| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Unstable trees, overhead hazards, traffic, crew wandering under canopy | Perform full 360 degree inspection, identify all suspended branches, set cones if roadside, mark exclusion zone, assign a lookout to keep crew clear |
| Identify hanger type and stability | Unpredictable branch fall, sudden limb release | Evaluate whether limb is lightly hung or tightly lodged, check for secondary hangers, consider if mechanical equipment or bucket truck is required |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged pole saw, dull chain, loose extension locks, fuel leaks | Inspect saws, pole saws, ropes, and rigging equipment; ensure guards and locks are functioning; remove defective tools |
| Don required PPE | Falling debris, eye injury, cuts, hearing damage | Wear all PPE before approaching the tree |
| Establish drop zone and evacuation path | Workers struck by falling limbs | Mark a wide exclusion zone around the tree, keep all workers at least two tree lengths away, plan escape route before making cuts |
| Decide removal method | Wrong tool choice increasing risk | Use pole saw for small hangers, chainsaw on ground when safe, or mechanical lifting equipment; do not climb trees unless trained and properly equipped |
| Remove hanger with pole saw (if appropriate) | Falling branch striking operator, pole kickback, loss of footing | Stand clear of drop zone, extend pole only as much as necessary, cut from safe side angles, avoid standing directly beneath the branch |
| Remove hanger with ground based chainsaw cuts (if safe) | Falling limb contacting operator, kickback, unexpected tree movement | Cut supporting limb from safe angle, maintain two handed grip, never cut directly under the hanger, maintain chain brake engagement when repositioning |
| Use mechanical equipment (loader, bucket truck) | Struck by equipment, falling objects, pinch points | Only trained operators use equipment, maintain spotter communication, stay inside designated work zone, secure bucket or loader position before cutting |
| Remove limb after release | Cuts, tripping, limb roll, hidden bind points | Approach limb only after it has fully fallen, wear gloves, drag or cut into smaller pieces, stay alert for shifting wood |
| Final inspection | Missing secondary hangers, unstable canopy | Scan the canopy again to ensure all hazards are removed, do not leave site until confirmed safe |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection (if using powered saws)
Chainsaw chaps when operating a saw
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
High visibility vest when near roads
Long sleeves and long pants
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Chainsaw, Forestry, and Vegetation Management
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Unstable trees, overhead hazards, traffic, crew wandering under canopy | Perform full 360 degree inspection, identify all suspended branches, set cones if roadside, mark exclusion zone, assign a lookout to keep crew clear |
| Identify hanger type and stability | Unpredictable branch fall, sudden limb release | Evaluate whether limb is lightly hung or tightly lodged, check for secondary hangers, consider if mechanical equipment or bucket truck is required |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged pole saw, dull chain, loose extension locks, fuel leaks | Inspect saws, pole saws, ropes, and rigging equipment; ensure guards and locks are functioning; remove defective tools |
| Don required PPE | Falling debris, eye injury, cuts, hearing damage | Wear all PPE before approaching the tree |
| Establish drop zone and evacuation path | Workers struck by falling limbs | Mark a wide exclusion zone around the tree, keep all workers at least two tree lengths away, plan escape route before making cuts |
| Decide removal method | Wrong tool choice increasing risk | Use pole saw for small hangers, chainsaw on ground when safe, or mechanical lifting equipment; do not climb trees unless trained and properly equipped |
| Remove hanger with pole saw (if appropriate) | Falling branch striking operator, pole kickback, loss of footing | Stand clear of drop zone, extend pole only as much as necessary, cut from safe side angles, avoid standing directly beneath the branch |
| Remove hanger with ground based chainsaw cuts (if safe) | Falling limb contacting operator, kickback, unexpected tree movement | Cut supporting limb from safe angle, maintain two handed grip, never cut directly under the hanger, maintain chain brake engagement when repositioning |
| Use mechanical equipment (loader, bucket truck) | Struck by equipment, falling objects, pinch points | Only trained operators use equipment, maintain spotter communication, stay inside designated work zone, secure bucket or loader position before cutting |
| Remove limb after release | Cuts, tripping, limb roll, hidden bind points | Approach limb only after it has fully fallen, wear gloves, drag or cut into smaller pieces, stay alert for shifting wood |
| Final inspection | Missing secondary hangers, unstable canopy | Scan the canopy again to ensure all hazards are removed, do not leave site until confirmed safe |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection (if using powered saws)
Chainsaw chaps when operating a saw
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
High visibility vest when near roads
Long sleeves and long pants