The life of an arborist is one filled with high stakes and challenges. These professionals, also known as tree surgeons, take care of trees by pruning, trimming, and sometimes removing them entirely.
The job demands a high degree of physical ability, technical knowledge, and precision. Whether scaling tall trees to prune limbs or using powerful chainsaws to remove hazardous branches, arborists face numerous safety risks in their daily work. Proper occupational health, safety, and environmental (OHSE) protocols are vital to ensure their well-being.
Let’s take a journey through the day of a typical arborist named Alex, where we see how OHSE measures come into play, safeguarding his health and preventing accidents.
The Morning Climb: Ensuring Safety While Ascending Trees
The morning begins early for Alex as he gears up for a full day of work at a large residential property with several towering oak trees. His first task is to remove dead branches that have become a safety hazard for the homeowner. However, the most critical part of Alex’s preparation isn’t his saws or ropes—it’s his personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Importance of PPE
Before Alex even sets foot on the property, he reviews his PPE checklist:
- Climbing Helmet: A hard shell helmet fitted with a chinstrap is essential to protect his head from falling branches and debris.
- Eye and Ear Protection: Safety goggles shield his eyes from wood chips and dust, while noise-canceling earmuffs protect his hearing from the deafening sound of chainsaws.
- Gloves and Non-Slip Boots: Thick, cut-resistant gloves and sturdy, non-slip boots with ankle support provide protection while ensuring that Alex maintains his grip, whether on ropes or machinery.
These items are just the beginning. Alex’s safety while climbing high into the canopy depends on a combination of techniques and specialized equipment.
Climbing Equipment: Anchoring Safety in the Canopy
Climbing trees as an arborist requires more than just agility; it requires the use of ropes, harnesses, and anchor points to ensure safety at every step. Alex’s climbing harness, carabiners, and climbing line are his lifeline—quite literally.
- Climbing Harness and Lanyard: Alex secures his harness around his waist and thighs, adjusting it for comfort. He connects the harness to a secure anchor point on the tree using a lanyard. This will ensure he’s supported at all times.
- Double-Rope Technique (DRT): Arborists like Alex often use the double-rope technique, where two ropes are used to create multiple points of contact with the tree. This method provides greater stability and reduces the risk of falling.
- Secondary Anchor Points: As Alex ascends the tree, he sets additional anchor points at various levels. This way, if one fails, the secondary anchor can prevent him from falling to the ground.
OHSE Guidelines for Tree-Climbing:
- Pre-Climb Inspection: Before beginning any climb, arborists must inspect both their equipment and the tree itself. Alex examines the health of the tree, ensuring there are no signs of decay that could cause the trunk or branches to break unexpectedly.
- Weather Conditions: Alex also monitors the weather forecast, as windy or stormy conditions can make tree climbing highly dangerous.
With everything in place, Alex begins his ascent, methodically climbing while ensuring his ropes are properly anchored. As he reaches the branches, it’s time for the next phase of his job—removing the dead limbs. This brings us to one of the most critical tools for arborists: the chainsaw.
Chainsaw Use: Precision Meets Power
Using a chainsaw high up in the tree presents a new set of risks. For Alex, the chainsaw is a tool of precision, but without proper training and caution, it can easily become a hazard.
Chainsaw Safety Basics:
Alex’s chainsaw isn’t just any ordinary tool; it’s a specialized arborist chainsaw designed for work in elevated positions. It’s lightweight, has a small bar for better control, and is equipped with safety features like a chain brake and hand guard.
Before starting the chainsaw, Alex runs through a safety checklist:
- Sharp Chain: A sharp chain reduces the risk of kickback—a sudden upward movement of the saw that can cause serious injury.
- Chain Brake Function: He tests the chain brake, which stops the chain’s movement in case of kickback.
- Proper Fuel and Lubrication: Alex ensures the chainsaw is properly fueled and the chain is lubricated, as a dry chain can overheat and cause damage.
- Grip and Stance: Even while suspended in the air, Alex maintains a solid grip on the saw with both hands and ensures his stance is secure. He positions himself so that he has a clear line of sight, reducing the risk of accidentally cutting the wrong branch.
Kickback Prevention:
Kickback is one of the most dangerous risks when using a chainsaw. To prevent it, Alex takes the following precautions:
- Cutting Technique: Alex uses a controlled, forward motion when cutting branches, ensuring that the tip of the chainsaw bar doesn’t come into contact with the wood.
- Clear Escape Path: Before making any cuts, Alex identifies an escape route. If something goes wrong, such as a branch falling unexpectedly, he needs to have a clear path to move away from danger.
OHSE Guidelines for Chainsaw Use:
- Training and Certification: Arborists like Alex must undergo extensive chainsaw training to ensure they can handle the equipment safely and effectively. Many countries require certification for operating chainsaws.
- Proper PPE: Along with his helmet and goggles, Alex wears a chainsaw-resistant jacket and chaps that are designed to stop the chainsaw’s chain in case it makes contact with his body.
- One Cut at a Time: Alex carefully plans each cut, focusing on one branch at a time. He avoids overreaching or cutting branches that are too heavy for him to control.
Descending Safely: The Job Isn’t Over Until You’re Grounded
After successfully pruning the oak tree, Alex begins his descent. While the actual task of trimming branches is complete, the job isn’t finished until Alex safely makes it back to the ground. Climbing down requires as much care as going up.
- Controlled Descent: Alex carefully unclips his lanyard from each anchor point, using his ropes to control his descent. He moves slowly and methodically, ensuring he doesn’t slip or get tangled in his equipment.
- Debriefing: Once on the ground, Alex inspects his equipment again, checking for any wear and tear. After a long day of climbing, his gear must be thoroughly checked to ensure it’s ready for the next job.
Conclusion: Safety Is the Backbone of Arborist Work
For arborists like Alex, the combination of tree climbing and chainsaw use presents unique safety challenges. However, with proper OHSE protocols in place, arborists can minimize the risks associated with their work.
By prioritizing the use of protective equipment, adhering to best practices in tree-climbing techniques, and mastering chainsaw safety, arborists can protect themselves from the dangers inherent in their profession. Additionally, thorough training and an understanding of the potential hazards play a crucial role in keeping arborists safe while they maintain and care for the trees that enhance our landscapes.
Every climb, every cut, and every descent must be done with care, with the understanding that safety always comes first. In the world of arboriculture, safety isn’t just a guideline—it’s the foundation of the entire profession.
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