Bucket Trucks

Tree Trimming Safety Information

You may have used a chain saw without incident or protective equipment for many years, but consider this: If you get sawdust in your eyes on the ground you can set the saw down, walk away and use an eyewash. What will you do 30 feet in the air? The Boy Scouts of America have a good on-line self-study course for chain saw operation.

The following is from OSHA Chain Saw Operation Fact Sheet series 1 no. 1.

PPE must be inspected prior to use on each work shift to ensure it is in serviceable condition.

The following PPE must be used when hazards make it necessary [OSHA's; I say always]

- Head Protection*

- Hearing Protection*

- Eye/Face Protection*

- Leg Protection

- Foot Protection

- Hand Protection

Tree Trimming With Bucket Trucks

Employers involved in tree removal/logging are required to assure that their employees are able to safely perform their assigned tasks. When loggers are trained to work safely they should be able to anticipate and avoid injury from the job related hazards they may encounter. Training requirements include:

- Specific work procedures, practices and requirements of the work site, including the recognition, prevention, and control of general safety and health hazards.

- Requirements of the OSHA Logging standard, Blood borne Pathogens standard, First Aid, and CPR training.

- How to safely perform assigned work tasks, including the specific hazards associated with each task and the measures and work practices which will be used to control those hazards.

- How to safely use, operate, and maintain tools, machines and vehicles which the employee will be required to utilize in completing the assigned requirements.

Before Starting the Saw

- Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning properly and adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

- Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from sources of ignition.

- Check the fuel container for the following requirements:

- Must be metal or plastic

- Must not exceed a 5 gallon capacity

- Must be approved by the Underwriters Laboratory, Factory Mutual (FM), the Department of Transportation (DOT), or other Nationally Recognized Testing Lab.

While Running the Saw

- Keep hands on the handles, and maintain secure footing while operating the chainsaw.

- Clear the area of obstacles that might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.

- Do not cut directly overhead.

- Shut off or release throttle prior to retreating.

- Shut off or engage the chain brake whenever the saw is carried more than 50 feet, or across hazardous terrain.

- Be prepared for kickback; use saws that reduce kickback danger (chain brakes, low kickback chains, guide bars, etc.).

Fire Extinguishers

Like first aid kits, fire extinguishers should be standard equipment in all vehicles and at every job site; so you have two reasons to carry a fire extinguisher or two on your truck.

There are three common classes of fire extinguishers. To summarize: class A is for wood, cloth and paper; class B is for liquids and gasses; class C is for live electrical equipment.

There are three main types of fire extinguishing agents: water for class A fires; CO2 for flammable liquids and dry chemical for class B and C fires.

A 5 or 10 pound dry chemical class BC is best for your bucket truck and personal vehicle; 1 or 2.5 pound extinguishers are not adequate for vehicle fires. Your garage and home should have one or more 10 pound ABC fire extinguishers at every level located near stairwells or likely sources of a fire. Extinguishers must be replaced or recertified according to the label on the fire extinguisher (typically 5 to 12 years).

Don't stow your fire extinguisher in a locked cabinet or under the hood of the truck.

Using a fire extinguisher

Just remember the word PASS

Pull the pin - to remove the safety mechanism

Aim - at the base of the fire where the fuel source is

Squeeze the handles - to discharge the dry agent

Sweep from side to side - until the fire is completely out

Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away and slowly move forward. Once the fire is out, keep close watch on the area in case it reignites. Then buy a new one.

Articles you might be interested in:

-Bucket Truck Safety Training Manual

-Insulated Bucket Truck Safety

-Bucket Truck Safety

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