| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Unstable footing, traffic, overhead hazards, wandering crew in harm's way | Walk the site, identify lean of tree, confirm wind conditions, mark off a work zone, assign a lookout, brief crew to stay out of danger zone |
| Identify escape routes | Getting struck during fall, tripping during evacuation | Plan two escape paths at roughly 45 degree angles away from the direction of fall, clear brush and tripping hazards, communicate escape plan to all involved |
| Inspect the tree | Dead limbs, rot, barber chairing, unpredictable fall | Examine trunk for rot, inspect canopy for dead limbs, check for vines or binders, evaluate lean, confirm no power lines are in proximity |
| Inspect the chainsaw and tools | Mechanical failure, dull chain, loose components | Check chain tension, sharpness, functioning chain brake, bar oil, fuel, wedges, and felling tools; remove unsafe equipment from service |
| Establish communication protocol | Crew entering danger zone unexpectedly | Assign a primary sawyer and a spotter, agree on hand signals or radio calls, require all crew to maintain visual contact and stay out of the felling zone |
| Don required PPE | Cuts, hearing damage, head injuries, eye injuries | Wear all required PPE before approaching the tree |
| Clear the base of the tree | Tripping hazards, loose debris interfering with cuts | Remove branches, loose bark, rocks, and debris; ensure stable footing around the trunk |
| Make the notch (face cut) | Kickback, saw pinch, falling limbs | Stand securely, keep both hands on saw, cut notch in correct orientation, ensure bystanders are at least two tree lengths away |
| Make the back cut | Tree falling early, barber chairing, kickback | Place wedge early, maintain hinge wood, monitor movement of tree, be prepared to move to escape route immediately |
| Retreat along escape route | Struck by falling tree or limbs | Move deliberately along planned escape path without turning your back fully on the tree, remain clear until the tree is fully down |
| Watch for secondary hazards | Falling limbs, rolling logs, unstable canopy | After the tree is down, pause and reassess; watch for hung branches or spring poles before approaching |
| Limbing and bucking | Log roll, tension and compression release, kickback | Stand uphill, identify tension points, make small controlled cuts, use wedges to prevent bar pinch |
| Post work clean up | Cuts from chain, lifting injury | Shut off saw before carrying, wear gloves, use proper lifting techniques, store equipment properly |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Chainsaw chaps
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
High visibility vest (especially when working near a roadway or in wooded areas with mixed crews)
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.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Unstable footing, traffic, overhead hazards, wandering crew in harm's way | Walk the site, identify lean of tree, confirm wind conditions, mark off a work zone, assign a lookout, brief crew to stay out of danger zone |
| Identify escape routes | Getting struck during fall, tripping during evacuation | Plan two escape paths at roughly 45 degree angles away from the direction of fall, clear brush and tripping hazards, communicate escape plan to all involved |
| Inspect the tree | Dead limbs, rot, barber chairing, unpredictable fall | Examine trunk for rot, inspect canopy for dead limbs, check for vines or binders, evaluate lean, confirm no power lines are in proximity |
| Inspect the chainsaw and tools | Mechanical failure, dull chain, loose components | Check chain tension, sharpness, functioning chain brake, bar oil, fuel, wedges, and felling tools; remove unsafe equipment from service |
| Establish communication protocol | Crew entering danger zone unexpectedly | Assign a primary sawyer and a spotter, agree on hand signals or radio calls, require all crew to maintain visual contact and stay out of the felling zone |
| Don required PPE | Cuts, hearing damage, head injuries, eye injuries | Wear all required PPE before approaching the tree |
| Clear the base of the tree | Tripping hazards, loose debris interfering with cuts | Remove branches, loose bark, rocks, and debris; ensure stable footing around the trunk |
| Make the notch (face cut) | Kickback, saw pinch, falling limbs | Stand securely, keep both hands on saw, cut notch in correct orientation, ensure bystanders are at least two tree lengths away |
| Make the back cut | Tree falling early, barber chairing, kickback | Place wedge early, maintain hinge wood, monitor movement of tree, be prepared to move to escape route immediately |
| Retreat along escape route | Struck by falling tree or limbs | Move deliberately along planned escape path without turning your back fully on the tree, remain clear until the tree is fully down |
| Watch for secondary hazards | Falling limbs, rolling logs, unstable canopy | After the tree is down, pause and reassess; watch for hung branches or spring poles before approaching |
| Limbing and bucking | Log roll, tension and compression release, kickback | Stand uphill, identify tension points, make small controlled cuts, use wedges to prevent bar pinch |
| Post work clean up | Cuts from chain, lifting injury | Shut off saw before carrying, wear gloves, use proper lifting techniques, store equipment properly |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Chainsaw chaps
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
High visibility vest (especially when working near a roadway or in wooded areas with mixed crews)