Tree Felling & Sectioning Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Wood chipper operation — Site chipper on level firm ground with safe discharge; train operators; wear close fitting clothing and no gauntlet gloves; feed butt end first from the side using long branches; keep hands beyond infeed line; test and use stop bars; isolate before clearing blockages with tools.
• Tensioned lines and snap-back — Keep everyone out of line of fire; never straddle or step over tensioned lines; use rated winches and snatch blocks; stand at forty five degrees off the bight; de tension slowly and announce; inspect lines for damage; avoid shock loading; plan escape if hardware fails.
• Anchor point and climbing system failure — Select primary and backup anchors in sound wood; inspect unions and decay; maintain three points of attachment when repositioning; manage lanyard away from the cut; never cut near life support; pre climb checks and rescue plan confirmed; avoid poor rope angles and friction burns.
• Low light and night operations — Avoid dusk or night unless essential; if required, deploy glare free site lighting that does not blind the cutting plane; mark exclusion zones with illuminated barriers; ensure high visibility and reflective PPE; increase radio checks; pause if visibility drops below plan limits.
• Chainsaw operation — Limit saw use to trained certified operators; pre use check chain brake, throttle lock and chain catch; maintain sharp chain and correct tension; select bar length for task; two handed grip and stable stance; avoid cutting above shoulder; refuel cold in ventilated area with spill kit.