Tree Trimming Safety

(16 min.) Tree trimming is a job that requires a professional attitude and a high level of training in order to work safely and productively. The very nature of tree trimming lends itself to many hazards. Of course, we all are aware of the potential of a serious fall, but there are also risks of coming in contact with energized utilities, falling trees and limbs, contact with poison ivy, oak, or even snakes. A good tree trimming program must be designed to provide safe working conditions, the training needed to do the job safely and efficiently, selection of qualified personnel, and providing well-maintained tools to do the job. In addition, a good safety program will include First Aid training and an accident reporting and investigation program.

Topics included in this safety video are: saws, axes, and pruning tools, chain saws, eye and hearing protection, fire extinguishers, chainsaws kickbacks, improperly carrying the saw, rope, safety belts, climbing spikes, and harnesses, ladders, boom trucks or aerial baskets, poles and pole pruners, chippers, tree trimming crew, hard hats, shin guards, hand protection, steel toed boots, metatarsal guards, considerations that need attention (the shape of the tree, the lean of the tree, wind force, decay or weak spots, and the location of other personnel, the public, adjacent utilities, or other concerns during the project), planning and instructions, overhead lines, path clearance, evaluate the tree, secure to the tree by a safety belt, climbing ropes, felling a tree, back cuts, and bucking.

Program comes with a CD-ROM of written materials, including test questions and answers. English title also includes PowerPoint presentation.