Tree felling is a specialised operation that involves the use of forestry equipment such as chainsaws to cut and fell trees. This can be a dangerous and challenging task, but with proper preparation and the correct working techniques, it can also be a much safer process.
Before any cutting can begin, it is essential to fully understand the area that the work will take place in and any major obstacles that may impact the site. Identifying hazards such as overhead lines, roads or buildings can help to prevent damage and any serious injury to workers and bystanders during the felling process. In addition, if the forestry site is located near a public road, it might be necessary to deploy warning signs for motorists in advance of any logging operations.
During the preparation phase, it is crucial to make sure that all of the required forestry equipment is available and ready for use. This includes a sharp chain, responsible throttle control and appropriate safety gear. It is also important to have a detailed plan for the felling and know what steps need to be taken in order to achieve it. This step should include a list of tools, an assessment of the site and a detailed description of the work to be done.
The most common way to fell a tree is by using a technique called ‘notching’. This involves making angled cuts to create a hinge and encourage the tree to fall in the desired direction. When performed correctly, this process is very reliable and can provide a high level of control over the direction of the tree’s fall. However, there are a number of mistakes that can be made which can lead to significant property damage and severe injury or death to the sawyer and anyone else within close proximity.
These errors typically occur when a tree is not properly prepared. Incorrect notching, or the angling of the cuts, can cause the tree to misbalance and topple over in an uncontrolled manner. Additionally, the creation of a back cut that is too small can result in strips along the sides of the hinge being snapped off during the tree’s fall. This can significantly reduce the reliability of the notching technique and create an additional hazard to the sawyer.
Incorrect positioning of the felling site can also create significant risks for the sawyer. The area should be cleared of obscuring shrubs and smaller trees, and the escape route should be clearly identified and clear. It is extremely dangerous to remain in the area of a fallen tree and should be avoided at all times. There are far too many examples of people getting maimed or killed as a result of lingering around the base of a falling tree, often to film it for social media.
Another hazard involves the butt of a tree rebounding or contacting another tree as it falls. This can snap off branches or tops and ricochet backwards towards the sawyer. This hazard can be minimised by following a clear felling procedure that utilises directional felling and the use of both scarf and back cuts.
source https://caboolturetreeremoval.wordpress.com/2025/04/17/tree-felling-how-to-avoid-common-tree-felling-errors/
No comments:
Post a Comment