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System · 98 documentsPart of Tree Arborist Services OHS-WHS Industry Suite

Tree Trimming EWP-Rope Work

SWMS · SWMS-10347

  • 16 job steps
  • Version 6

This Tree Trimming EWP-Rope Work Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the hazards and controls of roadside tree trimming using an elevated work platform (EWP) and/or rope access.

It covers 16 job steps, from training, planning near power lines, checking the weather and assessing the site, through work area set-up, the environment, housekeeping, manual tasks and tools, to EWP work, ropework, tree trimming, climbers leaving the tree, fuelling, completion and emergency response.

It suits arborists, landscaping companies, local government bodies and utility service providers who trim trees from an EWP or on rope.

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Preview of the Tree Trimming EWP-Rope Work SWMS

Tree Trimming EWP-Rope Work

SWMSVersion 6
Company doing the work
[Company]
Business contact and phone
—
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work)
—
Responsible person's phone
—
Responsible person's signature
—
Date signed
—
Principal Contractor (PC)
—
PC Address
—
PC phone
—
Date SWMS provided to PC
—
Job Site Address
—
Part of a construction project
—

Site management plan

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.

High-risk construction work

This work activity involves the following “High-Risk Construction Work” (HRCW - identified in the Job Task column)

  • Mobile PlantMobile plant movement
  • Gas MainsPressurised gas distribution mains or piping
  • Hazardous LinesChemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
  • Energised ElectricalEnergised electrical installations or services
  • FallsInvolves a risk of a person falling from 2m or more, including work on telecommunications towers
  • Hazardous AtmosphereWork in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
  • Traffic CorridorsWork carried out adjacent to a road, railway or shipping lane, traffic corridor

Working with a risk of a fall over 2 metres

The fall from height hierarchy of control level considered when establishing controls:

  • L1Work on the ground or solid construction, not chosen
  • L2Use a passive fall restraint system, e.g. guard rails, scaffolding, EWP, not chosen
  • L3Use a work positioning system, e.g. travel restraint, rope access, not chosen
  • L4Use a fall arrest system, e.g. safety harness, catch platforms, not chosen
  • L5Implement administrative controls, e.g. signage or instruction, not chosen

No level has been chosen yet.

Planning and preparation

Planning/preparation

  • Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures

  • Establish supervisory and communication arrangements

  • Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

  • Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. (specify the hold points)

Training/licence

  • All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card

  • Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify on the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.

  • Trained First Aider on site

  • All workers trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

Worker duties and responsibilities

  • Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs

  • Attend all site inductions/briefings

  • Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)

  • Only carry out work related to the contract

  • Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitor/review

  • All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences

  • SWMS to be reviewed and amended if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident

  • If additional site hazards identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit

  • People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS, must be informed ASAP

  • Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS

  • The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS

  • SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review

  • Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident

  • Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

Legislation and codes of practice

None listed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Foot Protection
  • Hearing Protection
  • High Visibility
  • Head Protection
  • Eye Protection
  • Hand Protection
  • Protective Clothing
  • Sun Protection
  • Safety Harness

Do not wear rings, watches or jewellery that may become entangled. Long and loose hair must be tied back.

Job steps, hazards and controls

  • Work activity

    Training

    • Hazard

      Struck by plant

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls
      • Ensure an effective system of communication between machine operators and ground workers is established before work commences

      • Relevant workers trained in the work procedures before the work commencing

      • Groundworkers instructed not to approach the machine until the operator has agreed to their request to approach

      • Groundworkers instructed on set distances to maintain from the machine while in operation

      • Machine operators and ground workers are required to wear high-visibility clothing

      • An agreed communication system in place (e.g. hand signals) between plant operators and ground workers.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor
    • Hazard

      Untrained climber

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls
      • Ensure operators are trained and experienced in understanding tree trimming operations

      • Accredited chainsaw operator

      • Preferred rope access training:

        • Level 1 Industrial rope access training for ‘simple’ jobs

        • Level 2 & 3 Industrial rope access training respectively to supervise/conduct more complex work

      • Knowledge of dangerous tree types.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor
    • Hazard

      Roadside work

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls
      • Develop a site-specific traffic management plan for roadside works (including barricades, warning signs, witches hats, high visibility clothing etc.)

      • Traffic Management Plan (TMP) in alignment with requirements of AS 1742 series

      • All TMP designs developed by competent personnel authorised in Traffic Management Design

      • TMP in place for pedestrian traffic as well as vehicular traffic.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

15 more job steps, from Planning to Emergency response

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

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What it covers

16 job steps

  1. TrainingTrain ground workers, climbers and traffic management designers before work starts.
  2. PlanningGet an electrical permit near power lines and plan for falls from height.
  3. Check weather conditions & prepareCheck the weather, protect workers from heat, cold, plants and bites, and have first aid ready.
  4. Arrival on-site & assess onsite conditionsArrive, report in and assess the site and trees.
  5. Work area set-upSet up the work area, traffic management and EWP position.
  6. EnvironmentProtect the environment from noise, waste, fuel, water and vegetation damage.
  7. House keepingKeep the work area clean, lit and clear of trip hazards.
  8. Manual tasksLift and handle materials and equipment without straining.
  9. Working with powered & non-powered toolsUse powered and hand tools safely.
  10. EWP workInspect and operate the EWP safely, with fall arrest in place.
  11. RopeworkInspect rope access gear and climb and work on rope safely.
  12. Tree trimmingTrim the tree away from power lines and falling material.
  13. Climbers leaving the treeDescend from the tree in a controlled way.
  14. Fuelling on-siteRefuel safely and avoid contact with fuel.
  15. On completionSecure the site and equipment and sign out when the work is finished.
  16. Emergency responseRespond to emergencies, give first aid and rescue a worker suspended in a harness.

Hazards it covers

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