Tree felling is a dangerous activity that can be done manually or with mechanical equipment. Regardless of the method used, it is important that workers are trained in proper safety procedures before beginning work. Using improper techniques can lead to severe injuries and even death. For example, trees are often much taller than they appear and can easily fall on people or objects that are in their path. In addition, falling trees can kick back or catch on fire, which can cause additional hazards to those nearby.
Often, tree felling is done in rural areas where there are few or no other buildings or structures nearby. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that there is a clear escape route for those who are working. It is recommended that the path of escape be a minimum of 2.0 times the height of the subject tree from the base, and it should be free of obstacles that could get caught by the falling tree when it hits the ground.
One of the most common reasons for a tree to be felled is to remove it from a place where it is blocking a pathway or posing a safety hazard. It can also be done to make space for other types of land use, such as for farming or landscaping purposes.
Before attempting to fell a tree, it is critical for the sawyer to survey the area and determine what direction the tree is leaning in. This is especially true on hilly or sloping terrain, as it can be difficult to see the direction of the lean from a distance. Once the direction of the lean has been determined, the sawyer can begin making a series of angled cuts to create a notch, which will act as a hinge and encourage the tree to fall in the desired direction.
When making the notch, it is a good idea to score a line on both sides of the notch for a cutting guide. This line should be parallel and even with the apex of the notch on both sides for a safe cutting guide. The final cut, known as the felling cut, should be made right at the point where the apex of the notch meets the bottom of the notch.
After the notch has been made, it is crucial to continue observing the area for any potential hazards. Dead branches or other debris that are hanging above the area can become widowmakers, and they have been known to fall a few minutes after a tree is felled and severely injure or kill saw operators. It is also a good idea to monitor the progress of the tree as it falls, and to be ready to react quickly if the tree begins to change direction or kick back.
It is also a good idea to be prepared with extra tools in case of any problems during the felling process, such as if the chainsaw becomes jammed or loses power. Additionally, it is a good idea to stay hydrated while working, as dehydration can contribute to fatigue and reduce the quality of the work performed.
source https://caboolturetreeremoval.wordpress.com/2024/10/16/safety-tips-for-tree-felling/
No comments:
Post a Comment