Initial Safety Meeting Checklist✎ Site Crew Detail Date – Location – Supervisor or Bullbucker – Alternate – Crew Members – Other Crew(s) in area.

✎ Communication ProcedureMan-check system – other crews and equipment in area– safe working distance to workers, machines, helicopters.

✎ First Aid CoverageFirst Aid attendant – location of F/A supplies – radio check-in/check-out – radio frequencies – GPS coordinates – emergency phone #’s – access/egress evacuation routes – designated emergency facility – designated aircraft

✎ PPE and Falling Tools

✎ Current MapOperating commitment attached – sensitive sites (wetlands) creeks/RMA requirements – boundaries/flagging colours

✎ Hazardous Weather Conditions: Wind – rainfall – snow – fog – slope stability – avalanche

✎ Tree Hazards: Overhead hazards – root conditions – tree lean – defects

✎ Safety Concerns: Review site-specific Safe Work Procedures

✎ Special Procedures: Fall away/yard away – right-of-way – variable retention

✎ Falling Method: Hand-falling – mechanized falling

✎ Yarding and Loading Method: Skyline – grapple – helilog – ground skid – landings – type and location of equipment – roadside and cut-to-length

✎ Environmental Management System: Discuss spill plans – location of spill equipment

✎ Traffic Control: Status of road (private/public) – public access via trails – traffic control system – location of signs

✎ Fire Hazard Information: Fire Regulations MOF – location of fire equipment – current trained personnel – response plan – firefighting procedures

✎ Other Concerns: Windthrow – rock outcroppings – loose rocks – sink holes – snow depth/load – powerlines – other industrial activities

BK 96

BC FALLER TRAINING STANDARDPart 1 of 2

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04/12

FallSafe: Universal Safety Principles

1. Planthework/worktheplan.

2. Identify/removeobstructionstosafefalloftree.

3. Maintaincontrolofthetree;

•Maintaincontroloftheworkarea;

•Maintaincontrolofyourself.

4. Watchfor/recognizedangersanddealwiththem.

5. Workfromclear-to-safestposition.

6. HaveaPlanB.

7. Findalternativestofalling,i.e.,blasting,machineassistance.

8. Donotbeafraidtoaskforhelpfromyourpartner.

9. Tellyourco-workersiftheyarenotworkingsafely.

10.Neverstoplearning.

11.Exerciseyourfreedomtochoosetodotherightthingandfollowsafeworkproceduresatalltimes.

Rememberthatifyouencounteranunsafesituationorfallingdifficulty,stop work!NotethattheOH&SRegulationsupercedesallotherlegislation.Seek

qualifiedassistancetodetermineasafealternative.Aprofessionalfallerdoesnotcompromisesafety. A

1 Working Safely

1 Working Safely

Always work safely! Ifyouareunabletodoyourworksafely,reportthesituationtoasupervisor/bullbucker.Itistheirresponsibilitytoensurethatyoursafetyisnotcompromised.Afallerisobligatedtoperformworksafely.

TheOH&SRegulationdescribestheproperprocesstorefuseunsafework.Everyworkerhasanobligationtoreportsuchsituationstotheirsupervisor/employerandifitcannotberesolvedtocallWorkSafeBCandusetheWorkers’ Compensation Actprocess.ItisimportanttonotethataworkerasdefinedundertheWC Actcannotbefiredor

discriminatedagainstforbringinguphealthandsafetyissues.

Personal Safety ProgramAlthoughtheOH&SRegulationwaswrittentoprovideasafeworkingenvironment,workplacesafetycannotbelegislated.Itstartswitheveryworker’spersonalsafetyattitudeandhabits.Developyourpersonalsafetyprogramandcontinuallystriveforimprovementsofyourownsafetyhabitsandthoseofothers!

Maintain control of yourself: bementally and physically fit (3).Alwaysexpecttheunexpected.Wearappropriateclothing,alwaysusePPE (2).Ensureequipmentisingoodworkingorder.Followsafeworkprocedures,andknowwhentoaskforassistanceorwhentorefuseunsafework.Strivetoimprove;learnfromothers.

Maintain control of the work area: planthesafestsequenceoffallingtreesandfollowthisplan.Chooseagoodpositionforsafebucking.Post and barricade (10)workareaasrequiredandlimitaccessonlytosupervision,training,orwhenassistanceisrequired.Alwaysfollowthetwo tree-lengths rule (10).Checkonyourfellowworkersatleastevery20minutesandalwaysfollowestablishedman-check procedures (9).

Maintain control of the tree: assess every tree (17)forleananddefect.Constructproperfallingcuts.Havewedging tools (8)atthebaseofeverytree.Setawedgeineverybackcutassoonaspossible.Avoidunnecessarybrushing (16)andpushing (27)oftrees.Donothesitatetoaskforassistancetosolveafallingdifficulty.

Reporting Unsafe Work

•Stopwork;reportunsafeconditiontoasupervisororemployer.

•Supervisorinvestigatesimmediately.•Supervisorremediesunsafeworkor

informsworkerthatworkISsafe.•Ifworkerstillclaimsthatconditions

areunsafe,supervisororemployermustinvestigatewithworkerandworkerfromjointcommittee,fromtradeunion,oranyotherworker.

•Ifinvestigationdoesnotresolvematter,supervisor/employerANDworkermustnotifytheBoard.

2 Clothing & Personal Protective Equipment

2 Clothing & Personal Protective Equipment

ClothingHavefullbodyprotectionforanyanticipatedweatherconditions,i.e.,raingear.Wearcomfortableclose-fittingclothinginlayerssothatyoucanregulatebodytemperature.Woolisrecommendedincoolandwetconditions.Donotcoverhi-vis apparel (3).Aneckshroudhelpstopreventsunburnsandrain/snowfromfallingdownyourneck.Keepspareclothingavailableinyourpackandvehicle.

Safety HeadgearAllheadgearmustbehigh-visorangeorred,andmeetCSAorANSIstandards,withacceptablesuspension(4-pointminimum).Checkandreplacebrittleordamagedsuspension.Donotplaceanythingbetweenshellandsuspension,i.e.,pressuredressingorgloves.Donotuseheadgearthatismissingcomponentsorisdamagedormodifyhardhatshell,i.e.,drillholes.

NotethatregulationsgovernheadgearinusewithATVandsnowmachineapplications.

Eye and Face ProtectionSafetyglassesorgogglesalonedonotgiveadequateprotectionastheydonotprotectfacefromflyingorfallingdebris.Useawire-meshfacescreenthateasilyflipsupwhennotrequired.Wearsafetylenssunglassestoreduceglarewhenworking in snow (31).

Hearing ProtectionHearingprotectionmustbeworn.Maintainittomanufacturer’sstandards,i.e.,replacecushionswhen

saturatedorhardened.Earmuffsandearplugscanprovideequalhearingprotectionbutearmuffsarerecommended.Muffsare

easiertoputonandliftoff,protecttheouterear,sideoffaceandhead,andprovidewarmthincold and rain (30).Donotmodifyearmuffs.

Hand ProtectionProtecthandsagainstabrasions,cuts,scrapes,coldandwet,andwhilehandlingthechainsaw,i.e.,whilefilingandhandlingthechain.Glovesalsoprovidegriponthesaw.

Leg ProtectionProtectivepantsaremandatoryforfallersandcanpreventabrasionsandbruising.Theydonotpreventpenetrationofthechainbutcanlessentheseverityofthecutandprotectthelegsduringkickback.Replacetornordamagedpants,orrepair

accordingtomanufacturer’sinstructionspriortouse.

Safety FootwearWearwell-constructedworkboots.Uppersmustbeaminimum8”(20 cm)inheighttoprovidegoodanklesupport.Use“Logger’sTie”tokeepbootslacedtothetop.Caulkedbootsarerequiredwhenwalkingonlogs.Choosebetweenrubber,leather,orinsulatedcaulkedboots,orsnowshoes.Inspectandreplacecaulksandlacesasneeded.

Typical Daily NoiseExposures (Decibels)

Chokerman 79 Faller 103 YarderOperator 93 LoaderOperator 90 LandingMan 103 HeavyDutyMechanic90

Average exposure above 85 over an 8-hr day can cause hearing damage.

“Logger’s Tie”

3 Safety Equipment and Personal Well-Being

3 Safety Equipment and Personal Well-Being

Hi-Vis ApparelBrightlycolouredclothingallowsyoutobeseenatadistance,bothduringregularman-checks (9)andincaseofaninjury.Italsomakesiteasiertoseeotherfallersorworkersincloseproximity.Hi-visapparelcanbeavestormodifiedclothing,andismandatoryforfallerswhoselocationmustberegularlychecked,andwhenworkingclosetomovingequipment.

RemembertousePPE (2)forhead,face,eyes,hearing,hands,legsandfeetandthatitmustmeetCSAstandardsandregulations.

Mental/Physical FitnessArriveforworkphysicallyfitandwell-rested,andnotundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.Ifyouaretakingmedication,knowthesideeffects.Eatabalanceddietofnutritionalfoods.

DehydrationDehydrationreducesmentalandphysicalperformance.Hardphysicalworkcausesafluidlossbetween0.5and1.0litresperhoursodrinksmallamountsofwaterorwarmliquidsregularlythroughouttheday.Thisisespeciallyimportantduringveryhotandcoldtemperatures.Dehydrationcontributestofrostbiteandhypothermia.Avoiddrinkinguntestedwater,i.e.,fromstreams.

Frostbite and Hypothermiaareveryseriousconditionsandcanleadtolossofextremities,comaanddeath.Wearappropriateclothing(threelayersormore)andinsulatedfootwear (2).Protectexposedareas(face,ears,hands,etc).Useheatedshelter,vehicle,orbuildafireatfirstindicationofsymptoms;staywarm.

Heat StressWearprotectiveclothing,trytoworkandrestincoolareas,takeadvantageoftheshadeduringfalling;continuouslydrinkwater.

Muskuloskeletal Injuries (MSI)Thesesofttissueinjuries,i.e.,sprains,strainsandtears,accountfornumerousinjuriestofallers.Walkingonlogsanduneventerrain,carryingequipmentandsawallday,workinginawkwardpositionsforextendedperiodsallcontributetoMSI (14) (15).Warm-upexercisesandregularstretchingwillreducethepotentialforinjury.

Warm-up ExercisesWarmupmusclesbeforestretching;thisusuallyhappenswhenyouwalkintoyourworkarea.Completestretches (4);stretchlargermusclesfirst;holdstretchesforminimumof20–30secondsbutdonotoverstretchcausingpain.Dailystretchingwillincreasemuscleflexibilitysobepersistentandkeepatit.

Other Safety Equipment

•PersonalFirstAidkit•Pressuredressing•Whistle•Radio•Dustmask•Portablepocketmask•Latexgloves•Bearspray•Beestingkit•Portablefire

extinguisher

4 Stretches

4 Stretches

thefouroutstretchedfingerswithotherhand;gentlystretchthembackwards.Counteractstightnesscausedbygrippingofchainsaw.

•Alwayswarm up (3)beforestretching.•Maintainaneutralposturewhilestretching.•Stretchonlyuntilthereisagentlepullin

themuscles.•Stretchlargermusclesfirst.•Holdstretchesforatleast20–30sec.•Ifyouhaveveryinflexiblemusclesandcannotcompletethefull

movementdowhatyoucanwithoutpain.•Repeatstretchinoppositearmsandlegs.

Quads – Holdtreeforbalance;graspanklefrombehind;keepkneestogetherandpointedtowardstheground;holdbodyupright;pullgentlyuntilyoufeelastretchatthefrontofthethigh.Reducestightnessfromwalkingdownhillorholdingonepositionforlongperiods.

Hamstring – Placeonelegonobjectnohigherthanknee;bothlegsstraight;standtallwithbackstraight;shouldersback;bendbodyforwardathip.Lengthenshamstringmusclesinbackofthigh.

Hips –Holdtreeforbalance;graspkneewithoppositehand;pullkneeupandacrossbody;donottwistlowerback.Forearm – Placepalmstogether;forearmsparalleltoground;rotatehandsforwardanddown.Maintainsflexibilityingraspingandmaneuveringchainsawandaxe.

Hand – Lockwristinstraightposition;grasp

Chest – Handsclaspedbehindback;rollshouldersbackanddown;pushchestout;raisearmswithhandsclasped.Maintainsflexibilityofshoulders.

Neck – Faceforward;slowlylowereartoshoulderuntilastretchisfeltonoppositeside.Increasesflexibilityfortree assessment (17).Stopifdizzinessoccurs.

Front Shoulder – Placestraightarmagainsttreeatshoulderheight;slowlyturn

bodyawayfromarm.Keepschestmusclesflexibleandmaintainsabalancedposture.

Shoulder – Raisearmtoshoulderheightandgraspaboveelbowwithoppositehand;pullarmgentlyacrosschest.Keepsshouldersandupperarmsflexible.

Calf – Footagainsttree;toespointedupward;keepbackandlegstraight;slowlypullbodytowardstree.Stretcheslowerlegandankle.

Achilles – Footagainsttree;toespointedupward;heelplanted;pullbodytowardstreewhilebendingknee;keeptorsostraight.Stretchesachillestendonofheel.

Donotstretchtothepointofpainasitcouldtearthemuscles.

5 Chainsaws and Other Equipment

5 Chainsaws and Other Equipment

Choosing a ChainsawBeingaprofessionalbeginswiththeselectionandcareofyourequipment.Useaprofessionalchainsawmodelwithadequate-sizedogsandachainbrakemeetingcurrentCSAstandard.Manufacturer’sfull-wraphandlebarsarerequired.Thisprovidesmaximumcontrolofthechainsawinallcuttingpositionsandallowsthechainsawtoalwaysbeusedwithapullingchaintoavoidkickback (7).Minimizebackbaring (14).

Choosechainsawandbarlengthcompatiblewithtimbersizeandactivity,i.e.,usealongerbarforlargediametertimberandlimbing/bucking.Matchpowerheadtobarlength,andbarlengthtobodyheighttoreduceMSI (14) (15).Haveasparechainsawreadilyavailableandcarrysparechainsawparts.

Carrying a Chainsaw by HandEstablishanduseagood,safeaccess/egress trail (9);

markitwithribbon;alwayswearcaulked footwear (2).

➀Cleartrailtoeliminatetrips,slipsandfallswhencarryinggear.

➁Carrychainsawwithbarandchainpointedbehindyou.

➂ Shutthechainsawoffwhencarryingitforadistance.

➃ Whenchainsawisidling,activatethechainbraketopreventchainfromrotatingifthetriggercatchesastickorbranch.

➄ Carrychainsawonthelowsideordownslope,awayfromthebodysothatitcanbereleasedsafelyintheeventofafallorifitiscaughtonanobstruction.Note:ifyouchoosetocarrythechainsawonyourshoulder,guardthedogsandchain,orflipthechainoffthebarandwrapitaroundthehandlebar.Avoidcontactwiththehotmuffler.

➅ Carrygasandoilintheotherhand.

Chainsaw Refueling•Useapprovedgasandoil

storagecontainers.•Refuelonastumporongroundfreefromdebris,brushor

snow.Donotrefuelonthestumpofthelasttreefelledtoavoidexposuretooverheadhazardsfromanunsettledcanopy.

•Afterrefueling,placegasandoilwheretheyaresafefromfallingactivities.Planyourworksothatyoucanrotatebacktowherethegasandoilcontainersarestoredbeforerunningoutoffuel.

Hand Tools and Other Equipment

•Axe/wedges (8)•Buckingtape•Files/rakergauge•Fallingbelt•Fuelcontainers•Wrenches•Screwdrivers•Greasegun

SWP

Spare Saw Parts•Air/fuelfilter•Starterrope•Chaincatcher•Sparkplug•Sprocket•Barandbartip•Chains•Nutsandbolts

Engine Problems Possible Solutions

Engineisdifficulttostartorrunspoorlyatidle

•Checksparkplugandreplaceifnecessary

Chainisrotatingduringidle •Adjusttheidle

Chainsawisracingatidle•Adjustthecarburetor•Checkforbrokenclutchspring

Chainsawbackfires/sputters•Checkforfuelcontamination•Clean/replacefuelintakefilter

Chainsawissluggishduetoinadequateairintake

•Cleanorreplaceairfilter•Fuelmixturetoorich

SWP

6 Chainsaw Maintenance and Filing

6 Chainsaw Maintenance and Filing

Replaceorrepairdefectsandmakenecessaryadjustments.Refertothechainsawmanufacturer’smanualforfurtherinformation.

Filing the ChainProperchainmaintenanceandfilingimprovessafetyandproductivitybyreducingkickback (7),chainbarandsprocketwear,andfatiguetothefaller.

Aproperlyfiledchainallowsthechainsawtocututilizingjusttheweightofthechainsaw.Filingincludescorrectcuttertoothanglesandrakerdepths.Thechaincutsthewoodbeginningwiththetopcornerofthetoothandthecuttingedgeasitispulledthroughthewood.Depthofthecutisdeterminedbytheheightoftheraker.Chainscanbehand-filedorground,andtheuseofarakergaugeishighlyrecommended.Alsorefertothechainmanufacturer’shandbookforhand-filing,grindingandmaintenanceinformation.

Chainsaw Maintenance Checklist. Keepthechainsawclean.Removeoil,sawdustanddirt.. Inspectairfilterfordamage,debrisoricing.Cleanorreplace

asrequired.Cleanaroundcarburator. Cleanoutdirt,oilandwoodchipaccumulationfromaround

thestarterrecoilassembly.Inspectforcracks.. Inspectrewindcordforwear.Replaceifworn.. Inspectandcleancoolingfinsandairintake.. Inspectguidebarfordamageandwear.Fileofftheburrs.. Checkguidebartruenessandrailwear.Replaceifrequired.. Cleanoutguidebargroove.Ensureadequateoileroperation.

Rotatebarbeforereinstalling.. Checkbartipsprocketforeasyrotation.Ifnotrotatingfreely

orhasexcessiveplay,replacethetip.Greasewhenrequired.. Checktheproperfunctioningofthechainbrakemechanism.. Cleanoilywoodchips,snoworicefromaroundbrakeband.. Inspectfloatingdrivesprocketforwear,cleanclutchshoes,

checkspringanddrum,replaceifworn;greaseasrequired.. Inspectchainforkinks,brokenlinks,andexcessivewear.. Checkandadjustchaintensionandfilechainasrequired.. Testanti-vibrationmounts.Replacechaincatcherifmissing.. Inspectmufflerandsparkarrestorscreen;replaceasneeded.. Ensurethemufflermountingboltsaretight.. Checksparkplug.Replaceifengineisperformingpoorly.. Securehandlebarboltsandscrews.Replaceifmissing.. Tightenallboltsandscrewsandreplaceifanyaremissing.

Safe Chainsaw HandlingAlwaysstartchainsawinanareawithgoodfooting,

awayfrompeopleandclearofobstructions,limbsordebristhatcouldcauseakickback.Useproperstartingtechniques.Engagechainbrakebeforestartingsawandwhenmovingfromcuttocut.

•Maintainfirm comfortable griptokeepcontrolofchain-saw.Thisprovidesforreactiontimeincaseofkickback.

•Placeonehandonhandlebar,theotheron-pistolgripandthrottle.Hookthumbunderhandlebartostophandfromslippingontochainincaseofkickback.Usewell-fitting glovesforsafergrip.

•Keep handlebar arm straight.Thiscreatesapivotpointattheshoulderwhichtendstotossthechainsawovertheshoulderofthefallerandtotheclearwhenakickbackoccurs.

•Maintain solid footing,goodbalanceandanaturalposturewhencutting.Standwithonelegforwardandonelegbacktoformastablestance.-Never“one-hand”thechainsaw.

•Holdchainsawclosetothesideofyourbody.Neverover-reachwhileoperatingchainsawasthisincreasestheriskofinjuryfromfalls,backstrain,fatigueandkickback.Holdingchainsawclosertothebodyprovidesmorecontrol.Warm up (3) and stretch (4).

•Never stand directly behind chainsaworstraddleit.Worktoonesideofchainsawtominimizeinjurypotential.Learntousethechainsawbothleft-andright-handed.Thisallowsyoutousechainsawintwosafepositions.

•Pull chainsaw smoothly out of cuts.Jerkingcauseslossofcontrol,uncertainfooting,back,armorshoulderstrains.

Prevent Chainsaw Kickback •Ensureproperlyfiled chain

(6)andrakerheights,well-maintainedchainbrake,andproperlytensionedchain;considerusingsafetyoranti-kickbackchain.

•Ensureproperbodypositioningtocontrolkickback;donotover-extendyourreachwiththechainsaw.Dogin

wherenecessarytostabilizethesaw.Alwaysusethesawwithapullingchain.Avoidbackbaring (14)toreducetheriskofkickbackfromthechainsawbeingpushedtowardsyou.

•Ensurethebartipdoesnotcontactanyobstructionswhilethechainismoving;knowwherethebartipisatalltimes.

•Removebrushandsaplingsfromaroundfallingandbuckingarea;whilelimbing,takecautionwithlimbs under tension (34).

•Choporknockoutundercutswiththeaxe (8).•Startawedgeinbackcutsassoonaspossible;

itactsasaguardifthechainsawkicksback.

Safe Boring Procedures•Ensurechainteethandrakersare

properlyfiled (6).•Useproperstanceandsecurefooting.•Keepbothhandsfirmlyonthechainsaw,holdthechainsawclose

andtoonesideofyourbodyandkeephandlebararmstraight.•Applyconsistentequalpressureasyoufeedchainintocut.Do

notforcechainintocut.Keepfocusedwhenexposingthebartip.•Feelforincrease/decreaseofpressureinthetreetensionasthe

chainisbeingfedintothecut.Pressureindicatesthatthebind (36) is causingthecuttoclosewhichresultsinapinchedbarorkickback.

7 Safe Chainsaw Handling Procedures

7 Safe Chainsaw Handling Procedures

Kickback Zone

Kickback

Thisisthedangerousandunexpectedupwardthrustoftheguidebarandchainwhenthemovingchaincontactsasolidobject.

SWP

SWP

SWP

8 Axes and Wedges

8 Axes and Wedges

•Whenstrikingthewedgetheforceappliedtothewedgetravelsupthroughtothetopofthetree,thereforeitisimportanttopausebeforestrikingagaintoallowthetoptomoveandtreetolift.

•Ifathickwedge,i.e.,doubletaper,isusedtostartliftingthetree,itmaysimplyjustcompressintothewoodinsteadofliftingthe

tree.Thiscouldresultinthewedgeflyingoutbackatthefaller.•Usingtoothickofawedgetostart

canalsoresultintheholdingwoodbreakingandthetreefallingoverbackwardstowardsthefaller.Usetwothinnerwedges,i.e.,singletaper,tostartwithinsteadandstrikealternately.

Remove thick bark:RemovethickbarkofDouglasfir,LarchandCottonwoodwithchainsaworaxe.Exposewhitewood/sapwoodsothatwedgescanbesetintosolidwoodandthatyoucanseethebackcutopenorclose.Wearappropriate PPE (2).

Wedging ExampleConsiderthefollowingexample:a2-ftdiametertreeis120 fttall,andleansback5ftfromvertical.Usinga1”wedge,thistreecanbemoved5 fttowardsthedirectionoffallwhichwilltakethetreetoplumb.Byeitherstackingtwo1”wedgesorusinga2”wedgethetreecanbemovedanadditional10 ftwhichshouldmakeitfall.Remembertousesawdustwhenstacking wedges (21).

Axe RequirementsMinimumacceptablestandardisanaxewitha3.5lbsheadanda17 ”handlemeasuredfromtheendofthehandletowhereitfitsintothehead;however,afull-sizeaxe(minimumof3.5lbsand27 ”inoveralllength)isrecommendedtoensurefluidmotionandgoodbodyposture;lettheweightoftheaxedothework.Toolightanaxeheadandtooshortahandlewillresultinstressinjuriestohands,forearms,elbows,shoulders,neckandback.•Carryaxebyhand,orinanapprovedholderandcarryingloopon

theoutsideofthebelt–nevertucktheaxethroughthebelt.•Avoid pushing (27);keepasparefull-sizeaxereadilyavailable.•Keepaxeheadsecured,i.e.,pinned.

WedgesWedgingtoolsmustbeimmediatelyavailableatthebaseofeverytreebeingfelled.Carryatleast3wedgesinyourwedgepouchsuitablefortimbertypeandweatherconditions;havesparewedgesavailable.Usewinterwedgeswhenwedgingfrozen wood (31).

The Physics of Wedging•Awedgeactsasalever,andlifts

thetreetowardstheintendeddirectionoffall.

Wedge Uses•Keepbackcutopen.•Preventpinchingof

chainandbar.•Lifttreetostartthefall.•Assistintreeplacement.•Guardagainstchainsaw

kickback.•Correctwedgingreduce

fatigueandbodystrain.

Axe Uses•Setanddrivewedges.•Chop/cleanoutundercuts.•Checksoundnessofstem

androotcondition.•Cleardirt/debrisaround

treebeforemakingcuts.•Useasplumblineto

determineleanoftree.•Chopburrsoffwedges.

Key Safe Practices

B

Plan AvoidUnnecessary YourWork Brushing

MaintainSafe RemoveDangerous Distances TreesProgressively

Workin UseProperSafeAreas FallingCuts

9 Planning – Safety Meetings – Man-Checks

9 Planning – Safety Meetings – Man-Checks

Falling PlanThesupervisor/bullbuckerconductsaninitialwalkthroughtheareatoassesstheterrainandgenerallean,identifypotentialhazardsandtocreateafallingplanforsafefallingandbucking,basedontheharvestingmethod.Thisplanmustbecommunicatedtofallersandaffectedworkers.

Initial Safety MeetingAttheinitialsafetymeeting,supervisor/bullbucker,fallersandengineerifrequired,reviewthefallingplanmapanddiscussfallingplanobjectives,placementoffallers,First Aid coverage (11),problemareasorspecifichazards,andspecialproceduresrequired.Fallersmustbeabletomatchthefallingplanmaptotheactualfallingarea.Theymustknowallpertinentinformationincludingthefallingboundaries,roadandlandinglocations,harvestingmethods,riparianareas,wildlifetreepatches,andtheirrespectiveflaggingcolours,paintand/orblazesapplicableinthearea.Accessandegresstrailsmustbeestablishedandmarked.SeeInitial Safety Meeting Checklistonbackcover.

Written Man-Check ProceduresBeingisolatedfromotherworkersintheareacannotalwaysbeavoided.•Pre-planforcircumstancesorpotentialhazardsthatcouldisolate

thefaller,anddecideontheproceduresthatmustbeinplacetoresolvetheisolationproblem.Qualifiedassistancemustbereadilyavailabletofallersincaseofdifficulty,emergencyorinjury.

•Developprocedurestoestablishaman-checksystemthatoccursatregularintervals;bespecificaboutmethod(radio,phone),andfrequency,i.e.,startofday,every20–30min,andendofday.

•EstablishFirst Aid coverage (11) andFirstAidproceduresincludinghowtocallforhelp;communicatethistoallworkers.

Start-of-Day Check-InKnowtheman-checkprocedurebeforestartingwork.Itisyourresponsibilitythattheprocedureisinplaceandworkingbeforeyoustartwork.Ifthereisnosysteminplace,asksupervisor/bullbucker.

Check at Regular Intervals•Makevisualorverbalcontactwithfaller;wearhi-vis apparel (3).•Shutoffchainsawregularlyandlistenforyourpartner,doaradio

check.•Checksshouldbefrequentenough(20–30min)thatassistance

canberenderedifneeded.Whenworking in snow (31)orintemperaturesbelow–20˚Cperformman-checksmorefrequently.

End-of-Shift Check-Out•Mustincludeindividualorgroupcheck-outsystemtoaccountfor

allworkersbeforeleavingtheworkarea.

No Response to Man-Check•Ifyoucannotseeorhearyourpartner,trytocontacthimorwalk

overtocheckhim.Donotrelyonsoundsofanidlingchainsaw:itcanidleforhoursonitsown.Beawareofpotentialhazards.

•Ifyouhearawhistleoracallforhelp,alertFirstAid,thengotorenderassistanceimmediately;takewhatisneededforapotentialrescue,i.e.,tools,chainsawandFirstAidkit.

•Ensurethatitissafetoenterfallingareaoftheinjuredworker,anddealwithanypotentialhazardspriortorenderingassistance.

Falling Plans Must Consider

•Communication,FirstAid•Terrainandotherhazards•Accessandegresstrails•Crewtransportation•Harvestingmethods•Minimumdistancebetween

fallers,i.e.,2tree-lengths•Safeopeningoffallingface.

10 Falling Areas and Active Falling Areas

10 Falling Areas and Active Falling Areas

Faller Responsibilities Thefallerisresponsibleforallworkersincludingsupervisorswhiletheyareinthefallingareaandtheactivefallingarea.Makesurethefallingareaincludingtheactivefallingareaisclearofworkers.Thefallercanonlygrantpermissiontoenterthefallingareaandtheactivefallingarea

whenallfallingandbuckingactivityhasstoppedandthereisnopotentialhazardcausedbythefallingactivity,i.e.,stumps,runaways,rocks,etc.

Entering a Falling Area or Active

Falling Area•Contactthefallerbyradio.

Ifthefallerdoesnothavearadiooristoofarawaytohail,alwaysapproachfromthehighside;stayoutsidethetwotree-lengthsarea.

•Waitforthefallertostopandshutoffthechainsaw,thenhailandestablisheyecontact;identifyyourself.

•Confirmwiththefallerthesafestroutethroughthearea.Ifchangesaremadetotheroute,notifythefaller.

•Thefallerstopsallworkwhileindividualsormachinesaremovingthroughthearea.Notifythefallerwhenyouareclear.

Barricading and Posting a Falling Area•Iffallingcreatesahazardforroadtrafficitisthefaller’s

responsibilitytocloseandbarricadetheroad.Postasign,i.e.,“Danger–FallingArea–RoadClosed–DoNotEnter”.Aropeacrosstheroadmustaccompanytheclosuresign.Thesigncanbesupportedbyaropethatiswellmarkedwithflaggingtapeandclearlyvisibletooncomingtraffic.

•Iffallingdoesnotcreateahazardfortheroadtraffic,postasign,i.e.,“Caution–FallingArea”.

•Ifaroadcannotbeclosed,useflagpersonstoensuresafepassage.Flagpersonsmustalwaysfollowthetwotree-lengthsrule.

•Askthefallerifitissafetoenter;ifsomethingiscutupdonotenteruntilthefallersaysthatitissafetodoso.

Falling AreaThefallingareaistheworkingareaofthefalleridentifiedbysignage,orsignage,barricadesandflagging.

Active Falling AreaTheactivefallingareaistheareawithinatwotree-lengthsradiusofwhereafallerormechanizedfallingequipmentislocatedandequippedsoastobeabletofalltimber.

Access is Permitted ......toaworker,otherthanthe

faller,tobeatthebaseofthetreebeingfellediftheworkeris

•asupervisorormanagercontrollingtheoperation,

•trainingasafaller,•requiredtoassistthefallerto

overcomeafallingdifficulty.

Two Tree-Lengths Rule

Alwaysmaintaintheminimumdistanceoftwotreelengthsbetweenfallersand/orallotherworkers.Theimportanceofthisrulecannotbeover-emphasized.

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11 Crew Transport and First Aid Coverage

11 Crew Transport and First Aid Coverage

Transportation of Tools, Fuel and EquipmentDonotcarrychainsaws,tools,fuel,riggingorotherequipmentinthedriver’scaborpassengercompartment.Carryhazardous,flammableandvolatilematerialsinanisolatedcompartmentwhichisaccessibleonlyfromoutsidethevehicleandfittedwithanadequateventilationanddrainagefacilities.Securelyfastentools,materials,andequipment.Anapprovedfirewallmustseparateinsidecompartmentsfromthedrivercabandcrewcompartment.

Driver Responsibilities•Conductanddocumentadailyvehicleinspection.•Beawareofweatherandroadconditionsanddrive

accordingly.•Donotrelyontheradioforlocationofoncomingtraffic.•Boardanddischargepassengersinsafelocations.•Donottransportanimalsintheoperator’scaborpassenger

compartmentofanyvehicletransportingworkers.•Turnoffmotorforrefueling;allpassengersmustvacatevehicle.•Donotpassamovingloadedloggingtruckwhiletransporting

workersinyourvehicle,exceptundersuitableroadconditionsandthenonlyuponthesignalfromthedriveroftheloggingtruckthatitissafetoproceed.

•Parkvehiclefacingtheexitfromtheoperatingarea,andasafedistanceawayfromanyactivity,withclearaccesstocamp/town.

Crew ResponsibilitiesSeatbeltsmustbewornwhereprovided.Smokingisnotpermittedincrewtransportvehiclesandfuelingareas.

Communications•Clearforoncomingtrafficonright-handsideoftheroadexceptin

designatedareas.Whenstoppingforanyreasonidentifylocationandintentions;useflaresorreflectorsincaseofbreakdowns.

•Allvehiclesoperatingonradio-controlledroadsmusthaveaworkingtwo-wayradiowiththecorrectroadchannels,andmustfollowroaduserulesineffect.Identifylocation,intentionsandconfirmclearancebeforeovertakingavehicle.

•Restrictradiotransmissionstocallingroadlocations,emergencymessagesandimportantmessagespertainingtooperations.

Transportation by Other MeansTheoperators/ownersoffixed-wingaircrafts,helicoptersormarinecraftsmustprovideanorientationofappropriatesafetyprocedurestoallpassengerspriortodeparture.UsersofsnowmachinesandATVsmustfollowmanufacturer’soperatingguidelines.Ifsafeworkproceduresarenotavailableemployersmustdevelopandimplementguidelines.

First Aid CoverageForFirstAidcoveragetobeeffectiveincaseofanemergency,everyoneintheoperationmustknow:•ThelocationofFirstAidsupplies,equipmentandservices.•Emergencynumbersandfrequencies,whoandhowtocall.•Dailyprocesstotestcommunicationsystem.•Call-outlocations,radioandcellphonedeadzones.•Informationonhowtotransportaninjuredworkertomedicalaid,

includingworkersrequiringstretchertransport.Anoutlineforbasictreatmentandinjuredworkercare.

Inanaccident,aprofessionalfallerwillperformeffectively,keepacool,clearheadandfollowemergencyprocedures.

Alldriversmusthaveavaliddriver’slicence.

12 Tree Species Group Hazards

12 Tree Species Group Hazards

•Deadtopsindicateastructuralweakness•Cracked,decayed,brokenorhung-uplimbs•Splitorcrackedtrunk•Fungalfruitingbodiesindicatesap,heartorrootrot•Excessivelean•Rootpullorliftingrootmat•Sapwoodcanbecomebrittleinoldgrowthfirandlarch•Sloughingbark,i.e.,Douglasfir

•Deadtops,i.e.,candelabraormultiorsinglestem•Deadmultiplestems,i.e.,widowmakers,cracksorbrokentops•Hollowstems•Structuraldamage,i.e.,cracks,splits,scarring•Burntsectionsofstemfromfire•Looseslabsofsapwoodonstem•Treeleanduetowetsoils,liftedrootmat,shallowsoils,steep

slope,damageorrootrot•Brushgrowingonthetreestem,i.e.,hidesdefectsinthestem•Brittleholdingwood•Internalcavities,i.e.,beardens•Yellowcedarispronetobarberchairduetoelasticholdingwood•Deadredcedar(greyghosts)inwetclimatehavenorootsystems•Oldgrowthredcedartendstohavetheweightbalancenearthe

baseofthetrunk

•Deadtopsindicateastructuralweakness•Cracked,decayed,brokenorhung-uplimbs•Splitorcrackedtrunk•Mistletoeinfectedtreescandeveloplargeandheavybroomson

thelimbs•Secondgrowthsapwoodhaslimitedholdingstrength•Pronetoheart,sapandrootrotindicatedbyfungalfruitingbodies

•Iffrozen,pronetoshatter•Pronetoslidingoffthestump•Pronetobarberchair•Deadmultiplestems,i.e.,widowmakers,broken

tops,cracks,hiddenlargehangingdeadlimbs•Pronetosplittrunk,i.e.,lightningstrikes,frost

andwindinducedcracks•Stemdamage,i.e.,buttrot,animaldamage,

machineandfiredamage•Buttandstemcankers,i.e.,aspen,balsam

poplar,paperbirch,big-leafmaple,andredalder

•Largepiecesofbarkseparatedandsloughingfromthestem

•Pronetoheartrotandrootrot•Sapwoodandheartwoodisbrittle

Group 1 – Douglas Fir, Larch, Pine, Spruce

Group 2 – Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar

Group 3 – Hemlocks and True Firs (Balsam)

Group 4 – All Deciduous

13 Dangerous Tree Indicators

13 Dangerous Tree Indicators

Falling a dangerous tree (28)requiresaccurateassessmentandplanning,anddemandsthefaller’sfullattention.Plantofallthedangeroustreeassoonasitissafetofallitintoanopenarea,i.e.,donotbypassdangeroustrees.Degreeofhazardvarieswithtreesize,species (12),andtype/locationofdefect:•Stemdefectsresultingintreefailure,i.e.,collapse;•Weakenedsapwoodresultinginlossofcontrol whenfallingtrees;•Overheadhazards,i.e.,deadorhanging limbsfallingonthefaller.

Hazardous Top:deadtopormultiple-stemmedtopwithdangerindicatorsofdecay(conks,woodpeckercavities)orotherstructuralweakness.Thecedargroupislesspronetodecayinthetopbutmayhavehiddencrackedseamsandembeddedbarkbetweenmultipletops.Dead Limbs:limbsofallsizesandspecieswithdecayevident,i.e.,cracking,orloosehung-uplimbs.Witches Broom:causedbymistletoeinfection,limbscangrowverylargeandheavy(200+lbs).Stemsofhemlockandbalsamcanalsobeaffectedandbecomeaweakpoint.Split Trunk:crackedtrunkfromfrost,lightningorwind.Visibleevidenceofadvanceddecayindicatesseriousweaknesswherethetreecouldfail.Stem Damage:causedbywindfallscarring,fire,machine,andanimaldamage,aswellasheartrotdiseases.Thick Sloughing Bark or Sloughing Sapwood:usuallyfoundondeadtrees.LoosebarkonDouglasfirorloosesapwoodonwind-snappedcedarscandislodgeduringfalling.Butt and Stem Cankers:usuallyfoundondeciduoustreesbutcanoccuronDouglasfirandpine.Theinfectedareasweakenthestem.Fungal Fruiting Bodies or Conks:foundonstemsmayindicatemassiveinteriorrot1–2metresaboveandbelowconk.Excessiveresinosis(resinflow)alsoindicatesheartorrootdiseases.Heavy Tree Lean:maybecausedbydamagedrootsorliftingrootmats,shalloworwetsoils.Insomecases,thetreemayhavecorrecteditselfwhichcanbedeterminedbyassessingthecorrectedtop.Root Condition:lookforanygroundcracksaroundthebaseofthetree,signsofdecayorfungalconksontheroots.

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MustertextrahmenHöhe10mm

MustertextrahmenHöhe10mm

14 MSI Risk Factors and Control Measures

14 MSI Risk Factors and Control Measures

Bucking

Apoororawkwardposition,excessivereaching,andbeingoff-balancewhilebuckingcancausestresstothearms,neck,shoulderandback.

•Bereadyforapotentialkickback (7)anduseasolidstance,i.e.,maintainastraightbackandbracethearmagainsttheleg.

•Keeponelegslightlybehindtheother,andkeeparmonhandlebarstraight.

Chainsaw Handling/Vibration

Operatingthechainsawonlyusingthedominanthand.

•Becomecomfortableusingbothhands.•Alternatinghandswillallowbetterbodypositioning.

Backbaringiscuttingwithapushingchain,i.e.,usingthetopofthebar.Thiscancauseseverekickbackbecauseoftheincreasedexposuretothekickback zone (7) whenthesawisbeingpushedbacktowardsthefaller.Thisalsocausesstressandfatigueonthearms,wrists,shoulders,neckandbackwhilepushingthesawintothecutagainstthepushingchain.

•Alwaysusethesawwithapullingchain,i.e.,thebottomofthebar.Letthesawdothework;letthesawdogstaketheweightofthesaw.

•Backbaronlywhenabsolutelynecessary,i.e.,underbucking (37)(38),trimming whiskers (16),removing thick bark (8).

Workingwitharmsheldawayfromthebodycanquicklycausefatigue.

•Repositionandworkwitharmsbracedorclosertobody.

Carryingachainsawthatisoutofbalancecausesstresstothewrist,forearmandback.

•Ifpossible,useabarlengththatbalancesthechainsawweight.

Yankingorpullingthechainsawoutofapinchedcutcausesstresstotheshouldersandback,andresultsinstretchedmotormountsorout-of-balancecrank-shaftcausingexcessivechainsawvibration.

•Useawedgetofreethechainsaw,chopitoutwithanaxeorbuckitoutwithyoursparechainsaw.

Bentortwistedwristposture,forcefulgripping,vibration,andcoldtemperatureswillfatiguethehand,wristandforearm.

•Maintainaneutralwristposture.•Useafirmgripwithoutovergripping,i.e.,whiteknuckles.•Keephandswarm;useheatedhandlebar.•Ensureglovesfitproperly.•Dressforconditionsandchangeclothingandgloveswhenwet.

Poorfilingofthechaincauses:•Thechaintograborcutunevenly(chatter)

forcingthefallertogriptighter.•Fatigueandincreasedvibration.•Increasedneedtopushonthechainsaw.

•Ensureaproperlyfiledchainisdoingthework,i.e.,cuttingteethandrakersarefiledconsistentlywithouttoomuchhookonteeth.

•Removegulletandusefilesthatareingoodcondition.•Regularlycheckthebarfortruenessandwear.

15 MSI Risk Factors/Control Measures Cont’d

15 MSI Risk Factors/Control Measures Cont’d

Falling the Tree

Maintainingawkwardposturessuchasreachingaroundthetreeandtwistingthenecktolookup,placesextrastressontheneck,shouldersandback.

•Getdownononeknee.•Movetomaintainaconstantbody positioninrelationtothechainsaw.

Bendingforwardatthewaistandholdingchainsawatarm’slengthplacesextremepressureonthelowerback.

•Maintainastraightbackandholdchainsawclosetoyourbody.•Doabackextensionstretchthroughoutthe daytocounterbalancebendingforward.

Fallingadangeroustreetakesalongtimeresultingin:•Lookinguptoextensivelymonitorthetree.•Assumingapoorbodypositionforlongperiodsoftime.

•Fallthetreeatcomfortableheight,i.e.,waist height (28).•Usealongerbartoreducethetimeandriskateachtree.

Limbing

Crossingthebodywiththechainsawwhenlimbingforcesthetorsototwistandplacesstressontheback.

•Limbonesidewhenwalkingupthetree andtheothersideonthewayback.

Whenlimbingthetreethebackisflexingandbendingforwardatthewaistcausingstresstotheback.

•Usingabarlengththatmatchesyourheight willminimizebendingforwardatthewaist.

Removing Undercut on Oversized Trees

Excessiveweightcanstressthemusclesinthelowerbackwhenremovingundercutinonepiece.

•Removeundercutofoversizedtreesin smallsectionstoreducetheweight.

Walking

Slips,tripsandfallsleadtomanyinjuriestofallers.

•Establishgoodaccess/egresstrails.•Wearproperlyfittingboots,caulkedfootwearisrecommended.

Inflexibilityinhipflexorsandhamstringsmayproduceaforwardleanwhenwalking.Backmusclescounteractbyproducingtensionandbecomesusceptibletostrain.

•Walk/climbhillswithanuprightstanceratherthanaforwardlean.•Thoroughlywarmupandstretchthehips.•Avoidswayingsidetosidewhenwalking.

Carryingchainsaw,axe,gas,oil,waterandpacksackcanforceawkwardmovements.

•Balancetheweightoftoolsandequipmentoneachsideofthebody•Createawell-establishedtrailandmaketwotripsifnecessary.

Wedging

Excessiveforceandrepetitionwhenwedgingatreewithonewedge.

•Useproperweightedaxeand2wedgesalternatelytolifttree.•Becomeambidextrouswithaxe.

Procedures for all Falling Cuts•WearappropriatePPE (2) andhi-vis (3).

•Standonhighsideoftreeorlogwhenmakingcuts.•Dependingonfallingmethod,undercutsrangefrom1/4to1/3of

treediameter.Undercutsbiggerthan1/3treediametermaycauselossofcontrol,andmaynotprovideenoughspaceforwedgesinthebackcut.Undercutssmallerthan1/4treediametermaycausebarberchairing (23)and/orlackofdirectionalcontrol.

•Correctinappropriateundercuts.Whenmakingbackcuts,lookupregularly,palmawedge,maintainadequateholdingwood.

Itisgoodpracticeforprofessionalfallerstoevaluatetheirworkmanshipatthestumpandmakeimprovements.

Escape Procedures•Asthetreestartstofall

(cutbeginstoopenup,wedgesbecomeloose,treecracksasitbeginstomove),moveawayalongtheescaperoutesandtakecover.Placethechainsawinasafeposition.Neversacrificeyourpersonalsafetytosaveachainsaw.

•Watchthefallingtreeforoverheadhazardswhileyoumoveaway.Oncethetreehaslanded,waitforthecanopytostabilize.Assessstandingtimberandsurroundingareatoensurethateverythinghasstoppedmovingbeforereturningtothestump.Backatthestump,ensuretherearenoadditionalhazardsinthecanopy.

16 Procedures for

•Gatherallwedging tools (8),andbackbar (14)whiskersandstumppullasbackbaringshootsdebrisawayfromyou.

Opening the Falling Face•Chooseaplaceto

openupthatavoidsbrushingadjacenttimber.Lookfornaturalopeningsand/orfall dangerous trees (28) andsaplings/immaturetreestocreatetheopening.Followthefalling plan (9).

•Ifyoucannotavoidbrushingfindaplacewiththesmallestandhealthytreesinthecanopytocreatetheopening.

•Ifatreeisbrushed,fallitimmediatelyifatallpossibletoavoidthehazardofworkingunderneathoverheadbrokenlimbs.Letthecanopysettledownbeforefallingaheavilybrushedtree.

Escape Routes

• Allowescapeforatleast10 ft(3m)and/ortosafecover,preferablytohighsideata45degreeangle.

•Removetrippinghazards,i.e.,loosedebris,sticks,“spears”androcks,etc.

•Severalescaperoutesmayberequiredwithdangeroustrees.

•Walkroute(s)beforecutting.

Falling Cuts – Escape RoutesOpening the Falling Face

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16 Procedures for Falling Cuts – Escape RoutesOpening the Falling Face

C

Before You Fall a Tree, Complete the Tree Assessment Procedure:

Recognize the Hazard. Overheadhazards

. Groundhazards

. Crown,stem,orrootdefectsofthetree

. Terrainhazards

. Worksitehazards

Evaluate the Situation/Hazard

. Determinethehighsideofthetree

. Determinetheleanofthetree

. Formulateyourfallingplan,includingtechniquestofallthetreesafely

Control the Hazard. Determineescaperoutes

. Brushoutescaperoutesandaroundtree

. Placetreesafelyandaccordingtofallingplan

. Alwaysfollowsafeworkprocedures

Ifyoucannotfollowtheplanorhaveconcernsthattheworkcannotbedonesafely,stopworkanddiscussconcernswithyoursupervisor/bullbucker.

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17 Site/Tree Assessment

17 Site/Tree Assessment

Whendoingasiteassessmentforanentirefallingareaorforanindividualtreealwaysfollowthissystematicapproach.

1. Recognize the Hazard: assesstreesfromthecrowntothebase,firstfromadistance,andthenasyouapproachandwalkaroundeachtreeifpossible.

. Checkforoverhead hazards,i.e.,hung-uptrees,snowload.

. Checkforground hazards,i.e.,stumps,grounddebris.

. Checkfordefects (13)wheretreesmayfail,i.e.,splits,conks.

. Checkbaseoftreeandrootsystemforsoundness.

. Checkforarea hazards,i.e.,steepslopes,firekill,wildlife.

. Checkforotherworksite hazards,i.e.,road/harvestingcrews.

2. Evaluate the Situation/Hazard: havingrecognizedthehazardsassociatedwiththetree,younowformulateaplanhowtofallthetreesafelybyavoidingtheidentifiedhazards.

. Determinethehigh side of the treewhichplacesthefallerabovethefalllineofthetree.Insomecases,thismaybethedownslopesideiftreeleansheavyupintothestandingtimber.

. Determinethelean of the tree;dothisassessmentalwaysfromthehighsideofthetree.Useyouraxeasa“plumbline”orphysicalfeaturessuchasbranchaccumulations.Whentheleanisassessed,youcandecidewhatfallingtechniquetouseandwhatadjustmentstomaketocontrolthedirectionofthefall.

3. Control the Hazard: ifatanytimeduringthepreparationsforthefallingofthetreeyouhaveconcernsthattheworkcannotbedonesafelyandaccordingtothefalling plan (9),stopworkanddiscussyourconcernswithyoursupervisor/bullbucker.

. Determine escape routes:useclearedpath(s)orarea(s)tomovetoasafecover,i.e.,behindastandingtree,naturaloutcropping,orrockbluff.Moveaminimumof3 m(10 ft)awayfromthetreeandtakecover.

. Brush out escape routes and around the tree:alwayswear PPE (2),i.e.,earmuffs,facescreendownetc.,whenbrushingout.Removesaplings,groundcoverordebristhatcouldflybackandstrikeyouwhenthetreelands.Cuteachpieceindividually,donotraceorslashwiththechainsaw.

. Tree placement:placetreeaccordingtofalling plan (9).Chooseasafeplace,falltreeintoanopenorclearareatoavoidbrushingothertrees.Avoidrocks,stumps,windfallsorgulliesthatmaycausethetreetorollorbreakwhenitlands,whichmaycreatebuckinghazards.

. Avoid brushing:Allowtimbertofallfreeofanyobstructionsandlandinasafearea.Iftheterrainpreventsasafetreeplacement,modifyfalling plan (9).Removeobstructiontothefreefalloftrees,i.e.,treeswithlargelimbsormultipletops,dangeroustreesandsaplings.Removebrusheddangeroustreesbeforefallingothertrees.Followthesestepswhenopening a falling face (16).

. Hazardous falling situations:beforemakingcutsinhazardoussituations,ensurethechainsawisfulloffuelsothatitdoesnotrundryduringasequenceofcuts.Ifyoufeelafallingdifficultyistoodangeroustoovercome,donotmakeanycuts.Seekqualifiedassistanceorflagthehazardandreportittoyoursupervisor/bullbuckersothatan alternative falling method (33)canbeimplemented.

High Side – Lean – Escape Routes – Tree Placement

High Side – Lean – Escape Routes – Tree Placement

18 Humbolt Undercut

18 Humbolt Undercut

Thisistherecommendedsafestcut.Asthetreefalls,thebuttclosessquarelyagainsttheslopingundercutpushingthetreeawaywithlesschanceofthetreekickingbackoffthestump.

Undercut:followprocedures for all falling cuts (16),then

➀ TopCut:cutstraightin1/3treediameterusingsightlines.

➁BottomCut:cutupatanangle;makevisualcheckstoensurethatthebottomcutmeetsthetopcut.Openingoftheundercutshouldbeatleast1/2thelengthofthetopcut.*Completingthebottomcutfirstbeforethetopcutallowsheavyandlargeundercutstodropandfallawayfromthesaw,orinsertawedge (8)inthebottomcuttoavoidpinchingthebarandchain.Onlargediametertrees,turnthesawovertocompletethebottomcut.

Backcut for Small Diameter Trees➀Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut.Startbackcut.Ensureenoughholdingwoodonthelowandhighside.Conductvisualcheckfrombacksideofthetree;neverpositionyourselfinfrontofundercut.Activatechainbrakewhenevermovingawayfromthesaw,i.e.,tocheckholdingwoodonfarside.

➁ Palmwedge.Ensureadequatespacebetweenchainandwedge.

➂ Finishthebackcutusingthesightlinesasaguidetokeepholdingwoodintact.Whentreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).

Backcut for Large Diameter Trees➀ Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut,thenscribearoundthetree.

➁ Startbackcut.Ensureenoughholdingwoodonlowandhighside.Conductthevisualcheckfromthebacksideofthetree;neverpositionyourselfinfrontoftheundercut.

➂ Palmwedge.Ensureadequatespacebetweenchainandwedge.

➃ Continuebackcut.

➄ Finishthebackcutusingsightlinesasguidetokeepholdingwoodintact.Whenthetreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).

➂ Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCoverF(PreferredHeightofBackcut).

Humbolt BackcutSmall Diameter Tree

UndercutTopcut1/3treediameter

Bottomcut1/2thelengthofthedepthofthetopcut

Backcutslightlyaboveundercut,3/4”to1.5”

Humbolt Undercut

Humbolt BackcutLarge Diameter Tree

Using the sight linesonthechainsawhelpstolineuptheundercutintheintendedfallingdirection,andtoassesstheremainingholdingwoodwhencompletingthebackcut.

Scribingismakingashallowcutthroughthebarkofthetree.Thisassiststhefallerincreatinglevelbackcuts.Ascribinglinebecomesavisualguideasthebackcutisconstructed.Caution:scribingonbrittleordangeroustreesorheavyleanersthatarenotsoundmaycausethetreetobarberchair (23).Donotscribetoodeep.Ifyouareoutofalignmentyouwillhavetorealignproperlytowedgethetree.

19 Conventional – Swanson – Pie Undercuts

19 Conventional – Swanson – Pie Undercuts

Conventional Undercut TopandbottomcutanglesarereversedfromHumbolt undercut (18).

Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCoverF(PreferredHeightofBackcut).Thisreducesthechanceoftreekickingbackoffthestump.

UndercutFollowprocedures for all falling cuts (16),then➀Undercut–Bottomcut:cutstraightinto1/3treediameterusingsightlines.➁Undercut–Topcut:cutdownatananglemakingvisualcheckstoensurethetopcutmeetsthebottomcut.Theundercutopeningshouldbeatleast1/2thelengthofthedepthofthebottomcut.Correctincomplete falling cuts (23).

Backcut➂Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCover F(PreferredHeightofBackcut),creatingahighersteporhinge,sothatthebuttofthetreedoesnotslideback.UsebackcutproceduresasinHumbolt backcut (18).

Swanson Undercut Large,steepbottomcutcausesbutttostrikegroundfirst;removeswhippingaction;holdswoodonsteepslopes.

Undercut Followprocedures for all falling cuts (16),then➀ Undercut–Topcut:cutstraightinto1/3treediameterusingsightlines.➁Undercut–Bottomcut:openingshouldbea1:1ratiototopcut.Cutupatananglemakingvisualcheckstoensurethebottomcutmeetsthetopcut.Correctincomplete falling cuts (23).

Backcut➂Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCover F(PreferredHeightofBackcut).

Pie Undercut (alsocalled“Bird’sMouth”or“Split-the-Difference”)

Wideropening;usedinfrozenwood,alldeciduoustrees,andheavyleanerswhichhavebrittlewoodfibers;reducesriskofbarberchair.Undercut Followprocedures for all falling cuts (16),then➀ Undercut–Topcut:cutdownatanangleto1/3treediameter.➁Undercut–Bottomcut:cutupatananglemakingvisualcheckstoensurethebottomcutmeetsthetopcut.Opening,topcutandbottomcutshouldallbethesamelength.Correctincomplete falling cuts (23).Backcut➂ Startbackcutaboveundercut-seeCover F(PreferredHeightofBackcut).

Conventional Undercut

Swanson Undercut

Pie Undercut

Backcut3/4-12inchesaboveundercut

Backcut3/4-6inchesaboveundercut

Backcut2-6inchesaboveundercut

20 Directional Control

20 Directional Control

For Large Diameter Trees

➀Constructundercut1/3treediameterusingsightlines.

➁ Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut,thenscribe (18)aroundbycuttingthroughbark.

➂Startbackcut.Checktoensurethereisenoughholdingwoodonthelowside.Setchainbrake.Conductvisualcheckfrombacksideoftree.Neverpositionyourselfinfrontoftheundercut.

➃PalmwedgeA.Placewedgeslightlyoffcentretowardstheweightedsideofthetreetoassistinliftingthetreeintheintendeddirectionofthefall.

➄ Continuebackcut.

➅ SetwedgeBabout6 ”awayfromwedgeA.ThisassistswedgeAandleavesroomincaseitisnecessarytodoubleuponthewedges.

➆ StrikewedgeB,thenwedgeA.➇ Finishthebackcutusingthesightlinesasaguidetokeeptheholdingwoodintact.➈StrikewedgeAandBalternately.Followwedging procedure (21)untiltreebeginstofall.➉Whentreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).

Directional Control and Holding WoodHoldingwoodcontrolsthefallofthetree.Changingtheangleoftheholdingwoodensuresthattreesfallintheintendeddirection.Thespecies,diameter,conditionofthestem,leanandgrowthpatternswilldeterminetheamountofholdingwoodrequired.

For Small Diameter Trees

➀Constructundercut1/4treediameterusingsightlines.➁ Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut.Startbackcut.Ensurethereisenoughholdingwoodonlowside.Setchainbrake.Conductvisualcheckfrombacksideoftree.Neverpositionyourselfinfrontoftheundercut.➂Palmwedgeoffcentretowardstheweightedsideofthetreetoassistinliftingthetreeintheintendeddirectionoffall.➃Finishthebackcutusingthesightlinesasaguidetokeeptheholdingwoodintact.➄Strikewedge.Followwedging procedure (21)untiltreebeginstofall.➅ Whentreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).

Directional Control Using Holding Wood –Large Diameter Tree

Directional Control Using Holding Wood –Small Diameter Tree

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21 Wedging Procedures

21 Wedging Procedures

Wedging a Small Diameter TreeUsewhenbarlengthislongerthantreediameter.

➀Constructundercut1/4treediametertoallowmorecontrolandroominbackcutforsawandwedgesinordertoliftthetree.➁Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut.Startbackcut.➂Palmandsetwedgewhenroom.Ensurewedgesitsinsapwood,notjustinbark.Ensurethereisenoughholdingwoodonlowandhighside.Conductavisualcheckfrombacksideoftree.➃ Finishbackcutusingsightlinestokeepholdingwoodintact.Turnsawoffandliftearmuffstohearoverheadhazardsandtreemovement.➄Strikewedge;liftfacescreen;lookupandpause,checkingfortreetopmovementandlooseorhung-updebris;lowerfacescreen;strikewedgeandrepeatuntiltreestartstofall.➅ Whenthetreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).

Alternative Procedure: fallingagainstthelean(32).

Wedging a Large Diameter TreeUsewhenbarlengthisshorterthantreediameter.

➀ Constructundercut1/4 –1/3treediameter.➁Sightthroughundercuttolineupbackcut,thenscribe (18)aroundbycuttingthroughbark.➂Startbackcut;checktoensurethereisenoughholdingwoodonthelowside.Conductavisualcheckfrombacksideoftree.➃ PalmwedgeA.Ensurewedgesitsinsapwood,notjustinbark.➄Continuebackcut.➅ SetsecondwedgeB.➆ StrikewedgeB;liftfacescreen;lookupandpause,checkingfortreetopmovementandlooseorhung-updebris;lowerfacescreen.➇ Finishbackcutusingsightlinestokeepholdingwoodintact.Turnsawoffandliftearmuffstohearoverheadhazardsandtreemovement.➈StrikewedgeA;liftfacescreen,lookupandpauseforvibrationstoimpacttreetop;lowerfacescreenandstrikewedgeB.Repeatthesequence,strikealternatewedgesuntiltreestartstofall.➉Whenthetreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).

If single wedges do not make the tree fall,gettwoadditionalsingle-taperedwedges (8)ofthesamesizeandstackthemontopofoneanother(double-taperedwedgescankickoutofcut).Placeflatsidestogetherwithsawdustinbetween,tominimizerisk

ofwedgesflyingbackwhenstruck.Drivewedgesinuntiltheotherwedgescanbepulledout.Usethisprocesstoavoidchoppingoutyourwedges.Doubleupthefreewedgesandalternatelystriketopandbottomwedges.Alternately,strikethesetsofdoublewedges.Ifthetreestilldoesnotfall,seekqualifiedassistance;considerre-falling (32) orblasting (33).

Wedging ALarge Diameter Tree

Wedging ASmall Diameter Tree

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22 Inadequate Falling Cuts

22 Inadequate Falling Cuts

Inadequatefallingcutsincludethefollowing:

•Backcutbelowundercut •Inadequateundercut•Excessiveundercut •Slopingcuts•Undercutnotcleanedout(23) •Cutoffholdingwood•Noundercutintreesgreaterthan6 ”(15 cm)diameteratbreastheight(dbh).

Professionalfallersconstructundercutswhicharecompleteandcleanedout,ensurethatadequateholdingwoodismaintained,andthatthebackcutishigherthantheundercut.

Sloping CutsUndercutand/orbackcutareangleddowninthesamedirection,orcriss-crossedinundercutandbackcutslopedatoppositeangles.

HazardsAside-slopingstumpmayforcethefallingtreetoslipoffthe

stumpcausingalossofdirectionalcontrol.Fallermaymisjudgeamountofholdingwoodresultinginalossofdirectionalcontrol.Thisisanunacceptablepracticewhichisalsoanindicatorofpoorworkmanshipresultinginlossofdirectionalcontrolofthetree.Aprofessionalfallertakesthetimetoconstructcorrect,levelandangledcutsaccordingtoundercutprocedures.

Backcut Below UndercutThisisanunacceptablepracticebecausethefallercanbestruckbyatreeslidingbackoffthestump;itisalsodifficulttodeterminetheadequateamountofremainingholdingwood.

HazardsTreemayslidebackoffthestumpasitstartstofallwith

thatbackcutslineupaboveundercutsattheappropriateheight,accordingtosafeworkprocedures.

Cutting Off Holding WoodLeaveenoughholdingwoodtomaintaincontrolofthetreethatitdoesnotbreak,sliportwistoffthestumpandfallinanunplanneddirection.Aprofessionalfallertakesthetimetocheckregularlythatadequateholdingwoodisleftintact.

Domino FallingDominofallingisdefinedasplacingundercutsandbackcutsinaseriesoftrees,thenusingatreetopushthesetreesintheintendeddirection.This practice is prohibited.

Hazards•Windcausingtree(s)tofall•leavingoneormorecut-uptreesstanding•notenoughforceonthecut-uptreestopushthetreesin

theintendeddirectionofthefall.Thisisanunacceptablepracticebecausethefallercanbestruckbyacut-uptree(s),cut-uptreeswithoutwedgesareleftstandingwhichcreatesapotentialhazardforthefallerandotherworkers,andthefallerhastoturnhisbackonthecut-uptrees.

Aprofessionalfallerensuresthatalltreesarefelledinacontrolledsafemanner.Thefalling area (10)mustbeproperlyplannedandlaidouttoallowenoughroomtoworksafely,andskidtrailslocatedtotakeadvantageofthegeneraltimberlean.Useappropriateaxe and wedges (8)tofalltrees.

alossofdirectionalcontrol.Wedgingalsobecomesdifficultasitmustlifttheweightofthetreeabovetheundercut.Alwaysensure

23 Correcting Incomplete Falling Cuts

23 Correcting Incomplete Falling Cuts

Cuts Do Not MeetThissituationiscreatedwhenthesecondcutdoesnotmeetthefirstcut.Ifthefallerhadcontinuedcuttinguntilthetwocutsmet,theresultingundercutwouldbecometoodeepchangingthedirectionoffall.Thisalsoleavesinadequateroomtoplacewedges (8) inthebackcut,andmaycauseunstabletreestocollapseontheundercut.

HazardsLossofdirectionalcontroloftree.

•Stopcutting,knockoutundercutwithaxehead,and

checkthatundercutisclean.

DutchmanThisleadingcauseoflossofdirectionalcontrolofatreeiscreatedintheundercutwhenthecutsdonotmeettoformaproper‘V’,i.e.,thebottomcutmeetsthetopcuttoosooncreatingaflatspotwhichcancontinueacrossthefulldiameterofthestump.

HazardsTreefallsinunintendeddirection,

holdingwoodonhighsidemaybreakoffprematurely,treecansplit,thereispotentialforbarberchairorstemfailure,makeswedging (8)moredifficult.

Ensureundercutiscleanedoutorcorrectedbeforestartingbackcut,

i.e.,cutoutdutchman,cutsmustmeet.Donotuseadutchmanintentionally.

BarberchairItiscreatedwhenthetrunkofthetreesplitsverticallybecauseofpressurethathasbeenexertedontheholdingwood.Asthetreesplitsandfalls,thebuttendcankickbackorpivotsidewaysatthebreakagepoint.

HazardsLossofcontroloftree,kickback,

fallerisstruckorcrushedbytree.Hardwoodsordeciduoustrees,redandyellowcedars,balsam,hemlock,spruce,secondgrowthtimberandfrozentreeshavethemostpotentialtobarberchair.

•Constructproperfallingcuts,i.e.,deepandwideenough;cleanundercuttoavoiddutchman;donotleave

toomuchholdingwood;completebackcutuntilthetreeiscommittedtofall.

•Beawareofheavy lean (25)orpressureontrees,splitseams,cracksorotherdeformitiesinthebuttsection.

•Setwedgesassoonaspossibletopreventtreefromsittingback;avoidfallinginunfavorableconditions.

•Donotfalltreesacrossobstacles,i.e.,rockoutcroppingsorshortstubby trees (32).

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Correcttheundercut(yellowline)oritwillpushthetreeawayfromtheplannedfalldirectionassuggestedinthestumpsketch.

Dutchman

24 Steep Slope, Upslope and Riparian Falling

24 Steep Slope, Upslope and Riparian Falling

haveasafeplacetostandandbeabletoretreattoasafepositionbymovingalongtheescaperouteundertheirownpower.

Falling Trees Up SlopeInsomesituations,itmaybenecessarytofalltreesup

slope.Thisbecomescriticalonslopesover45%.➀ Limitthedirectionoffalltoamaximumupslopeangleof15˚offlevel.➁ Planandclearescape routes (16).Ensuretheescaperoutetakesyoufarenoughfromthetreetobeclearofthelimbsifthetreeslidesback.➂ Constructundercut(Swansonisrecommended)andstartbackcutaboveundercut-seeCover F(PreferredHeightofBackcut)tocreateananti-kickbackstep.➃ Watchfordebrisflyingbackwhenthetreefalls.➄ Whenthetreestartstofall,followescape procedures (16).➅ Ifyoucannotfallthetimbersafelyoratlessthana15˚angleupslope,stopworkandreporttosupervisor/bullbucker.

Falling Around Riparian AreasDiscusscontentiousissuesduringtheInitial Safety Meeting (9),i.e.,markingofboundaries,optionsforthefallertosubstitutereservedtreesiftheyareanobstructiontothefallingprocess,assessmentofdangeroustreesalongblockboundary.NotethatMinistryofForests&Rangeguidelinespermitfallerstoremovedangeroustreesfromwildlifetreepatchesandriparianareasthatwouldotherwiseimpactworkersafety.Ensurethatmapiscurrentandthatdesignatedwildlifetreesaresafefromdamagewithlargeenoughreserves.

Falling on Steep SlopesAccuratelyassessthesituationandplanwhereandhowtosafelyfallthetree,andpositionitforsafebucking;avoidslidinghazards.ConsiderSwanson undercuts (19)forbettertreeplacement.

•Establishtreeleanandsoundness,i.e.,treeswithheavyleansuphillmayincreasethefallingdifficulty.

•Itisdifficulttomaneuveronsteepterrain,sotakeextratimetoplanandclearescape routes (16).Alwaysworkonthehighsideofthetreewhenfallingonsteepterrain.

•Ensuregoodfootingbeforestartinganycuts.Onswell-buttedtrees,notchtheroottocreateafootholdandensuresolidfooting.

•NeverworkdirectlyaboveotherfallersorworkersifthereisANYpossibilityofarunawaytree,logsordebrisbeingdislodgedandrollingdownhill.Aroadwaybetweenyouandotherworkactivitieswillnotalwaysstoprollingrocks,logsorrunawaytrees.

Using Rope and HarnessItisrecommendedinsomesteepslopeareasthatfallersbeassistedbyropeandharnesstoovercomethespecificfallingdifficulty.Useonlyacertifiedropeandsafetyharness.However,thepracticeofbeingsolelysupportedfromaropeandharnesswhilefallingtimberisprohibited.Fallersmust

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