Safety Tips For Tree Felling

Tree Felling involves cutting down a tree (instead of pulling it down or pushing it) by hand or with the use of felling support tools. It is a highly skilled and dangerous task that requires knowledge, training and experience together with the right equipment and safety gear. A single mistake during this work can result in damage to property, serious injury or even death to the worker and bystanders.

A significant percentage of fatal incidents in the forestry industry involve manual tree falling and Tree Felling. This is because the physics of a tree fall and the skill of the worker are complex, with the weight of a tree adding to the force needed to overcome friction between the tree and the ground. In addition, a simple miscalculation or error can result in the tree not falling where the feller wants it to, but instead striking an obstacle or person.

There are many reasons for felling a tree, from clearing land for new development to removing diseased or structurally damaged trees. When done correctly, felling is a safe and effective method of removing unwanted or hazardous trees.

Getting permission to fell trees and preparing the area for tree felling is important. If a tree is felled without permission, or where one of the exemptions does not apply, the operator and anyone else involved could be prosecuted.

The most common cause of harm during manual tree felling is a hung-up tree, or a tree that becomes stuck during the felling process. This is often due to a tree hitting an object or another tree during the fall, but can also occur when the feller makes an incorrect cut. Attempting to drive a hung-up tree is the most common source of injury during Tree Felling and can be very dangerous. It is therefore imperative that a thorough risk assessment and the correct work positioning and cutting standards are adhered to.

It is essential that a clear escape route is established before commencing any felling cuts. To do this, it is necessary to assess the tree being felled, including its condition and location. Check the surrounding trees for intertwined branches, dead tops and other hazards. The escape route should be at least two tree lengths from the likely direction of the felling.

A tree’s natural direction of fall is affected by its lean, crown snow-load and the shape of the branching. It is possible to change the direction a tree falls to some extent, but it requires great skill and experience together with the right felling support tools. It is also difficult and time-consuming.

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