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Posted By Ian Clay1
Hi
Does anyone have a risk assessment on the use of chainsaws within trees, especially the minimum number of staff needed when carrying out the operation.
I am having difficulty in getting a definitive number of staff per team and any advice would be gratefully recieved.
We run a system of a mimimum of 2 staff, 1 qualified to climb and a groundsman, with the option of a third man if the team think it is necessary after an on-site risk assessment.
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Posted By Merv Newman
Wherever possible we recommend "cherry pickers" for this sort of work. Somewhere I have photos of men doing the work you describe and it is terrifying.
Have also seen this work done by men wearing safety harnesses with lifelines long enough to reach the ground. Boing.
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Posted By Chris Cooper-Abbs
Ian,
I will email you some information.
Chris
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Posted By Chris Cooper-Abbs
Merv,
Terrifying - is that for those watching or for the operator? MEWPs (Mobile elevated work platform) are another tool of our profession for arboricultural operations but as i have no doubt you are aware they have there limitations, cost, access, experience of operators. certification etc.
Ropes generally will be of length to reach the ground (dependant upon climbing style) to faciliate an aerial rescue, and utilising low stretch 12/16/24 strand ropes the "boing" isn't too much of an issue. We are restricted to work positioning techniques as oppose to fall arrest. (dependant on operation)
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Posted By Merv Newman
Chris,
You'r right, cherry pickers do have their limitations, as I said, "whenever possible".
Not sure I understand your explanation of why the life line should be long enough to reach the ground. If they are that long the "boing" factor of the rope doesn't come into it. Or at least not until it is too late.
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Posted By Ian Stone
You should have another climber with harness who can rescue the climber if needed. In my old days as a forester we had one person in the tree and two groundsmen, one of which was a qualified climber
Hope this helps
Ian
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Posted By Neil Mckay
Ian,
The risk assessment should start with considering the use of MEWP or other platform, only if not appropriate then consider climbing with a chainsaw.
If climbing the tree - the minimum on site should be two, both should be able to climb, climber (trained and competent to climb and use a chainsaw off the ground) and one groundsman. The groundsman must also be able climb (trained and competent) in order to carry out aerial rescue, he must also have an emergency climbing/rescue kit avilable. A third man can help but can also be at risk if in the work area.
Your best reference is the AFAG guide 401 Tree climbing operations and AFAG 402 Aerial Tree Rescue.
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Posted By Chris Cooper-Abbs
Apologies Merv after a day at the computer typing up LOLER inspections, it's my brain that went "boing".
I don't know how much you get involved with arboriculture and you may already be aware of the HSE research report. Just for reference if interested.
RR123 Use and effectiveness of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPS) for tree work.
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