| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate scene and determine hazards | Downed power lines, unstable tree, hanging limbs, traffic hazards | Contact utility if wires are involved, identify tension points and overhead hazards, establish safe perimeter, use traffic control if near roadway |
| Clear work area of bystanders and debris | Trip hazards, struck by falling limbs | Remove loose branches, assign a lookout, restrict access to authorized personnel |
| Inspect chainsaw and tools | Equipment failure, dull chain, fuel leaks | Check chain tension and sharpness, verify chain brake operation, inspect bar and fuel system |
| Establish escape route and position crew | Struck by moving wood, sudden tree roll or shift | Stand on uphill side when possible, choose escape path at a 45 degree angle from cutting direction, communicate plan with crew |
| Cut and remove smaller limbs first | Kickback, flying debris, limb spring back | Use proper cutting technique, stay clear of limbs under tension, cut from safe side, maintain secure footing |
| Assess trunk for tension and compression | Log movement, sudden release of stored energy | Identify pinch or bind points, make relief cuts to control movement, use wedges as needed |
| Make primary trunk cuts | Chainsaw kickback, saw pinching, log rolling | Maintain two handed grip, keep saw out of line with your body, cut small sections at a time, avoid standing directly downhill |
| Move cut sections | Back strain, crushed fingers, rolling logs | Use proper lifting techniques, use machinery or team lifts for heavy sections, stabilize logs before cutting further |
| Load debris onto truck or chipper | Struck by equipment, pinch points, chipper hazards | Maintain communication with equipment operator, feed chipper from the side, keep hands clear, wear hearing protection |
| Final site cleanup | Remaining trip hazards, hidden sharp limbs | Remove debris completely, rake area, ensure roadway or trail is safe before reopening |
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Emergency Response Operations
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate scene and determine hazards | Downed power lines, unstable tree, hanging limbs, traffic hazards | Contact utility if wires are involved, identify tension points and overhead hazards, establish safe perimeter, use traffic control if near roadway |
| Clear work area of bystanders and debris | Trip hazards, struck by falling limbs | Remove loose branches, assign a lookout, restrict access to authorized personnel |
| Inspect chainsaw and tools | Equipment failure, dull chain, fuel leaks | Check chain tension and sharpness, verify chain brake operation, inspect bar and fuel system |
| Establish escape route and position crew | Struck by moving wood, sudden tree roll or shift | Stand on uphill side when possible, choose escape path at a 45 degree angle from cutting direction, communicate plan with crew |
| Cut and remove smaller limbs first | Kickback, flying debris, limb spring back | Use proper cutting technique, stay clear of limbs under tension, cut from safe side, maintain secure footing |
| Assess trunk for tension and compression | Log movement, sudden release of stored energy | Identify pinch or bind points, make relief cuts to control movement, use wedges as needed |
| Make primary trunk cuts | Chainsaw kickback, saw pinching, log rolling | Maintain two handed grip, keep saw out of line with your body, cut small sections at a time, avoid standing directly downhill |
| Move cut sections | Back strain, crushed fingers, rolling logs | Use proper lifting techniques, use machinery or team lifts for heavy sections, stabilize logs before cutting further |
| Load debris onto truck or chipper | Struck by equipment, pinch points, chipper hazards | Maintain communication with equipment operator, feed chipper from the side, keep hands clear, wear hearing protection |
| Final site cleanup | Remaining trip hazards, hidden sharp limbs | Remove debris completely, rake area, ensure roadway or trail is safe before reopening |