For Ground Crew & Climbers

(Pre-Work → Aloft Operations → Rigging → Rope Management → Chipper & Chainsaw Safety)

(Before Anyone Leaves the Ground)

• Identify job objective (prune, remove, cable, inspect)
   
• Assign roles:
   
  • Lead climber
     
  • Primary ground worker
     
  • Rope handler
     
  • Chip operator
     
• Review drop zones, rigging zones, and no-go zones
   
• Identify hazards:
   
  • Power lines
     
  • Decay, cracks, dead leaders
     
  • Slopes, targets, traffic, pedestrians
     
• Confirm emergency plan:
   
  • Address / location
     
  • Who calls 911
     
  • Aerial rescue climber identified
     

• Helmet (secured)
   
• Eye protection
   
• Hearing protection
   
• Gloves appropriate to task
   
• Chainsaw protection when operating saws
   
• High-visibility apparel where required
   

• Ropes: no glazing, cuts, or contamination
   
• Carabiners: locked and undamaged
   
• Rigging devices: properly installed
   
• Saws: chain sharp, chain brake working
   
• Chipper: guards in place, emergency bar tested
   

• Eyes on climber at all times
   
• No walking under climber unless directed
   
• Stay out of drop zone
   
• Maintain clear communication:
   
  • Verbal commands or agreed hand signals
     
• Never tension, cut, or move ropes without climber confirmation
   

• Maintain two points of attachment when required
   
• Tie in above work position whenever possible
   
• Inspect each limb before loading or cutting
   
• No cutting above shoulder height without control
   
• Never trust dead, cracked, or decayed wood
   

• Warn crew before every cut
   
• Confirm drop zone is clear
   
• Cut small pieces first when structure is uncertain
   
• Use controlled cuts near targets
   

• Identify:
   
  • Load weight (estimate conservatively)
     
  • Rigging point strength
     
  • Swing path and landing zone
     
• Choose correct:
   
  • Rope size
     
  • Friction device
     
  • Block or natural crotch
     
• Establish clear commands:
   
  • “Rope on”
     
  • “Ready”
     
  • “Cutting”
     
  • “All clear”
     

• Only one person controls the rope
   
• No standing inside the bight
   
• Never wrap rope around hands, legs, or body
   
• Maintain safe distance from loaded lines
   
• Control speed — no free-falling loads
   

• Confirm load is stable before approaching
   
• Clear landing zone before next cut
   
• Inspect rigging if shock-loaded
   

(Critical for Safety)

• Keep ropes clean, dry, and organized
   
• Do not step on ropes
   
• Keep ropes out of chipper zone and saw area
   
• Coil excess rope — no piles at feet
   

• Assign a ground worker to rope watch
   
• Never:
   
  • Untie knots
     
  • Move friction devices
     
  • Reposition lines
     
• Watch for:
   
  • Rope running over sharp edges
     
  • Rope contacting saws or chipper
     
  • Rope snagging on brush
     

• Inspect ropes for damage
   
• Store separately from fuel and oils
   
• Retire damaged ropes immediately
   

• Chipper parked on stable ground
   
• Emergency stop bar tested
   
• Discharge chute aimed safely
   
• Feed area clear of tripping hazards
   

• One person feeding at a time
   
• Stand to the side of the feed table
   
• Use long brush ends first
   
• Never reach past feed rollers
   
• No loose clothing, ropes, or lanyards
   

• No pushing material with hands or feet
   
• No feeding from above the table
   
• No climbing onto the chipper
   
• No working when fatigued or distracted
   

(Ground & Aloft)

• Start saw on the ground or from a secured position
   
• Chain brake engaged when moving
   
• Maintain firm two-hand grip
   
• Never cut above shoulder height on the ground
   

• Identify compression and tension
   
• Plan an escape route
   
• Avoid the kickback zone
   
• Never cut toward yourself or others
   
• Shut off saw when walking more than a few steps
   

• Saw attached with an approved lanyard
   
• Start saw only when securely positioned
   
• Never one-hand a running saw unless trained and justified
   
• Engage chain brake when repositioning
   

ANY crew member may call STOP if they observe:

• Unsafe positioning
   
• Miscommunication
   
• Unexpected movement
   
• Equipment malfunction
   
• Weather change
   

No questions. Fix the issue first.

Tree work is slow, deliberate, and communicative.
Speed comes from planning — not rushing.