Arborist Technician Training - Safe Work Practices PDF

## Regulations and Other Occupational Skills ### Competency A4: Identify Work Site Hazards and Develop and Implement Safe Work Plan An Arborist Technician must identify work site hazards and participate in the development and implementation of a safe work plan. | Importance 1 (minimally) to 5 (ex...

## Regulations and Other Occupational Skills ### Competency A4: Identify Work Site Hazards and Develop and Implement Safe Work Plan An Arborist Technician must identify work site hazards and participate in the development and implementation of a safe work plan. | Importance 1 (minimally) to 5 (extremely) | Frequency of use 1 (rarely) to 5 (daily) | | :---------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- | | 5 | 5 | ### Learning Objectives: Given the necessary materials and equipment, the apprentice will participate in identifying hazards, establishing a safe work plan and conducting both pre- and post-job inspections, according to Industry standards and the authorities having jurisdiction. ### Learning Tasks: 1. Identify job site hazards and potential risks * Electrical and utility services * Gravitational ("slip, trip and fall") * Overhead ("struck by") * Thermal (heat and cold stress) * Mechanical (pinch point, "struck against", vehicle) * Public * Behavioral (fatigue, rushing, complacency, stress, substance abuse, ignorance, frustration) * Chemical * Compressed gas * Environmental (insects, plants, weather) 2. Participate in visual tree assessment * Fungal fruiting bodies * Decay * Structural defects * Cracks * Inclusions * Dead wood * Hangers * Root lifting 3. Examine Hierarchy of Control * Elimination * Substitution * Contain risk at source * Remove employee from risk * Reduce exposure to risk by safe working systems/practices * Warning signals (audible, visual – ie. "all clear" sign) * Personal protective equipment * Discipline/Supervision 4. Develop a written safe work plan for Road side safety * Hierarchy of Controls * Site hazards * Safe work procedures for abatement * Applicable regulations 5. Implement the safe work plan * PPE * Signs, cones, flagging tape, barricades * Tools and equipment relative to tasks 6. Participate in a post-job inspection * Post-job hazards such as hangers * Property damage * Clean-up * Man check (head count) ### Hierarchy of Controls Controlling the health and safety risks in any workplace is vital to prevent injury and illness. The first step in risk management is to identify and assess the potential risks. This can be done through inspections, safety meetings, equipment reviews, and employee interviews or by any other information that can identify a potential risk. After this is done, the best way to control the risk is by applying the Hierarchy of Controls system. The Hierarchy of Controls is the preferred method of preventing and controlling hazards. The risks must be minimized to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking the following measures in order (hierarchy). * Elimination - the job is redesigned or the substance is eliminated so as to remove the hazard. * Substitution - replace the material, process or equipment with a less hazardous one. * Engineering - i.e. installing guards on machinery, ventilation, sound proofing. * Safe Work Practices (SWP) - policies and procedures increasing safety either by changing the actual way the work is done or by adding a tool to help. * Administration – for example, rotating workers more often to reduce exposure times. * Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When deciding on the best way to control a risk, start at the top of the hierarchy of controls. First, investigate if the risk can be eliminated or substituted, by using an engineering control to take the worker out of the equation for the hazard. If not, the worker is factored back into the equation, by first changing the way they work, then how long they will work with the hazard, then how they can protect themselves from the hazard. This is the most effective way to control a hazard. ### Developing a Safe Work Plan Safe work procedures should be developed for all tasks, activities and the operation of equipment and machinery where a risk assessment identifies the requirement as a suitable control measure to reduce the risk of injury. #### The following provides practical information on developing safe work procedures: * Safe work procedures should be written by a trained and qualified employee with experience and knowledge of the task. * All relevant legislation, standards or guidelines must be reviewed and referred to when it is appropriate. * Inclusion of the experience of several qualified employees will enhance the usefulness of the safe work plan. * When the work plan has been finalized, the safe work procedure is to be reviewed by the appropriate supervisor and/or safety representative or committee for approval prior to being available for use. To develop a Safe Work Plan in accordance with the employer's Standard Operating Procedures: * Assess potential hazards of each task. * Review associated legislative requirements, safety equipment, etc. * Assess the risks of the hazards (refer to matrix below). * Suggest ways of eliminating and controlling the hazards. * Document job plan review (all crew members to sign off). #### Risk Assessment Matrix | | Step 1-Consider the Consequences | Step 2 - Consider the Likelihood | Step 3 - Calculate the Risk | | :--------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Step | What are the consequences of this incident occurring? Consider what could reasonably have happened as well as what actually happened. Look at the descriptions and choose the most suitable Consequence. | What is the likelihood of the consequence identified in step 1 happening? Consider this without new or interim controls in place. Look at the descriptions and choose the most suitable Likelihood. | 1. Take step 1 rating and select the correct column2. Take Step 2 rating and select the correct line3. Circle the risk score where the two ratings cross on the matrix below.E=Extreme, H=High, M=Medium, L=Low, N=Negligible | | | **CONSEQUENCES** | **LIKELIHOOD** | **CONSEQUENCES** | | Consequence | Description | Likelihood | Description | Severe | Major | Mod | Minor | | Severe | Death or extensive injuries | A | The event is expected to occur | A | E | E | H | M | | Major | Medical treatment| B | The event is likely to occur in most circumstances | B | E | H | M | M | | Moderate| First aid treatment| C | The event could occur sometime | C | H | M | M | L | | Minor | No treatment, report only| D | The event may occur, but probably never will | D | M | M | L | N | ***Note:*** If the risk is calculated as equal to E, work must not proceed. Contact your immediate supervisor for assistance. ### SITE HAZARD and INSPECTION FORM ***SAMPLE ONLY*** | | | | ---- | ----- | | Date: | | Emergency call ***911*** Report Incident, Serious Injury or Fatality to WorkSafeBC: First Aid Attendant on Crew Y N 1 888 621 7233 M-F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm First Aid Kits in Vehicle Y N 1 866 922 4357 after hours Supervisor Name: Removals Hedging Crane Bucket Signature: Crew Names: | | | | :--------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | | **Site Hazards** | Action to Eliminate/lower Risks | | Power Lines: Y N Primary Domestic | Workers Aware | | Slip/Trip/Fall: Y N | | Workers Aware Hazard Flagged off | | Overhead: Y N Hangers/Deadwood | | Workers Aware Hazard Flagged off | | Traffic: Y N Pedestrian Vehicle | | Zone Flagged-off Lane closed Coned Road Signs | | Weather: Y N Wind Ice Snow | | Workers Aware | | Work Area: Y N Slope Drop-off | | Workers Aware Hazard Flagged off | | Parking Area: Y N Slope Drop-off | | Vehicles Chalked | | Work Area restricted to crew only? Y N | | Workers sharing same area: | | Notes | Action to Eliminate | | Crew Safety Briefing with site hazards explained before start of work Y N | | ### Identifying Worksite Hazards #### Recognizing Tree Hazards It is an owner's responsibility to provide for the safety of trees on his or her property. However, evaluating the seriousness of these defects is best done by a Certified Tree Risk Assessor. Regular tree care will help identify hazardous trees and the risk they present. Once the hazard is recognized, steps may be taken to reduce the likelihood of the tree injuring someone. #### Hazardous Trees and Utility Lines Trees that fall into utility lines have additional serious consequences. Not only can they injure people or property near the line, but hitting a line may cause power outages, surges, fires, and other damage. Downed lines still conducting electricity are especially dangerous. A tree with a potential to contact or fall into a utility line is a very serious situation.Refer to Learning Resource ***A5 – Describe Electrical Systems and Hazards*** for more information on electrical hazards. #### Tree Hazard Checklist * [x] Are there large dead branches in the tree? * [x] Are there detached branches hanging in the tree? * [x] Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches? * [x] Are mushrooms/conks present at the base of the tree? * [x] Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached? * [x] Have any branches fallen from the tree? * [x] Have adjacent trees fallen over or died? * [x] Has the trunk developed a strong lean? * [x] Do many of the major branches arise from one point on the trunk? * [x] Have the roots been broken off, injured, or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing sidewalks, or digging trenches? * [x] Has the site recently been changed by construction, raising the soil level, or installing lawns? * [x] Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size? * [x] Have trees in adjacent wooded areas been removed? * [x] Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned? The images show a graphics of defects common in urban trees and rural trees as well. #### The following are defects or signs of possible defects in urban trees: 1. re-growth from topping, line clearance, or other pruning 2. electrical line adjacent to the tree 3. broken or partially attached branch 4. open cavity in the trunk or branch 5. dead or dying branches 6. branches arising from a single point on the trunk (i.e. included bark or co- dominant stems) 7. decay and rot present in old wounds 8. recent change in grade or soil level or other construction #### The following are defects or signs of possible defects in rural trees: 1. recent site construction, grading and tree removal, clearing of forests for development 2. previous tree failures in the local area 3. tree leaning near a target 4. forked trunk; branches and stems equal in size 5. wet areas with shallow soil 6. In most cases, an experienced Arborist can assess a tree quickly, with little interruption in work. However, the more hazardous the tree, the more detailed the assessment needed. Hazardous or difficult trees may call for a written assessment. Here are some basic steps to follow when assessing a tree: * Identify the tree. Know the common characteristics – the strengths and weaknesses – of different types of trees. For example, know how to identify trees that tend to hold on, trees that are prone to barberchairs, and trees that may have internal decay. * Identify the tree's direction of lean. Consider the weight of branches or snow and ice. * Look for any signs of tree rot, damage, or fungi such as conks. The more decay present, the more hazardous the tree and the more precautions needed to safely perform the work. * Check the roots to make sure they are secure. * Look for any hanging limbs (widow-makers), dangerous limbs, or dangerous tops. * Check the wind direction. * Locate any conductors or other obstructions. ***Note: Every situation is unique and you may encounter trees that present unusual hazards. When assessing a tree, look for all possible hazards.*** 1. Create Recognizable Boundaries Clearly define the boundaries of all work zones that may affect workers or the general public. 2. Provide Communication Training * Keeping track of workers in the work zone and letting them know where you are at all times. * Establishing eye contact with climbers and co-workers before entering their work zone. * Making sure there is two-way communication with climbers whenever it is necessary to enter a work zone (e.g. follow all clear policy). 3. Avoid Electrical Hazards * Assume all overhead power lines are energized. * Do NOT perform trimming or removal within 10 feet of a power line (adhere to limits of approach. * Know and maintain the proper minimum approach distances when working around energized power lines. * Use extreme caution when moving ladders and equipment around downed trees and power lines. Refer to Learning Resource ***A3 - Describe Electrical Systems and Hazards*** for more information on electrical hazards. 4. Stay Alert and Aware and Follow Safe Work Practices * Be aware of weather conditions. * Before working, perform a hazard assessment of the work area. * Eliminate or minimize hazards at the tree and its surroundings. * Never turn your back on a falling tree. * Be alert and avoid objects thrown back by a tree as it falls. * Maintain eye contact with the climber. * Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, etc., as recommended in the manufacturer's operating manual. 5. Work-Zone Traffic a) Provide Proper Routing and Direction * Comply with Ministry of Highways regulations. * Use signals, message boards, and other devices to inform drivers and direct them away from workers. * Use approved traffic control devices, such as cones, barrels, barricades, and delineator posts around work zones. b) Provide Physical Barriers * Place cones, barrier tape, signage and other devices to prevent motorists from intruding into work zones. c) Protect Flaggers * Be sure all flaggers are trained and certified and use authorized signaling methods. 6. Pre-Job Tail Gate Meeting * Fully assess the integrity of the tree to be worked upon, prior to workers commencing work. * Determined the MOST appropriate method of work for this tree and environment, given all the variables. * Assess the site to ensure safety of people, and protection of buildings/equipment/services. ### Pre-Climb Assessment Prior to climbing, workers must be able to conduct a visual tree assessment (fungal fruiting bodies, decay, structural defects, cracks, inclusions, dead wood, hangers, root lifting, etc). **Image description:** a couple of Arborists performing a pre-climb inspection of a tree's health and stability. ### Post-Job Inspection (walk around) Workers must be able to: * Identify post-job hazards such as hangers * Identify lawn divots and property damage * Assess the quality of the clean-up * Verify that all tools and equipment have been removed ### Restoration of Work Site It is the responsibility of the work crew to restore the working zone to as close to the original condition as possible. This also includes the removal of any limbs suspended in trees and restoration from lawn divots. For further information refer to the following websites: