only suitable, for use off the ground. In particular, top-handled saws must in normal operating circumstances be used with two hands holding the saw. Chainsaws must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions at recommended intervals. It is important that machinery is only operated with the correct guards in place and that safety features are present and fully functioning where required.

4.5 Chainsaws must be started and used according to manufacturers’ recommendations. Operatives must wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

4.6 The chain brake should be applied before starting. The engine should be switched off or the chain brake applied when changing work position. If the saw is not in use for more than 30 seconds, it should be switched off.

4.7 When using a chainsaw from a rope and harness, secure work positions must be established and the use of secondary load- bearing anchor points is recommended where the risk assessment dictates. Climbers should be positioned where there is no risk to the climbers’ ropes; where the risk to the climbers’ ropes does exist, a secondary load-bearing anchor point must be used. Secondary or supplementary anchor points should always be chosen to minimise the

risk of cutting both the main tie-in point and the secondary system. Cut-protected strops should be used where the cut is being made close to the anchor point, for example during section felling.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

5.1 All persons on site must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The operator must inspect PPE before use. Damaged PPE must be discarded and replaced. PPE should meet current EN standards for that equipment type where appropriate and applicable.

5.2 When using chainsaws, operators must wear PPE in accordance with national regulations and recommendations.

5.3 Operators not using chainsaws must wear safety boots and a safety helmet. Eye and ear protection should also be worn when working in close proximity to operators using chainsaws or other machinery.

6. Organisation Of The Work Site

All operatives should be aware of:

• the work to be carried out;
• their personal responsibilities; • the work in progress;
• the tasks involved.

6.1 Suitable systems of communication between operatives must be established. Operators must check the danger zone before releasing any sections from the tree.

6.2 The work area must be identified and secured by the use of suitable signs and barriers or other appropriate means.

6.3 Safe working distances and practice with respect to overhead power lines must be maintained in accordance with the requirements of power suppliers and national regulations.

6.4 Work on, or close to, public highways and railways must comply with national and local requirements regarding signage and the use of high visibility warning clothing.

6.5 Ground staff must inform aerial operators before entering the drop zone under the
tree or operating noisy machinery such as chainsaws and brushwood chippers which could hinder communication.

6.6 Provision must be made for accidents and emergencies. All staff must be trained in emergency procedures, including assisting with aerial rescue situations. This applies to tree care operations being undertaken from a rope and harness and from a lift platform.

6.7 Work in adverse weather or poor light conditions should only continue if safe practice can be maintained.

6.8 Safe methods of operation for the work to be completed should be agreed by all operators on site. These methods should include safe working distances when using a chainsaw, tree felling and cross-cutting of timber. Where several operators are working closely together at reduced safe working distances, all on-site operators may

be required to wear chainsaw PPE in accordance with national regulations and recommendations.

For further advice and information please contact your national EAC representative or visit www.EAC-arboriculture.com

The text of this leaflet may be freely reproduced with acknowledgement to source.