bc faller training standard - worksafebc
TRANSCRIPT
Initial Safety Meeting Checklist✎ Site Crew Detail Date – Location – Supervisor or Bullbucker – Alternate – Crew Members – Other Crew(s) in area.
✎ Communication ProcedureMan-check system – other crews and equipment in area– safe working distance to workers, machines, helicopters.
✎ First Aid CoverageFirst Aid attendant – location of F/A supplies – radio check-in/check-out – radio frequencies – GPS coordinates – emergency phone #’s – access/egress evacuation routes – designated emergency facility – designated aircraft
✎ PPE and Falling Tools
✎ Current MapOperating commitment attached – sensitive sites (wetlands) creeks/RMA requirements – boundaries/flagging colours
✎ Hazardous Weather Conditions: Wind – rainfall – snow – fog – slope stability – avalanche
✎ Tree Hazards: Overhead hazards – root conditions – tree lean – defects
✎ Safety Concerns: Review site-specific Safe Work Procedures
✎ Special Procedures: Fall away/yard away – right-of-way – variable retention
✎ Falling Method: Hand-falling – mechanized falling
✎ Yarding and Loading Method: Skyline – grapple – helilog – ground skid – landings – type and location of equipment – roadside and cut-to-length
✎ Environmental Management System: Discuss spill plans – location of spill equipment
✎ Traffic Control: Status of road (private/public) – public access via trails – traffic control system – location of signs
✎ Fire Hazard Information: Fire Regulations MOF – location of fire equipment – current trained personnel – response plan – firefighting procedures
✎ Other Concerns: Windthrow – rock outcroppings – loose rocks – sink holes – snow depth/load – powerlines – other industrial activities
BK 96
BC FALLER TRAINING STANDARDPart 1 of 2
www.worksafebc.com
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FallSafe: Universal Safety Principles
1. Planthework/worktheplan.
2. Identify/removeobstructionstosafefalloftree.
3. Maintaincontrolofthetree;
•Maintaincontroloftheworkarea;
•Maintaincontrolofyourself.
4. Watchfor/recognizedangersanddealwiththem.
5. Workfromclear-to-safestposition.
6. HaveaPlanB.
7. Findalternativestofalling,i.e.,blasting,machineassistance.
8. Donotbeafraidtoaskforhelpfromyourpartner.
9. Tellyourco-workersiftheyarenotworkingsafely.
10.Neverstoplearning.
11.Exerciseyourfreedomtochoosetodotherightthingandfollowsafeworkproceduresatalltimes.
Rememberthatifyouencounteranunsafesituationorfallingdifficulty,stop work!NotethattheOH&SRegulationsupercedesallotherlegislation.Seek
qualifiedassistancetodetermineasafealternative.Aprofessionalfallerdoesnotcompromisesafety. A
1 Working Safely
1 Working Safely
Always work safely! Ifyouareunabletodoyourworksafely,reportthesituationtoasupervisor/bullbucker.Itistheirresponsibilitytoensurethatyoursafetyisnotcompromised.Afallerisobligatedtoperformworksafely.
TheOH&SRegulationdescribestheproperprocesstorefuseunsafework.Everyworkerhasanobligationtoreportsuchsituationstotheirsupervisor/employerandifitcannotberesolvedtocallWorkSafeBCandusetheWorkers’ Compensation Actprocess.ItisimportanttonotethataworkerasdefinedundertheWC Actcannotbefiredor
discriminatedagainstforbringinguphealthandsafetyissues.
Personal Safety ProgramAlthoughtheOH&SRegulationwaswrittentoprovideasafeworkingenvironment,workplacesafetycannotbelegislated.Itstartswitheveryworker’spersonalsafetyattitudeandhabits.Developyourpersonalsafetyprogramandcontinuallystriveforimprovementsofyourownsafetyhabitsandthoseofothers!
Maintain control of yourself: bementally and physically fit (3).Alwaysexpecttheunexpected.Wearappropriateclothing,alwaysusePPE (2).Ensureequipmentisingoodworkingorder.Followsafeworkprocedures,andknowwhentoaskforassistanceorwhentorefuseunsafework.Strivetoimprove;learnfromothers.
Maintain control of the work area: planthesafestsequenceoffallingtreesandfollowthisplan.Chooseagoodpositionforsafebucking.Post and barricade (10)workareaasrequiredandlimitaccessonlytosupervision,training,orwhenassistanceisrequired.Alwaysfollowthetwo tree-lengths rule (10).Checkonyourfellowworkersatleastevery20minutesandalwaysfollowestablishedman-check procedures (9).
Maintain control of the tree: assess every tree (17)forleananddefect.Constructproperfallingcuts.Havewedging tools (8)atthebaseofeverytree.Setawedgeineverybackcutassoonaspossible.Avoidunnecessarybrushing (16)andpushing (27)oftrees.Donothesitatetoaskforassistancetosolveafallingdifficulty.
Reporting Unsafe Work
•Stopwork;reportunsafeconditiontoasupervisororemployer.
•Supervisorinvestigatesimmediately.•Supervisorremediesunsafeworkor
informsworkerthatworkISsafe.•Ifworkerstillclaimsthatconditions
areunsafe,supervisororemployermustinvestigatewithworkerandworkerfromjointcommittee,fromtradeunion,oranyotherworker.
•Ifinvestigationdoesnotresolvematter,supervisor/employerANDworkermustnotifytheBoard.
2 Clothing & Personal Protective Equipment
2 Clothing & Personal Protective Equipment
ClothingHavefullbodyprotectionforanyanticipatedweatherconditions,i.e.,raingear.Wearcomfortableclose-fittingclothinginlayerssothatyoucanregulatebodytemperature.Woolisrecommendedincoolandwetconditions.Donotcoverhi-vis apparel (3).Aneckshroudhelpstopreventsunburnsandrain/snowfromfallingdownyourneck.Keepspareclothingavailableinyourpackandvehicle.
Safety HeadgearAllheadgearmustbehigh-visorangeorred,andmeetCSAorANSIstandards,withacceptablesuspension(4-pointminimum).Checkandreplacebrittleordamagedsuspension.Donotplaceanythingbetweenshellandsuspension,i.e.,pressuredressingorgloves.Donotuseheadgearthatismissingcomponentsorisdamagedormodifyhardhatshell,i.e.,drillholes.
NotethatregulationsgovernheadgearinusewithATVandsnowmachineapplications.
Eye and Face ProtectionSafetyglassesorgogglesalonedonotgiveadequateprotectionastheydonotprotectfacefromflyingorfallingdebris.Useawire-meshfacescreenthateasilyflipsupwhennotrequired.Wearsafetylenssunglassestoreduceglarewhenworking in snow (31).
Hearing ProtectionHearingprotectionmustbeworn.Maintainittomanufacturer’sstandards,i.e.,replacecushionswhen
saturatedorhardened.Earmuffsandearplugscanprovideequalhearingprotectionbutearmuffsarerecommended.Muffsare
easiertoputonandliftoff,protecttheouterear,sideoffaceandhead,andprovidewarmthincold and rain (30).Donotmodifyearmuffs.
Hand ProtectionProtecthandsagainstabrasions,cuts,scrapes,coldandwet,andwhilehandlingthechainsaw,i.e.,whilefilingandhandlingthechain.Glovesalsoprovidegriponthesaw.
Leg ProtectionProtectivepantsaremandatoryforfallersandcanpreventabrasionsandbruising.Theydonotpreventpenetrationofthechainbutcanlessentheseverityofthecutandprotectthelegsduringkickback.Replacetornordamagedpants,orrepair
accordingtomanufacturer’sinstructionspriortouse.
Safety FootwearWearwell-constructedworkboots.Uppersmustbeaminimum8”(20 cm)inheighttoprovidegoodanklesupport.Use“Logger’sTie”tokeepbootslacedtothetop.Caulkedbootsarerequiredwhenwalkingonlogs.Choosebetweenrubber,leather,orinsulatedcaulkedboots,orsnowshoes.Inspectandreplacecaulksandlacesasneeded.
Typical Daily NoiseExposures (Decibels)
Chokerman 79 Faller 103 YarderOperator 93 LoaderOperator 90 LandingMan 103 HeavyDutyMechanic90
Average exposure above 85 over an 8-hr day can cause hearing damage.
“Logger’s Tie”
3 Safety Equipment and Personal Well-Being
3 Safety Equipment and Personal Well-Being
Hi-Vis ApparelBrightlycolouredclothingallowsyoutobeseenatadistance,bothduringregularman-checks (9)andincaseofaninjury.Italsomakesiteasiertoseeotherfallersorworkersincloseproximity.Hi-visapparelcanbeavestormodifiedclothing,andismandatoryforfallerswhoselocationmustberegularlychecked,andwhenworkingclosetomovingequipment.
RemembertousePPE (2)forhead,face,eyes,hearing,hands,legsandfeetandthatitmustmeetCSAstandardsandregulations.
Mental/Physical FitnessArriveforworkphysicallyfitandwell-rested,andnotundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.Ifyouaretakingmedication,knowthesideeffects.Eatabalanceddietofnutritionalfoods.
DehydrationDehydrationreducesmentalandphysicalperformance.Hardphysicalworkcausesafluidlossbetween0.5and1.0litresperhoursodrinksmallamountsofwaterorwarmliquidsregularlythroughouttheday.Thisisespeciallyimportantduringveryhotandcoldtemperatures.Dehydrationcontributestofrostbiteandhypothermia.Avoiddrinkinguntestedwater,i.e.,fromstreams.
Frostbite and Hypothermiaareveryseriousconditionsandcanleadtolossofextremities,comaanddeath.Wearappropriateclothing(threelayersormore)andinsulatedfootwear (2).Protectexposedareas(face,ears,hands,etc).Useheatedshelter,vehicle,orbuildafireatfirstindicationofsymptoms;staywarm.
Heat StressWearprotectiveclothing,trytoworkandrestincoolareas,takeadvantageoftheshadeduringfalling;continuouslydrinkwater.
Muskuloskeletal Injuries (MSI)Thesesofttissueinjuries,i.e.,sprains,strainsandtears,accountfornumerousinjuriestofallers.Walkingonlogsanduneventerrain,carryingequipmentandsawallday,workinginawkwardpositionsforextendedperiodsallcontributetoMSI (14) (15).Warm-upexercisesandregularstretchingwillreducethepotentialforinjury.
Warm-up ExercisesWarmupmusclesbeforestretching;thisusuallyhappenswhenyouwalkintoyourworkarea.Completestretches (4);stretchlargermusclesfirst;holdstretchesforminimumof20–30secondsbutdonotoverstretchcausingpain.Dailystretchingwillincreasemuscleflexibilitysobepersistentandkeepatit.
Other Safety Equipment
•PersonalFirstAidkit•Pressuredressing•Whistle•Radio•Dustmask•Portablepocketmask•Latexgloves•Bearspray•Beestingkit•Portablefire
extinguisher
4 Stretches
4 Stretches
thefouroutstretchedfingerswithotherhand;gentlystretchthembackwards.Counteractstightnesscausedbygrippingofchainsaw.
•Alwayswarm up (3)beforestretching.•Maintainaneutralposturewhilestretching.•Stretchonlyuntilthereisagentlepullin
themuscles.•Stretchlargermusclesfirst.•Holdstretchesforatleast20–30sec.•Ifyouhaveveryinflexiblemusclesandcannotcompletethefull
movementdowhatyoucanwithoutpain.•Repeatstretchinoppositearmsandlegs.
Quads – Holdtreeforbalance;graspanklefrombehind;keepkneestogetherandpointedtowardstheground;holdbodyupright;pullgentlyuntilyoufeelastretchatthefrontofthethigh.Reducestightnessfromwalkingdownhillorholdingonepositionforlongperiods.
Hamstring – Placeonelegonobjectnohigherthanknee;bothlegsstraight;standtallwithbackstraight;shouldersback;bendbodyforwardathip.Lengthenshamstringmusclesinbackofthigh.
Hips –Holdtreeforbalance;graspkneewithoppositehand;pullkneeupandacrossbody;donottwistlowerback.Forearm – Placepalmstogether;forearmsparalleltoground;rotatehandsforwardanddown.Maintainsflexibilityingraspingandmaneuveringchainsawandaxe.
Hand – Lockwristinstraightposition;grasp
Chest – Handsclaspedbehindback;rollshouldersbackanddown;pushchestout;raisearmswithhandsclasped.Maintainsflexibilityofshoulders.
Neck – Faceforward;slowlylowereartoshoulderuntilastretchisfeltonoppositeside.Increasesflexibilityfortree assessment (17).Stopifdizzinessoccurs.
Front Shoulder – Placestraightarmagainsttreeatshoulderheight;slowlyturn
bodyawayfromarm.Keepschestmusclesflexibleandmaintainsabalancedposture.
Shoulder – Raisearmtoshoulderheightandgraspaboveelbowwithoppositehand;pullarmgentlyacrosschest.Keepsshouldersandupperarmsflexible.
Calf – Footagainsttree;toespointedupward;keepbackandlegstraight;slowlypullbodytowardstree.Stretcheslowerlegandankle.
Achilles – Footagainsttree;toespointedupward;heelplanted;pullbodytowardstreewhilebendingknee;keeptorsostraight.Stretchesachillestendonofheel.
Donotstretchtothepointofpainasitcouldtearthemuscles.
5 Chainsaws and Other Equipment
5 Chainsaws and Other Equipment
Choosing a ChainsawBeingaprofessionalbeginswiththeselectionandcareofyourequipment.Useaprofessionalchainsawmodelwithadequate-sizedogsandachainbrakemeetingcurrentCSAstandard.Manufacturer’sfull-wraphandlebarsarerequired.Thisprovidesmaximumcontrolofthechainsawinallcuttingpositionsandallowsthechainsawtoalwaysbeusedwithapullingchaintoavoidkickback (7).Minimizebackbaring (14).
Choosechainsawandbarlengthcompatiblewithtimbersizeandactivity,i.e.,usealongerbarforlargediametertimberandlimbing/bucking.Matchpowerheadtobarlength,andbarlengthtobodyheighttoreduceMSI (14) (15).Haveasparechainsawreadilyavailableandcarrysparechainsawparts.
Carrying a Chainsaw by HandEstablishanduseagood,safeaccess/egress trail (9);
markitwithribbon;alwayswearcaulked footwear (2).
➀Cleartrailtoeliminatetrips,slipsandfallswhencarryinggear.
➁Carrychainsawwithbarandchainpointedbehindyou.
➂ Shutthechainsawoffwhencarryingitforadistance.
➃ Whenchainsawisidling,activatethechainbraketopreventchainfromrotatingifthetriggercatchesastickorbranch.
➄ Carrychainsawonthelowsideordownslope,awayfromthebodysothatitcanbereleasedsafelyintheeventofafallorifitiscaughtonanobstruction.Note:ifyouchoosetocarrythechainsawonyourshoulder,guardthedogsandchain,orflipthechainoffthebarandwrapitaroundthehandlebar.Avoidcontactwiththehotmuffler.
➅ Carrygasandoilintheotherhand.
Chainsaw Refueling•Useapprovedgasandoil
storagecontainers.•Refuelonastumporongroundfreefromdebris,brushor
snow.Donotrefuelonthestumpofthelasttreefelledtoavoidexposuretooverheadhazardsfromanunsettledcanopy.
•Afterrefueling,placegasandoilwheretheyaresafefromfallingactivities.Planyourworksothatyoucanrotatebacktowherethegasandoilcontainersarestoredbeforerunningoutoffuel.
Hand Tools and Other Equipment
•Axe/wedges (8)•Buckingtape•Files/rakergauge•Fallingbelt•Fuelcontainers•Wrenches•Screwdrivers•Greasegun
SWP
Spare Saw Parts•Air/fuelfilter•Starterrope•Chaincatcher•Sparkplug•Sprocket•Barandbartip•Chains•Nutsandbolts
Engine Problems Possible Solutions
Engineisdifficulttostartorrunspoorlyatidle
•Checksparkplugandreplaceifnecessary
Chainisrotatingduringidle •Adjusttheidle
Chainsawisracingatidle•Adjustthecarburetor•Checkforbrokenclutchspring
Chainsawbackfires/sputters•Checkforfuelcontamination•Clean/replacefuelintakefilter
Chainsawissluggishduetoinadequateairintake
•Cleanorreplaceairfilter•Fuelmixturetoorich
SWP
6 Chainsaw Maintenance and Filing
6 Chainsaw Maintenance and Filing
Replaceorrepairdefectsandmakenecessaryadjustments.Refertothechainsawmanufacturer’smanualforfurtherinformation.
Filing the ChainProperchainmaintenanceandfilingimprovessafetyandproductivitybyreducingkickback (7),chainbarandsprocketwear,andfatiguetothefaller.
Aproperlyfiledchainallowsthechainsawtocututilizingjusttheweightofthechainsaw.Filingincludescorrectcuttertoothanglesandrakerdepths.Thechaincutsthewoodbeginningwiththetopcornerofthetoothandthecuttingedgeasitispulledthroughthewood.Depthofthecutisdeterminedbytheheightoftheraker.Chainscanbehand-filedorground,andtheuseofarakergaugeishighlyrecommended.Alsorefertothechainmanufacturer’shandbookforhand-filing,grindingandmaintenanceinformation.
Chainsaw Maintenance Checklist. Keepthechainsawclean.Removeoil,sawdustanddirt.. Inspectairfilterfordamage,debrisoricing.Cleanorreplace
asrequired.Cleanaroundcarburator. Cleanoutdirt,oilandwoodchipaccumulationfromaround
thestarterrecoilassembly.Inspectforcracks.. Inspectrewindcordforwear.Replaceifworn.. Inspectandcleancoolingfinsandairintake.. Inspectguidebarfordamageandwear.Fileofftheburrs.. Checkguidebartruenessandrailwear.Replaceifrequired.. Cleanoutguidebargroove.Ensureadequateoileroperation.
Rotatebarbeforereinstalling.. Checkbartipsprocketforeasyrotation.Ifnotrotatingfreely
orhasexcessiveplay,replacethetip.Greasewhenrequired.. Checktheproperfunctioningofthechainbrakemechanism.. Cleanoilywoodchips,snoworicefromaroundbrakeband.. Inspectfloatingdrivesprocketforwear,cleanclutchshoes,
checkspringanddrum,replaceifworn;greaseasrequired.. Inspectchainforkinks,brokenlinks,andexcessivewear.. Checkandadjustchaintensionandfilechainasrequired.. Testanti-vibrationmounts.Replacechaincatcherifmissing.. Inspectmufflerandsparkarrestorscreen;replaceasneeded.. Ensurethemufflermountingboltsaretight.. Checksparkplug.Replaceifengineisperformingpoorly.. Securehandlebarboltsandscrews.Replaceifmissing.. Tightenallboltsandscrewsandreplaceifanyaremissing.
Safe Chainsaw HandlingAlwaysstartchainsawinanareawithgoodfooting,
awayfrompeopleandclearofobstructions,limbsordebristhatcouldcauseakickback.Useproperstartingtechniques.Engagechainbrakebeforestartingsawandwhenmovingfromcuttocut.
•Maintainfirm comfortable griptokeepcontrolofchain-saw.Thisprovidesforreactiontimeincaseofkickback.
•Placeonehandonhandlebar,theotheron-pistolgripandthrottle.Hookthumbunderhandlebartostophandfromslippingontochainincaseofkickback.Usewell-fitting glovesforsafergrip.
•Keep handlebar arm straight.Thiscreatesapivotpointattheshoulderwhichtendstotossthechainsawovertheshoulderofthefallerandtotheclearwhenakickbackoccurs.
•Maintain solid footing,goodbalanceandanaturalposturewhencutting.Standwithonelegforwardandonelegbacktoformastablestance.-Never“one-hand”thechainsaw.
•Holdchainsawclosetothesideofyourbody.Neverover-reachwhileoperatingchainsawasthisincreasestheriskofinjuryfromfalls,backstrain,fatigueandkickback.Holdingchainsawclosertothebodyprovidesmorecontrol.Warm up (3) and stretch (4).
•Never stand directly behind chainsaworstraddleit.Worktoonesideofchainsawtominimizeinjurypotential.Learntousethechainsawbothleft-andright-handed.Thisallowsyoutousechainsawintwosafepositions.
•Pull chainsaw smoothly out of cuts.Jerkingcauseslossofcontrol,uncertainfooting,back,armorshoulderstrains.
Prevent Chainsaw Kickback •Ensureproperlyfiled chain
(6)andrakerheights,well-maintainedchainbrake,andproperlytensionedchain;considerusingsafetyoranti-kickbackchain.
•Ensureproperbodypositioningtocontrolkickback;donotover-extendyourreachwiththechainsaw.Dogin
wherenecessarytostabilizethesaw.Alwaysusethesawwithapullingchain.Avoidbackbaring (14)toreducetheriskofkickbackfromthechainsawbeingpushedtowardsyou.
•Ensurethebartipdoesnotcontactanyobstructionswhilethechainismoving;knowwherethebartipisatalltimes.
•Removebrushandsaplingsfromaroundfallingandbuckingarea;whilelimbing,takecautionwithlimbs under tension (34).
•Choporknockoutundercutswiththeaxe (8).•Startawedgeinbackcutsassoonaspossible;
itactsasaguardifthechainsawkicksback.
Safe Boring Procedures•Ensurechainteethandrakersare
properlyfiled (6).•Useproperstanceandsecurefooting.•Keepbothhandsfirmlyonthechainsaw,holdthechainsawclose
andtoonesideofyourbodyandkeephandlebararmstraight.•Applyconsistentequalpressureasyoufeedchainintocut.Do
notforcechainintocut.Keepfocusedwhenexposingthebartip.•Feelforincrease/decreaseofpressureinthetreetensionasthe
chainisbeingfedintothecut.Pressureindicatesthatthebind (36) is causingthecuttoclosewhichresultsinapinchedbarorkickback.
7 Safe Chainsaw Handling Procedures
7 Safe Chainsaw Handling Procedures
Kickback Zone
Kickback
Thisisthedangerousandunexpectedupwardthrustoftheguidebarandchainwhenthemovingchaincontactsasolidobject.
SWP
SWP
SWP
8 Axes and Wedges
8 Axes and Wedges
•Whenstrikingthewedgetheforceappliedtothewedgetravelsupthroughtothetopofthetree,thereforeitisimportanttopausebeforestrikingagaintoallowthetoptomoveandtreetolift.
•Ifathickwedge,i.e.,doubletaper,isusedtostartliftingthetree,itmaysimplyjustcompressintothewoodinsteadofliftingthe
tree.Thiscouldresultinthewedgeflyingoutbackatthefaller.•Usingtoothickofawedgetostart
canalsoresultintheholdingwoodbreakingandthetreefallingoverbackwardstowardsthefaller.Usetwothinnerwedges,i.e.,singletaper,tostartwithinsteadandstrikealternately.
Remove thick bark:RemovethickbarkofDouglasfir,LarchandCottonwoodwithchainsaworaxe.Exposewhitewood/sapwoodsothatwedgescanbesetintosolidwoodandthatyoucanseethebackcutopenorclose.Wearappropriate PPE (2).
Wedging ExampleConsiderthefollowingexample:a2-ftdiametertreeis120 fttall,andleansback5ftfromvertical.Usinga1”wedge,thistreecanbemoved5 fttowardsthedirectionoffallwhichwilltakethetreetoplumb.Byeitherstackingtwo1”wedgesorusinga2”wedgethetreecanbemovedanadditional10 ftwhichshouldmakeitfall.Remembertousesawdustwhenstacking wedges (21).
Axe RequirementsMinimumacceptablestandardisanaxewitha3.5lbsheadanda17 ”handlemeasuredfromtheendofthehandletowhereitfitsintothehead;however,afull-sizeaxe(minimumof3.5lbsand27 ”inoveralllength)isrecommendedtoensurefluidmotionandgoodbodyposture;lettheweightoftheaxedothework.Toolightanaxeheadandtooshortahandlewillresultinstressinjuriestohands,forearms,elbows,shoulders,neckandback.•Carryaxebyhand,orinanapprovedholderandcarryingloopon
theoutsideofthebelt–nevertucktheaxethroughthebelt.•Avoid pushing (27);keepasparefull-sizeaxereadilyavailable.•Keepaxeheadsecured,i.e.,pinned.
WedgesWedgingtoolsmustbeimmediatelyavailableatthebaseofeverytreebeingfelled.Carryatleast3wedgesinyourwedgepouchsuitablefortimbertypeandweatherconditions;havesparewedgesavailable.Usewinterwedgeswhenwedgingfrozen wood (31).
The Physics of Wedging•Awedgeactsasalever,andlifts
thetreetowardstheintendeddirectionoffall.
Wedge Uses•Keepbackcutopen.•Preventpinchingof
chainandbar.•Lifttreetostartthefall.•Assistintreeplacement.•Guardagainstchainsaw
kickback.•Correctwedgingreduce
fatigueandbodystrain.
Axe Uses•Setanddrivewedges.•Chop/cleanoutundercuts.•Checksoundnessofstem
androotcondition.•Cleardirt/debrisaround
treebeforemakingcuts.•Useasplumblineto
determineleanoftree.•Chopburrsoffwedges.
Key Safe Practices
B
Plan AvoidUnnecessary YourWork Brushing
MaintainSafe RemoveDangerous Distances TreesProgressively
Workin UseProperSafeAreas FallingCuts
9 Planning – Safety Meetings – Man-Checks
9 Planning – Safety Meetings – Man-Checks
Falling PlanThesupervisor/bullbuckerconductsaninitialwalkthroughtheareatoassesstheterrainandgenerallean,identifypotentialhazardsandtocreateafallingplanforsafefallingandbucking,basedontheharvestingmethod.Thisplanmustbecommunicatedtofallersandaffectedworkers.
Initial Safety MeetingAttheinitialsafetymeeting,supervisor/bullbucker,fallersandengineerifrequired,reviewthefallingplanmapanddiscussfallingplanobjectives,placementoffallers,First Aid coverage (11),problemareasorspecifichazards,andspecialproceduresrequired.Fallersmustbeabletomatchthefallingplanmaptotheactualfallingarea.Theymustknowallpertinentinformationincludingthefallingboundaries,roadandlandinglocations,harvestingmethods,riparianareas,wildlifetreepatches,andtheirrespectiveflaggingcolours,paintand/orblazesapplicableinthearea.Accessandegresstrailsmustbeestablishedandmarked.SeeInitial Safety Meeting Checklistonbackcover.
Written Man-Check ProceduresBeingisolatedfromotherworkersintheareacannotalwaysbeavoided.•Pre-planforcircumstancesorpotentialhazardsthatcouldisolate
thefaller,anddecideontheproceduresthatmustbeinplacetoresolvetheisolationproblem.Qualifiedassistancemustbereadilyavailabletofallersincaseofdifficulty,emergencyorinjury.
•Developprocedurestoestablishaman-checksystemthatoccursatregularintervals;bespecificaboutmethod(radio,phone),andfrequency,i.e.,startofday,every20–30min,andendofday.
•EstablishFirst Aid coverage (11) andFirstAidproceduresincludinghowtocallforhelp;communicatethistoallworkers.
Start-of-Day Check-InKnowtheman-checkprocedurebeforestartingwork.Itisyourresponsibilitythattheprocedureisinplaceandworkingbeforeyoustartwork.Ifthereisnosysteminplace,asksupervisor/bullbucker.
Check at Regular Intervals•Makevisualorverbalcontactwithfaller;wearhi-vis apparel (3).•Shutoffchainsawregularlyandlistenforyourpartner,doaradio
check.•Checksshouldbefrequentenough(20–30min)thatassistance
canberenderedifneeded.Whenworking in snow (31)orintemperaturesbelow–20˚Cperformman-checksmorefrequently.
End-of-Shift Check-Out•Mustincludeindividualorgroupcheck-outsystemtoaccountfor
allworkersbeforeleavingtheworkarea.
No Response to Man-Check•Ifyoucannotseeorhearyourpartner,trytocontacthimorwalk
overtocheckhim.Donotrelyonsoundsofanidlingchainsaw:itcanidleforhoursonitsown.Beawareofpotentialhazards.
•Ifyouhearawhistleoracallforhelp,alertFirstAid,thengotorenderassistanceimmediately;takewhatisneededforapotentialrescue,i.e.,tools,chainsawandFirstAidkit.
•Ensurethatitissafetoenterfallingareaoftheinjuredworker,anddealwithanypotentialhazardspriortorenderingassistance.
Falling Plans Must Consider
•Communication,FirstAid•Terrainandotherhazards•Accessandegresstrails•Crewtransportation•Harvestingmethods•Minimumdistancebetween
fallers,i.e.,2tree-lengths•Safeopeningoffallingface.
10 Falling Areas and Active Falling Areas
10 Falling Areas and Active Falling Areas
Faller Responsibilities Thefallerisresponsibleforallworkersincludingsupervisorswhiletheyareinthefallingareaandtheactivefallingarea.Makesurethefallingareaincludingtheactivefallingareaisclearofworkers.Thefallercanonlygrantpermissiontoenterthefallingareaandtheactivefallingarea
whenallfallingandbuckingactivityhasstoppedandthereisnopotentialhazardcausedbythefallingactivity,i.e.,stumps,runaways,rocks,etc.
Entering a Falling Area or Active
Falling Area•Contactthefallerbyradio.
Ifthefallerdoesnothavearadiooristoofarawaytohail,alwaysapproachfromthehighside;stayoutsidethetwotree-lengthsarea.
•Waitforthefallertostopandshutoffthechainsaw,thenhailandestablisheyecontact;identifyyourself.
•Confirmwiththefallerthesafestroutethroughthearea.Ifchangesaremadetotheroute,notifythefaller.
•Thefallerstopsallworkwhileindividualsormachinesaremovingthroughthearea.Notifythefallerwhenyouareclear.
Barricading and Posting a Falling Area•Iffallingcreatesahazardforroadtrafficitisthefaller’s
responsibilitytocloseandbarricadetheroad.Postasign,i.e.,“Danger–FallingArea–RoadClosed–DoNotEnter”.Aropeacrosstheroadmustaccompanytheclosuresign.Thesigncanbesupportedbyaropethatiswellmarkedwithflaggingtapeandclearlyvisibletooncomingtraffic.
•Iffallingdoesnotcreateahazardfortheroadtraffic,postasign,i.e.,“Caution–FallingArea”.
•Ifaroadcannotbeclosed,useflagpersonstoensuresafepassage.Flagpersonsmustalwaysfollowthetwotree-lengthsrule.
•Askthefallerifitissafetoenter;ifsomethingiscutupdonotenteruntilthefallersaysthatitissafetodoso.
Falling AreaThefallingareaistheworkingareaofthefalleridentifiedbysignage,orsignage,barricadesandflagging.
Active Falling AreaTheactivefallingareaistheareawithinatwotree-lengthsradiusofwhereafallerormechanizedfallingequipmentislocatedandequippedsoastobeabletofalltimber.
Access is Permitted ......toaworker,otherthanthe
faller,tobeatthebaseofthetreebeingfellediftheworkeris
•asupervisorormanagercontrollingtheoperation,
•trainingasafaller,•requiredtoassistthefallerto
overcomeafallingdifficulty.
Two Tree-Lengths Rule
Alwaysmaintaintheminimumdistanceoftwotreelengthsbetweenfallersand/orallotherworkers.Theimportanceofthisrulecannotbeover-emphasized.
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11 Crew Transport and First Aid Coverage
11 Crew Transport and First Aid Coverage
Transportation of Tools, Fuel and EquipmentDonotcarrychainsaws,tools,fuel,riggingorotherequipmentinthedriver’scaborpassengercompartment.Carryhazardous,flammableandvolatilematerialsinanisolatedcompartmentwhichisaccessibleonlyfromoutsidethevehicleandfittedwithanadequateventilationanddrainagefacilities.Securelyfastentools,materials,andequipment.Anapprovedfirewallmustseparateinsidecompartmentsfromthedrivercabandcrewcompartment.
Driver Responsibilities•Conductanddocumentadailyvehicleinspection.•Beawareofweatherandroadconditionsanddrive
accordingly.•Donotrelyontheradioforlocationofoncomingtraffic.•Boardanddischargepassengersinsafelocations.•Donottransportanimalsintheoperator’scaborpassenger
compartmentofanyvehicletransportingworkers.•Turnoffmotorforrefueling;allpassengersmustvacatevehicle.•Donotpassamovingloadedloggingtruckwhiletransporting
workersinyourvehicle,exceptundersuitableroadconditionsandthenonlyuponthesignalfromthedriveroftheloggingtruckthatitissafetoproceed.
•Parkvehiclefacingtheexitfromtheoperatingarea,andasafedistanceawayfromanyactivity,withclearaccesstocamp/town.
Crew ResponsibilitiesSeatbeltsmustbewornwhereprovided.Smokingisnotpermittedincrewtransportvehiclesandfuelingareas.
Communications•Clearforoncomingtrafficonright-handsideoftheroadexceptin
designatedareas.Whenstoppingforanyreasonidentifylocationandintentions;useflaresorreflectorsincaseofbreakdowns.
•Allvehiclesoperatingonradio-controlledroadsmusthaveaworkingtwo-wayradiowiththecorrectroadchannels,andmustfollowroaduserulesineffect.Identifylocation,intentionsandconfirmclearancebeforeovertakingavehicle.
•Restrictradiotransmissionstocallingroadlocations,emergencymessagesandimportantmessagespertainingtooperations.
Transportation by Other MeansTheoperators/ownersoffixed-wingaircrafts,helicoptersormarinecraftsmustprovideanorientationofappropriatesafetyprocedurestoallpassengerspriortodeparture.UsersofsnowmachinesandATVsmustfollowmanufacturer’soperatingguidelines.Ifsafeworkproceduresarenotavailableemployersmustdevelopandimplementguidelines.
First Aid CoverageForFirstAidcoveragetobeeffectiveincaseofanemergency,everyoneintheoperationmustknow:•ThelocationofFirstAidsupplies,equipmentandservices.•Emergencynumbersandfrequencies,whoandhowtocall.•Dailyprocesstotestcommunicationsystem.•Call-outlocations,radioandcellphonedeadzones.•Informationonhowtotransportaninjuredworkertomedicalaid,
includingworkersrequiringstretchertransport.Anoutlineforbasictreatmentandinjuredworkercare.
Inanaccident,aprofessionalfallerwillperformeffectively,keepacool,clearheadandfollowemergencyprocedures.
Alldriversmusthaveavaliddriver’slicence.
12 Tree Species Group Hazards
12 Tree Species Group Hazards
•Deadtopsindicateastructuralweakness•Cracked,decayed,brokenorhung-uplimbs•Splitorcrackedtrunk•Fungalfruitingbodiesindicatesap,heartorrootrot•Excessivelean•Rootpullorliftingrootmat•Sapwoodcanbecomebrittleinoldgrowthfirandlarch•Sloughingbark,i.e.,Douglasfir
•Deadtops,i.e.,candelabraormultiorsinglestem•Deadmultiplestems,i.e.,widowmakers,cracksorbrokentops•Hollowstems•Structuraldamage,i.e.,cracks,splits,scarring•Burntsectionsofstemfromfire•Looseslabsofsapwoodonstem•Treeleanduetowetsoils,liftedrootmat,shallowsoils,steep
slope,damageorrootrot•Brushgrowingonthetreestem,i.e.,hidesdefectsinthestem•Brittleholdingwood•Internalcavities,i.e.,beardens•Yellowcedarispronetobarberchairduetoelasticholdingwood•Deadredcedar(greyghosts)inwetclimatehavenorootsystems•Oldgrowthredcedartendstohavetheweightbalancenearthe
baseofthetrunk
•Deadtopsindicateastructuralweakness•Cracked,decayed,brokenorhung-uplimbs•Splitorcrackedtrunk•Mistletoeinfectedtreescandeveloplargeandheavybroomson
thelimbs•Secondgrowthsapwoodhaslimitedholdingstrength•Pronetoheart,sapandrootrotindicatedbyfungalfruitingbodies
•Iffrozen,pronetoshatter•Pronetoslidingoffthestump•Pronetobarberchair•Deadmultiplestems,i.e.,widowmakers,broken
tops,cracks,hiddenlargehangingdeadlimbs•Pronetosplittrunk,i.e.,lightningstrikes,frost
andwindinducedcracks•Stemdamage,i.e.,buttrot,animaldamage,
machineandfiredamage•Buttandstemcankers,i.e.,aspen,balsam
poplar,paperbirch,big-leafmaple,andredalder
•Largepiecesofbarkseparatedandsloughingfromthestem
•Pronetoheartrotandrootrot•Sapwoodandheartwoodisbrittle
Group 1 – Douglas Fir, Larch, Pine, Spruce
Group 2 – Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar
Group 3 – Hemlocks and True Firs (Balsam)
Group 4 – All Deciduous
13 Dangerous Tree Indicators
13 Dangerous Tree Indicators
Falling a dangerous tree (28)requiresaccurateassessmentandplanning,anddemandsthefaller’sfullattention.Plantofallthedangeroustreeassoonasitissafetofallitintoanopenarea,i.e.,donotbypassdangeroustrees.Degreeofhazardvarieswithtreesize,species (12),andtype/locationofdefect:•Stemdefectsresultingintreefailure,i.e.,collapse;•Weakenedsapwoodresultinginlossofcontrol whenfallingtrees;•Overheadhazards,i.e.,deadorhanging limbsfallingonthefaller.
Hazardous Top:deadtopormultiple-stemmedtopwithdangerindicatorsofdecay(conks,woodpeckercavities)orotherstructuralweakness.Thecedargroupislesspronetodecayinthetopbutmayhavehiddencrackedseamsandembeddedbarkbetweenmultipletops.Dead Limbs:limbsofallsizesandspecieswithdecayevident,i.e.,cracking,orloosehung-uplimbs.Witches Broom:causedbymistletoeinfection,limbscangrowverylargeandheavy(200+lbs).Stemsofhemlockandbalsamcanalsobeaffectedandbecomeaweakpoint.Split Trunk:crackedtrunkfromfrost,lightningorwind.Visibleevidenceofadvanceddecayindicatesseriousweaknesswherethetreecouldfail.Stem Damage:causedbywindfallscarring,fire,machine,andanimaldamage,aswellasheartrotdiseases.Thick Sloughing Bark or Sloughing Sapwood:usuallyfoundondeadtrees.LoosebarkonDouglasfirorloosesapwoodonwind-snappedcedarscandislodgeduringfalling.Butt and Stem Cankers:usuallyfoundondeciduoustreesbutcanoccuronDouglasfirandpine.Theinfectedareasweakenthestem.Fungal Fruiting Bodies or Conks:foundonstemsmayindicatemassiveinteriorrot1–2metresaboveandbelowconk.Excessiveresinosis(resinflow)alsoindicatesheartorrootdiseases.Heavy Tree Lean:maybecausedbydamagedrootsorliftingrootmats,shalloworwetsoils.Insomecases,thetreemayhavecorrecteditselfwhichcanbedeterminedbyassessingthecorrectedtop.Root Condition:lookforanygroundcracksaroundthebaseofthetree,signsofdecayorfungalconksontheroots.
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MustertextrahmenHöhe10mm
MustertextrahmenHöhe10mm
14 MSI Risk Factors and Control Measures
14 MSI Risk Factors and Control Measures
Bucking
Apoororawkwardposition,excessivereaching,andbeingoff-balancewhilebuckingcancausestresstothearms,neck,shoulderandback.
•Bereadyforapotentialkickback (7)anduseasolidstance,i.e.,maintainastraightbackandbracethearmagainsttheleg.
•Keeponelegslightlybehindtheother,andkeeparmonhandlebarstraight.
Chainsaw Handling/Vibration
Operatingthechainsawonlyusingthedominanthand.
•Becomecomfortableusingbothhands.•Alternatinghandswillallowbetterbodypositioning.
Backbaringiscuttingwithapushingchain,i.e.,usingthetopofthebar.Thiscancauseseverekickbackbecauseoftheincreasedexposuretothekickback zone (7) whenthesawisbeingpushedbacktowardsthefaller.Thisalsocausesstressandfatigueonthearms,wrists,shoulders,neckandbackwhilepushingthesawintothecutagainstthepushingchain.
•Alwaysusethesawwithapullingchain,i.e.,thebottomofthebar.Letthesawdothework;letthesawdogstaketheweightofthesaw.
•Backbaronlywhenabsolutelynecessary,i.e.,underbucking (37)(38),trimming whiskers (16),removing thick bark (8).
Workingwitharmsheldawayfromthebodycanquicklycausefatigue.
•Repositionandworkwitharmsbracedorclosertobody.
Carryingachainsawthatisoutofbalancecausesstresstothewrist,forearmandback.
•Ifpossible,useabarlengththatbalancesthechainsawweight.
Yankingorpullingthechainsawoutofapinchedcutcausesstresstotheshouldersandback,andresultsinstretchedmotormountsorout-of-balancecrank-shaftcausingexcessivechainsawvibration.
•Useawedgetofreethechainsaw,chopitoutwithanaxeorbuckitoutwithyoursparechainsaw.
Bentortwistedwristposture,forcefulgripping,vibration,andcoldtemperatureswillfatiguethehand,wristandforearm.
•Maintainaneutralwristposture.•Useafirmgripwithoutovergripping,i.e.,whiteknuckles.•Keephandswarm;useheatedhandlebar.•Ensureglovesfitproperly.•Dressforconditionsandchangeclothingandgloveswhenwet.
Poorfilingofthechaincauses:•Thechaintograborcutunevenly(chatter)
forcingthefallertogriptighter.•Fatigueandincreasedvibration.•Increasedneedtopushonthechainsaw.
•Ensureaproperlyfiledchainisdoingthework,i.e.,cuttingteethandrakersarefiledconsistentlywithouttoomuchhookonteeth.
•Removegulletandusefilesthatareingoodcondition.•Regularlycheckthebarfortruenessandwear.
15 MSI Risk Factors/Control Measures Cont’d
15 MSI Risk Factors/Control Measures Cont’d
Falling the Tree
Maintainingawkwardposturessuchasreachingaroundthetreeandtwistingthenecktolookup,placesextrastressontheneck,shouldersandback.
•Getdownononeknee.•Movetomaintainaconstantbody positioninrelationtothechainsaw.
Bendingforwardatthewaistandholdingchainsawatarm’slengthplacesextremepressureonthelowerback.
•Maintainastraightbackandholdchainsawclosetoyourbody.•Doabackextensionstretchthroughoutthe daytocounterbalancebendingforward.
Fallingadangeroustreetakesalongtimeresultingin:•Lookinguptoextensivelymonitorthetree.•Assumingapoorbodypositionforlongperiodsoftime.
•Fallthetreeatcomfortableheight,i.e.,waist height (28).•Usealongerbartoreducethetimeandriskateachtree.
Limbing
Crossingthebodywiththechainsawwhenlimbingforcesthetorsototwistandplacesstressontheback.
•Limbonesidewhenwalkingupthetree andtheothersideonthewayback.
Whenlimbingthetreethebackisflexingandbendingforwardatthewaistcausingstresstotheback.
•Usingabarlengththatmatchesyourheight willminimizebendingforwardatthewaist.
Removing Undercut on Oversized Trees
Excessiveweightcanstressthemusclesinthelowerbackwhenremovingundercutinonepiece.
•Removeundercutofoversizedtreesin smallsectionstoreducetheweight.
Walking
Slips,tripsandfallsleadtomanyinjuriestofallers.
•Establishgoodaccess/egresstrails.•Wearproperlyfittingboots,caulkedfootwearisrecommended.
Inflexibilityinhipflexorsandhamstringsmayproduceaforwardleanwhenwalking.Backmusclescounteractbyproducingtensionandbecomesusceptibletostrain.
•Walk/climbhillswithanuprightstanceratherthanaforwardlean.•Thoroughlywarmupandstretchthehips.•Avoidswayingsidetosidewhenwalking.
Carryingchainsaw,axe,gas,oil,waterandpacksackcanforceawkwardmovements.
•Balancetheweightoftoolsandequipmentoneachsideofthebody•Createawell-establishedtrailandmaketwotripsifnecessary.
Wedging
Excessiveforceandrepetitionwhenwedgingatreewithonewedge.
•Useproperweightedaxeand2wedgesalternatelytolifttree.•Becomeambidextrouswithaxe.
Procedures for all Falling Cuts•WearappropriatePPE (2) andhi-vis (3).
•Standonhighsideoftreeorlogwhenmakingcuts.•Dependingonfallingmethod,undercutsrangefrom1/4to1/3of
treediameter.Undercutsbiggerthan1/3treediametermaycauselossofcontrol,andmaynotprovideenoughspaceforwedgesinthebackcut.Undercutssmallerthan1/4treediametermaycausebarberchairing (23)and/orlackofdirectionalcontrol.
•Correctinappropriateundercuts.Whenmakingbackcuts,lookupregularly,palmawedge,maintainadequateholdingwood.
Itisgoodpracticeforprofessionalfallerstoevaluatetheirworkmanshipatthestumpandmakeimprovements.
Escape Procedures•Asthetreestartstofall
(cutbeginstoopenup,wedgesbecomeloose,treecracksasitbeginstomove),moveawayalongtheescaperoutesandtakecover.Placethechainsawinasafeposition.Neversacrificeyourpersonalsafetytosaveachainsaw.
•Watchthefallingtreeforoverheadhazardswhileyoumoveaway.Oncethetreehaslanded,waitforthecanopytostabilize.Assessstandingtimberandsurroundingareatoensurethateverythinghasstoppedmovingbeforereturningtothestump.Backatthestump,ensuretherearenoadditionalhazardsinthecanopy.
16 Procedures for
•Gatherallwedging tools (8),andbackbar (14)whiskersandstumppullasbackbaringshootsdebrisawayfromyou.
Opening the Falling Face•Chooseaplaceto
openupthatavoidsbrushingadjacenttimber.Lookfornaturalopeningsand/orfall dangerous trees (28) andsaplings/immaturetreestocreatetheopening.Followthefalling plan (9).
•Ifyoucannotavoidbrushingfindaplacewiththesmallestandhealthytreesinthecanopytocreatetheopening.
•Ifatreeisbrushed,fallitimmediatelyifatallpossibletoavoidthehazardofworkingunderneathoverheadbrokenlimbs.Letthecanopysettledownbeforefallingaheavilybrushedtree.
Escape Routes
• Allowescapeforatleast10 ft(3m)and/ortosafecover,preferablytohighsideata45degreeangle.
•Removetrippinghazards,i.e.,loosedebris,sticks,“spears”androcks,etc.
•Severalescaperoutesmayberequiredwithdangeroustrees.
•Walkroute(s)beforecutting.
Falling Cuts – Escape RoutesOpening the Falling Face
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16 Procedures for Falling Cuts – Escape RoutesOpening the Falling Face
C
Before You Fall a Tree, Complete the Tree Assessment Procedure:
Recognize the Hazard. Overheadhazards
. Groundhazards
. Crown,stem,orrootdefectsofthetree
. Terrainhazards
. Worksitehazards
Evaluate the Situation/Hazard
. Determinethehighsideofthetree
. Determinetheleanofthetree
. Formulateyourfallingplan,includingtechniquestofallthetreesafely
Control the Hazard. Determineescaperoutes
. Brushoutescaperoutesandaroundtree
. Placetreesafelyandaccordingtofallingplan
. Alwaysfollowsafeworkprocedures
Ifyoucannotfollowtheplanorhaveconcernsthattheworkcannotbedonesafely,stopworkanddiscussconcernswithyoursupervisor/bullbucker.
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17 Site/Tree Assessment
17 Site/Tree Assessment
Whendoingasiteassessmentforanentirefallingareaorforanindividualtreealwaysfollowthissystematicapproach.
1. Recognize the Hazard: assesstreesfromthecrowntothebase,firstfromadistance,andthenasyouapproachandwalkaroundeachtreeifpossible.
. Checkforoverhead hazards,i.e.,hung-uptrees,snowload.
. Checkforground hazards,i.e.,stumps,grounddebris.
. Checkfordefects (13)wheretreesmayfail,i.e.,splits,conks.
. Checkbaseoftreeandrootsystemforsoundness.
. Checkforarea hazards,i.e.,steepslopes,firekill,wildlife.
. Checkforotherworksite hazards,i.e.,road/harvestingcrews.
2. Evaluate the Situation/Hazard: havingrecognizedthehazardsassociatedwiththetree,younowformulateaplanhowtofallthetreesafelybyavoidingtheidentifiedhazards.
. Determinethehigh side of the treewhichplacesthefallerabovethefalllineofthetree.Insomecases,thismaybethedownslopesideiftreeleansheavyupintothestandingtimber.
. Determinethelean of the tree;dothisassessmentalwaysfromthehighsideofthetree.Useyouraxeasa“plumbline”orphysicalfeaturessuchasbranchaccumulations.Whentheleanisassessed,youcandecidewhatfallingtechniquetouseandwhatadjustmentstomaketocontrolthedirectionofthefall.
3. Control the Hazard: ifatanytimeduringthepreparationsforthefallingofthetreeyouhaveconcernsthattheworkcannotbedonesafelyandaccordingtothefalling plan (9),stopworkanddiscussyourconcernswithyoursupervisor/bullbucker.
. Determine escape routes:useclearedpath(s)orarea(s)tomovetoasafecover,i.e.,behindastandingtree,naturaloutcropping,orrockbluff.Moveaminimumof3 m(10 ft)awayfromthetreeandtakecover.
. Brush out escape routes and around the tree:alwayswear PPE (2),i.e.,earmuffs,facescreendownetc.,whenbrushingout.Removesaplings,groundcoverordebristhatcouldflybackandstrikeyouwhenthetreelands.Cuteachpieceindividually,donotraceorslashwiththechainsaw.
. Tree placement:placetreeaccordingtofalling plan (9).Chooseasafeplace,falltreeintoanopenorclearareatoavoidbrushingothertrees.Avoidrocks,stumps,windfallsorgulliesthatmaycausethetreetorollorbreakwhenitlands,whichmaycreatebuckinghazards.
. Avoid brushing:Allowtimbertofallfreeofanyobstructionsandlandinasafearea.Iftheterrainpreventsasafetreeplacement,modifyfalling plan (9).Removeobstructiontothefreefalloftrees,i.e.,treeswithlargelimbsormultipletops,dangeroustreesandsaplings.Removebrusheddangeroustreesbeforefallingothertrees.Followthesestepswhenopening a falling face (16).
. Hazardous falling situations:beforemakingcutsinhazardoussituations,ensurethechainsawisfulloffuelsothatitdoesnotrundryduringasequenceofcuts.Ifyoufeelafallingdifficultyistoodangeroustoovercome,donotmakeanycuts.Seekqualifiedassistanceorflagthehazardandreportittoyoursupervisor/bullbuckersothatan alternative falling method (33)canbeimplemented.
High Side – Lean – Escape Routes – Tree Placement
High Side – Lean – Escape Routes – Tree Placement
18 Humbolt Undercut
18 Humbolt Undercut
Thisistherecommendedsafestcut.Asthetreefalls,thebuttclosessquarelyagainsttheslopingundercutpushingthetreeawaywithlesschanceofthetreekickingbackoffthestump.
Undercut:followprocedures for all falling cuts (16),then
➀ TopCut:cutstraightin1/3treediameterusingsightlines.
➁BottomCut:cutupatanangle;makevisualcheckstoensurethatthebottomcutmeetsthetopcut.Openingoftheundercutshouldbeatleast1/2thelengthofthetopcut.*Completingthebottomcutfirstbeforethetopcutallowsheavyandlargeundercutstodropandfallawayfromthesaw,orinsertawedge (8)inthebottomcuttoavoidpinchingthebarandchain.Onlargediametertrees,turnthesawovertocompletethebottomcut.
Backcut for Small Diameter Trees➀Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut.Startbackcut.Ensureenoughholdingwoodonthelowandhighside.Conductvisualcheckfrombacksideofthetree;neverpositionyourselfinfrontofundercut.Activatechainbrakewhenevermovingawayfromthesaw,i.e.,tocheckholdingwoodonfarside.
➁ Palmwedge.Ensureadequatespacebetweenchainandwedge.
➂ Finishthebackcutusingthesightlinesasaguidetokeepholdingwoodintact.Whentreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).
Backcut for Large Diameter Trees➀ Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut,thenscribearoundthetree.
➁ Startbackcut.Ensureenoughholdingwoodonlowandhighside.Conductthevisualcheckfromthebacksideofthetree;neverpositionyourselfinfrontoftheundercut.
➂ Palmwedge.Ensureadequatespacebetweenchainandwedge.
➃ Continuebackcut.
➄ Finishthebackcutusingsightlinesasguidetokeepholdingwoodintact.Whenthetreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).
➂ Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCoverF(PreferredHeightofBackcut).
Humbolt BackcutSmall Diameter Tree
UndercutTopcut1/3treediameter
Bottomcut1/2thelengthofthedepthofthetopcut
Backcutslightlyaboveundercut,3/4”to1.5”
Humbolt Undercut
Humbolt BackcutLarge Diameter Tree
Using the sight linesonthechainsawhelpstolineuptheundercutintheintendedfallingdirection,andtoassesstheremainingholdingwoodwhencompletingthebackcut.
Scribingismakingashallowcutthroughthebarkofthetree.Thisassiststhefallerincreatinglevelbackcuts.Ascribinglinebecomesavisualguideasthebackcutisconstructed.Caution:scribingonbrittleordangeroustreesorheavyleanersthatarenotsoundmaycausethetreetobarberchair (23).Donotscribetoodeep.Ifyouareoutofalignmentyouwillhavetorealignproperlytowedgethetree.
19 Conventional – Swanson – Pie Undercuts
19 Conventional – Swanson – Pie Undercuts
Conventional Undercut TopandbottomcutanglesarereversedfromHumbolt undercut (18).
Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCoverF(PreferredHeightofBackcut).Thisreducesthechanceoftreekickingbackoffthestump.
UndercutFollowprocedures for all falling cuts (16),then➀Undercut–Bottomcut:cutstraightinto1/3treediameterusingsightlines.➁Undercut–Topcut:cutdownatananglemakingvisualcheckstoensurethetopcutmeetsthebottomcut.Theundercutopeningshouldbeatleast1/2thelengthofthedepthofthebottomcut.Correctincomplete falling cuts (23).
Backcut➂Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCover F(PreferredHeightofBackcut),creatingahighersteporhinge,sothatthebuttofthetreedoesnotslideback.UsebackcutproceduresasinHumbolt backcut (18).
Swanson Undercut Large,steepbottomcutcausesbutttostrikegroundfirst;removeswhippingaction;holdswoodonsteepslopes.
Undercut Followprocedures for all falling cuts (16),then➀ Undercut–Topcut:cutstraightinto1/3treediameterusingsightlines.➁Undercut–Bottomcut:openingshouldbea1:1ratiototopcut.Cutupatananglemakingvisualcheckstoensurethebottomcutmeetsthetopcut.Correctincomplete falling cuts (23).
Backcut➂Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCover F(PreferredHeightofBackcut).
Pie Undercut (alsocalled“Bird’sMouth”or“Split-the-Difference”)
Wideropening;usedinfrozenwood,alldeciduoustrees,andheavyleanerswhichhavebrittlewoodfibers;reducesriskofbarberchair.Undercut Followprocedures for all falling cuts (16),then➀ Undercut–Topcut:cutdownatanangleto1/3treediameter.➁Undercut–Bottomcut:cutupatananglemakingvisualcheckstoensurethebottomcutmeetsthetopcut.Opening,topcutandbottomcutshouldallbethesamelength.Correctincomplete falling cuts (23).Backcut➂ Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCover F(PreferredHeightofBackcut).
Conventional Undercut
Swanson Undercut
Pie Undercut
Backcut3/4-12inchesaboveundercut
Backcut3/4-6inchesaboveundercut
Backcut2-6inchesaboveundercut
20 Directional Control
20 Directional Control
For Large Diameter Trees
➀Constructundercut1/3treediameterusingsightlines.
➁ Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut,thenscribe (18)aroundbycuttingthroughbark.
➂Startbackcut.Checktoensurethereisenoughholdingwoodonthelowside.Setchainbrake.Conductvisualcheckfrombacksideoftree.Neverpositionyourselfinfrontoftheundercut.
➃PalmwedgeA.Placewedgeslightlyoffcentretowardstheweightedsideofthetreetoassistinliftingthetreeintheintendeddirectionofthefall.
➄ Continuebackcut.
➅ SetwedgeBabout6 ”awayfromwedgeA.ThisassistswedgeAandleavesroomincaseitisnecessarytodoubleuponthewedges.
➆ StrikewedgeB,thenwedgeA.➇ Finishthebackcutusingthesightlinesasaguidetokeeptheholdingwoodintact.➈StrikewedgeAandBalternately.Followwedging procedure (21)untiltreebeginstofall.➉Whentreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).
Directional Control and Holding WoodHoldingwoodcontrolsthefallofthetree.Changingtheangleoftheholdingwoodensuresthattreesfallintheintendeddirection.Thespecies,diameter,conditionofthestem,leanandgrowthpatternswilldeterminetheamountofholdingwoodrequired.
For Small Diameter Trees
➀Constructundercut1/4treediameterusingsightlines.➁ Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut.Startbackcut.Ensurethereisenoughholdingwoodonlowside.Setchainbrake.Conductvisualcheckfrombacksideoftree.Neverpositionyourselfinfrontoftheundercut.➂Palmwedgeoffcentretowardstheweightedsideofthetreetoassistinliftingthetreeintheintendeddirectionoffall.➃Finishthebackcutusingthesightlinesasaguidetokeeptheholdingwoodintact.➄Strikewedge.Followwedging procedure (21)untiltreebeginstofall.➅ Whentreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).
Directional Control Using Holding Wood –Large Diameter Tree
Directional Control Using Holding Wood –Small Diameter Tree
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21 Wedging Procedures
21 Wedging Procedures
Wedging a Small Diameter TreeUsewhenbarlengthislongerthantreediameter.
➀Constructundercut1/4treediametertoallowmorecontrolandroominbackcutforsawandwedgesinordertoliftthetree.➁Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut.Startbackcut.➂Palmandsetwedgewhenroom.Ensurewedgesitsinsapwood,notjustinbark.Ensurethereisenoughholdingwoodonlowandhighside.Conductavisualcheckfrombacksideoftree.➃ Finishbackcutusingsightlinestokeepholdingwoodintact.Turnsawoffandliftearmuffstohearoverheadhazardsandtreemovement.➄Strikewedge;liftfacescreen;lookupandpause,checkingfortreetopmovementandlooseorhung-updebris;lowerfacescreen;strikewedgeandrepeatuntiltreestartstofall.➅ Whenthetreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).
Alternative Procedure: fallingagainstthelean(32).
Wedging a Large Diameter TreeUsewhenbarlengthisshorterthantreediameter.
➀ Constructundercut1/4 –1/3treediameter.➁Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut,thenscribe (18)aroundbycuttingthroughbark.➂Startbackcut;checktoensurethereisenoughholdingwoodonthelowside.Conductavisualcheckfrombacksideoftree.➃ PalmwedgeA.Ensurewedgesitsinsapwood,notjustinbark.➄Continuebackcut.➅ SetsecondwedgeB.➆ StrikewedgeB;liftfacescreen;lookupandpause,checkingfortreetopmovementandlooseorhung-updebris;lowerfacescreen.➇ Finishbackcutusingsightlinestokeepholdingwoodintact.Turnsawoffandliftearmuffstohearoverheadhazardsandtreemovement.➈StrikewedgeA;liftfacescreen,lookupandpauseforvibrationstoimpacttreetop;lowerfacescreenandstrikewedgeB.Repeatthesequence,strikealternatewedgesuntiltreestartstofall.➉Whenthetreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).
If single wedges do not make the tree fall,gettwoadditionalsingle-taperedwedges (8)ofthesamesizeandstackthemontopofoneanother(double-taperedwedgescankickoutofcut).Placeflatsidestogetherwithsawdustinbetween,tominimizerisk
ofwedgesflyingbackwhenstruck.Drivewedgesinuntiltheotherwedgescanbepulledout.Usethisprocesstoavoidchoppingoutyourwedges.Doubleupthefreewedgesandalternatelystriketopandbottomwedges.Alternately,strikethesetsofdoublewedges.Ifthetreestilldoesnotfall,seekqualifiedassistance;considerre-falling (32) orblasting (33).
Wedging ALarge Diameter Tree
Wedging ASmall Diameter Tree
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22 Inadequate Falling Cuts
22 Inadequate Falling Cuts
Inadequatefallingcutsincludethefollowing:
•Backcutbelowundercut •Inadequateundercut•Excessiveundercut •Slopingcuts•Undercutnotcleanedout(23) •Cutoffholdingwood•Noundercutintreesgreaterthan6 ”(15 cm)diameteratbreastheight(dbh).
Professionalfallersconstructundercutswhicharecompleteandcleanedout,ensurethatadequateholdingwoodismaintained,andthatthebackcutishigherthantheundercut.
Sloping CutsUndercutand/orbackcutareangleddowninthesamedirection,orcriss-crossedinundercutandbackcutslopedatoppositeangles.
HazardsAside-slopingstumpmayforcethefallingtreetoslipoffthe
stumpcausingalossofdirectionalcontrol.Fallermaymisjudgeamountofholdingwoodresultinginalossofdirectionalcontrol.Thisisanunacceptablepracticewhichisalsoanindicatorofpoorworkmanshipresultinginlossofdirectionalcontrolofthetree.Aprofessionalfallertakesthetimetoconstructcorrect,levelandangledcutsaccordingtoundercutprocedures.
Backcut Below UndercutThisisanunacceptablepracticebecausethefallercanbestruckbyatreeslidingbackoffthestump;itisalsodifficulttodeterminetheadequateamountofremainingholdingwood.
HazardsTreemayslidebackoffthestumpasitstartstofallwith
thatbackcutslineupaboveundercutsattheappropriateheight,accordingtosafeworkprocedures.
Cutting Off Holding WoodLeaveenoughholdingwoodtomaintaincontrolofthetreethatitdoesnotbreak,sliportwistoffthestumpandfallinanunplanneddirection.Aprofessionalfallertakesthetimetocheckregularlythatadequateholdingwoodisleftintact.
Domino FallingDominofallingisdefinedasplacingundercutsandbackcutsinaseriesoftrees,thenusingatreetopushthesetreesintheintendeddirection.This practice is prohibited.
Hazards•Windcausingtree(s)tofall•leavingoneormorecut-uptreesstanding•notenoughforceonthecut-uptreestopushthetreesin
theintendeddirectionofthefall.Thisisanunacceptablepracticebecausethefallercanbestruckbyacut-uptree(s),cut-uptreeswithoutwedgesareleftstandingwhichcreatesapotentialhazardforthefallerandotherworkers,andthefallerhastoturnhisbackonthecut-uptrees.
Aprofessionalfallerensuresthatalltreesarefelledinacontrolledsafemanner.Thefalling area (10)mustbeproperlyplannedandlaidouttoallowenoughroomtoworksafely,andskidtrailslocatedtotakeadvantageofthegeneraltimberlean.Useappropriateaxe and wedges (8)tofalltrees.
alossofdirectionalcontrol.Wedgingalsobecomesdifficultasitmustlifttheweightofthetreeabovetheundercut.Alwaysensure
23 Correcting Incomplete Falling Cuts
23 Correcting Incomplete Falling Cuts
Cuts Do Not MeetThissituationiscreatedwhenthesecondcutdoesnotmeetthefirstcut.Ifthefallerhadcontinuedcuttinguntilthetwocutsmet,theresultingundercutwouldbecometoodeepchangingthedirectionoffall.Thisalsoleavesinadequateroomtoplacewedges (8) inthebackcut,andmaycauseunstabletreestocollapseontheundercut.
HazardsLossofdirectionalcontroloftree.
•Stopcutting,knockoutundercutwithaxehead,and
checkthatundercutisclean.
DutchmanThisleadingcauseoflossofdirectionalcontrolofatreeiscreatedintheundercutwhenthecutsdonotmeettoformaproper‘V’,i.e.,thebottomcutmeetsthetopcuttoosooncreatingaflatspotwhichcancontinueacrossthefulldiameterofthestump.
HazardsTreefallsinunintendeddirection,
holdingwoodonhighsidemaybreakoffprematurely,treecansplit,thereispotentialforbarberchairorstemfailure,makeswedging (8)moredifficult.
Ensureundercutiscleanedoutorcorrectedbeforestartingbackcut,
i.e.,cutoutdutchman,cutsmustmeet.Donotuseadutchmanintentionally.
BarberchairItiscreatedwhenthetrunkofthetreesplitsverticallybecauseofpressurethathasbeenexertedontheholdingwood.Asthetreesplitsandfalls,thebuttendcankickbackorpivotsidewaysatthebreakagepoint.
HazardsLossofcontroloftree,kickback,
fallerisstruckorcrushedbytree.Hardwoodsordeciduoustrees,redandyellowcedars,balsam,hemlock,spruce,secondgrowthtimberandfrozentreeshavethemostpotentialtobarberchair.
•Constructproperfallingcuts,i.e.,deepandwideenough;cleanundercuttoavoiddutchman;donotleave
toomuchholdingwood;completebackcutuntilthetreeiscommittedtofall.
•Beawareofheavy lean (25)orpressureontrees,splitseams,cracksorotherdeformitiesinthebuttsection.
•Setwedgesassoonaspossibletopreventtreefromsittingback;avoidfallinginunfavorableconditions.
•Donotfalltreesacrossobstacles,i.e.,rockoutcroppingsorshortstubby trees (32).
Barberchair
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Correcttheundercut(yellowline)oritwillpushthetreeawayfromtheplannedfalldirectionassuggestedinthestumpsketch.
Dutchman
24 Steep Slope, Upslope and Riparian Falling
24 Steep Slope, Upslope and Riparian Falling
haveasafeplacetostandandbeabletoretreattoasafepositionbymovingalongtheescaperouteundertheirownpower.
Falling Trees Up SlopeInsomesituations,itmaybenecessarytofalltreesup
slope.Thisbecomescriticalonslopesover45%.➀ Limitthedirectionoffalltoamaximumupslopeangleof15˚offlevel.➁ Planandclearescape routes (16).Ensuretheescaperoutetakesyoufarenoughfromthetreetobeclearofthelimbsifthetreeslidesback.➂ Constructundercut(Swansonisrecommended)andstartbackcutaboveundercut-seeCover F(PreferredHeightofBackcut)tocreateananti-kickbackstep.➃ Watchfordebrisflyingbackwhenthetreefalls.➄ Whenthetreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).➅ Ifyoucannotfallthetimbersafelyoratlessthana15˚angleupslope,stopworkandreporttosupervisor/bullbucker.
Falling Around Riparian AreasDiscusscontentiousissuesduringtheInitial Safety Meeting (9),i.e.,markingofboundaries,optionsforthefallertosubstitutereservedtreesiftheyareanobstructiontothefallingprocess,assessmentofdangeroustreesalongblockboundary.NotethatMinistryofForests&Rangeguidelinespermitfallerstoremovedangeroustreesfromwildlifetreepatchesandriparianareasthatwouldotherwiseimpactworkersafety.Ensurethatmapiscurrentandthatdesignatedwildlifetreesaresafefromdamagewithlargeenoughreserves.
Falling on Steep SlopesAccuratelyassessthesituationandplanwhereandhowtosafelyfallthetree,andpositionitforsafebucking;avoidslidinghazards.ConsiderSwanson undercuts (19)forbettertreeplacement.
•Establishtreeleanandsoundness,i.e.,treeswithheavyleansuphillmayincreasethefallingdifficulty.
•Itisdifficulttomaneuveronsteepterrain,sotakeextratimetoplanandclearescape routes (16).Alwaysworkonthehighsideofthetreewhenfallingonsteepterrain.
•Ensuregoodfootingbeforestartinganycuts.Onswell-buttedtrees,notchtheroottocreateafootholdandensuresolidfooting.
•NeverworkdirectlyaboveotherfallersorworkersifthereisANYpossibilityofarunawaytree,logsordebrisbeingdislodgedandrollingdownhill.Aroadwaybetweenyouandotherworkactivitieswillnotalwaysstoprollingrocks,logsorrunawaytrees.
Using Rope and HarnessItisrecommendedinsomesteepslopeareasthatfallersbeassistedbyropeandharnesstoovercomethespecificfallingdifficulty.Useonlyacertifiedropeandsafetyharness.However,thepracticeofbeingsolelysupportedfromaropeandharnesswhilefallingtimberisprohibited.Fallersmust
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