Safe Work Method Statement

SWMS Title: Tree Felling & Removal Department:

Work Group /
Location:
Project No:
Revision No.
Project Name:
(if applicable)
Prepared By: Position: Signed: Date:

Approved By: Position: Signed: Date:

Permits required

☒ Working at heights (if required) ☒ Tree felling ☐ Excavation & trenching ☐ Asbestos

PPE Requirements

☒ ☒ ☒ ☒ ☒ ☒ ☒ ☒ ☐ ☐

Approved hard Hat with attached safety visor , Ankle high lace up Safety boots , Chaps, (Tinted/Clear – task specific), Gloves (task specific), other specialised PPE
Additional PPE Requirements:
Manage WHS Risks COP 2011, Working at Heights -risk-falls at workplaces COP 2011, Electrical - working-near-overhead-underground-electric-lines COP-2010

CHRC Take 5 – Authority to Work process must be used in conjunction with this SWMS.

NOTE – To ensure all specific hazards for the job are identified and suitable controls put in place, the workplace WHS risk register must be reviewed

Approval Date: 10/07/2018 Review Date: 10/07/2023 SWMS – Tree Felling and Removal
Vers 1 uncontrolled when printed Page 1 of 7

Document Set ID: 1273043

Version: 1, Version Date: 11/07/2018 Safe Work Method Statement
 RISK MATRIX AND CONSEQUENCE SEVERITY TABLE

RISK MATRIX
Likelihood Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Severe
ALMOST CERTAIN Medium High Extreme Extreme Extreme
The event is expected to occur in most circumstances
LIKELY Medium Medium High Extreme Extreme
The event will probably occur in most circumstances
OCCASSIONAL Low Medium High High Extreme
The event will occur at some time
UNLIKELY Low Low Medium High High
The event could occur at some time
RARE Low Low Low Medium Medium
The event may occur only in exceptional circumstances

CONSEQUENCE
Number Image /
People Plant / Equipment Environment
Assigned Reputation
1.Insignificant Little to No Injury Slight Damage (< $1000) Slight effect (i.e. minor breach in site based control) Slight impact (i.e. internal )

Component level replacement /repair Minor on-site contamination (i.e. minor spill contained Limited impact (i.e. internal and Councillors
2. Minor First Aid Treatment Required
($1000 - $5000) in bund) and CEO awareness)

Equipment level replacement /repair Major on-site contamination with potential for off-site Local area impact (i.e. complain/s from
3. Moderate Medical Treatment Injury
($5000 - $10,000) contamination (i.e. major spill but localised) community and published in local newspaper)

Minor off - Site contamination (i.e. spill/airborne

Multiple equipment replacements (Incl. State wide impact( i.e. Newspaper and /or
4. Major Fatality contaminants have migrated off site in low
Heavy Plant) ($10,000 - $50,000) Television)
concentration)
Massive widespread equipment damage Major off-site contamination (i.e. spill/airborne
National / International Impact ( i.e.
5. Significant Multiple Fatalities (I.e. plant / equipment write-off) ($50,000 contaminants have migrated off site in high
Newspaper and /or Television)
+) concentration)

Approval Date: 10/07/2018 Review Date: 10/07/2023 SWMS – Tree Felling and Removal
Vers 1 uncontrolled when printed Page 2 of 7

Document Set ID: 1273043

Version: 1, Version Date: 11/07/2018 Safe Work Method Statement
 Operational Environment
Quality, Health, Safety &
Task/Activity
Environmental Hazards/Risks
Public safety Pedestrians or traffic accessing area
Failing to have procedures in place in the
Emergency Response
case of an emergency
U.V Exposure
Hot weather/ Heat Stress
Working Outdoors
Wet Weather – slippery surfaces
Working in Animal or Insect Habitats
Poor communication
Personnel un-aware of activities taking
Communication & Consultation place
Personnel unfamiliar with site
requirements
Manual Tasks Manual Handling Injuries
Tree felling & removal
Approval Date: 10/07/2018
Vers 1
Document Set ID: 1273043
Version: 1, Version Date: 11/07/2018
Residual
Control Measures Risk Responsibility
L C R
 Check that all traffic and pedestrian signs and barricades
are in place.
 Never leave an exposed excavation unattended or not U 2 L Supervisor
barricaded. A barricade of a least 900mm should be in
place to prevent access.
 CHRC Emergency Response Procedure to be followed.
 Emergency evacuation point to be identified and
communicated to all personnel involved in task.
 “000” to be called when emergency services required. Supervisor
R 2 L
 High Risk Rescue plans are to be developed for tasks All personnel working in exposed areas
deemed high risk.
 Ensure effective communications means are in place for
all work groups.
 Wide brimmed hats, sun brims on hard hats, tinted safety
glasses.
U 2 L All personnel working in exposed areas
 Long sleeved shirts and long trousers to be worn.
 Sunscreen to be available on site.
 Planned tasks to include regular rest breaks & task
rotation.
U 2 L All personnel working in exposed areas
 Potable water for fluid replacements be made available.
 Appropriate shaded rest areas deemed necessary.
 Assessment of slippery conditions to be carried out. Take
U 2 L Supervisor
into account movement of machinery as well personnel.
 Work areas must be inspected prior to activities in any
animal habitats.
 Snake bite, insect repellent and first aid kits to be U 2 L All personnel working in exposed areas
available on site.
 Supervisors to ensure trained First Aider onsite.
 Supervisor to ensure Team Take 5 completed signed off by
all personnel working on site.
 Ensure communication with other work crews and
U 3 M Supervisor
stakeholders in area. in the area.
 All personnel to have undergone site-specific
familiarisation with supervisor.
 Inducted personnel only.
 Adopt good posture and manual handling techniques.
All personnel exposed to manual handling
 Use of mechanical devices. U 3 M
activities
 Team lifting.
Review Date: 10/07/2023 SWMS – Tree Felling and Removal
uncontrolled when printed Page 3 of 7

Injuries or incidents due to activity being
conducted by personnel without the
required knowledge and competencies
Injuries due to required PPE not being
worn
Injuries due to defective equipment
Task preparation/set up
Failure to have required risk management
practices in place
Injuries to personnel with in operating
areas
Injuries due to the incorrect use of chain &
Use of chainsaw
pole saws
Injuries or incidents due to tree falling in
unexpected direction
Clear tree felling
Damage to overhead services and nearby
infrastructure
Escape routes for tree feller
Directional tree felling (Excavator) Injuries or incidents due to directional
equipment not being fit for purpose
Approval Date: 10/07/2018
Vers 1
Document Set ID: 1273043
Version: 1, Version Date: 11/07/2018
 Tree feller must have appropriate nationally recognised
tree felling competencies compatible with the type of tree
being felled removed.
 Appropriate equipment competencies and authorisations
i.e. chainsaw.
 Ensure that all required PPE is available and being used
correctly for the task.
 Ensure that all equipment being used is “Fit for Purpose”
 Ensure that selected equipment is compliant, and a pre-
start inspection has been conducted. Supervisor
O 2 M
All personnel working in exposed areas
 Ensure CHRC Authority to Work process has been
completed with all involved in task.
 Tree Felling & Removal Permit to be issued and followed.
 Rescue plan to be developed using Permit to Work
process.
 All exclusion and drop zones to be established.
 Exclusion zones to be delineated and barricaded if
necessary.
 Signage to be established if necessary
 Spotters to be in place if required.
 Operators are to have the required competencies.
 CHRC SOP for chainsaws and pole saws to be used. Supervisor
 Correct PPE to be used. U 3 M Tree feller
 Operators Manual.
 Pre-start on equipment.
 Ensure no vines or intergrowth is going to affect the
direction of fall.
 Plan for natural lean & weight distribution.
 Identify dead or broken branches which may fall during
felling process.
 Consider wind conditions that may influence the direction
of the fall.
Supervisor
 A fall zone of at least 2 tree lengths clear of overhead U 3 M Tree feller
lines, structures, equipment and underground services All personnel working in exposed areas
that may be damaged from impact.
 Two 45-degree escape routes extending to an area at
least 6 metres away from the base of the tree.
 Undergrowth and obstructions are removed from the
base of the tree and escape routes?
 Equipment must have the capacity, height & reach to push O 2 M Supervisor
tree safely. Excavator operator
 Equipment is able to operate safely and within limitations Tree feller
on prevailing ground conditions. All personnel working in exposed areas
 Equipment is fitted with protective structures suitable for
Review Date: 10/07/2023 SWMS – Tree Felling and Removal
uncontrolled when printed Page 4 of 7
 tree trimming and removal work i.e. FOPS, windscreen,
cage etc.

 Excavator SOP to be followed.

 Attached to the tree trunk at approximately 2/3 the
height of the tree?
Failure to use equipment correctly
 Use appropriate attachment (tree grab) so as equipment
controls the fall direction (does not slip).

 Ensure direct and positive communication methods

Lack of communication between ground
between tree feller, spotters and operator.
personnel and operator
 All work platforms are to be fit for purpose and compliant
with CHRC requirements.
 All personnel involved in the operation of an EWP are to
Use of EWP have the required High Risk Licence.
 Correct PPE and fall protection equipment to be used.
 Working at Heights permit to be issued.

 All personnel involved in tree climbers must have all Supervisor

required competencies and equipment. EWP operator
Sectional tree felling O 2 M
Tree climbers  A further formalised Risk Assessment is required before Tree feller
tree climbing activities can take place. All personnel working in exposed areas

 In addition to an exclusion zone, a drop zone (1.5 times

the length of section being cut) is to be established where
Drop zones – dropping of limbs to the parts of the tree sections may be felled and dropped?
ground.  The length of the section cuts, when standing on end, do
not make contact with climber or the EWP.

Approval Date: 10/07/2018 Review Date: 10/07/2023 SWMS – Tree Felling and Removal
Vers 1 uncontrolled when printed Page 5 of 7

Document Set ID: 1273043

Version: 1, Version Date: 11/07/2018
 Approval Date: 10/07/2018 Review Date: 10/07/2023 SWMS – Tree Felling and Removal
Vers 1 uncontrolled when printed Page 6 of 7

Document Set ID: 1273043

Version: 1, Version Date: 11/07/2018
 Sign on

3.10.20.20 - SWMS - Tree Felling & Removal

The persons who have signed below have understood the above document and will adhere to all requirements and conditions

Training in the implementation of this SWMS – Conducted by:

Name Position Signature Date

Approval Date: 10/07/2018 Review Date: 10/07/2023 SWMS – Tree Felling and Removal
Vers 1 uncontrolled when printed Page 7 of 7

Document Set ID: 1273043

Version: 1, Version Date: 11/07/2018