Tree Surgery and Arboriculture Safety

Tree surgery involves pruning, felling, dismantling, and removing trees using chainsaws, climbing techniques, and aerial platforms.
Tree work is one of the most dangerous activities on construction sites, combining height, chainsaws, and falling timber.
All tree surgeons must hold valid NPTC qualifications for the specific operations they carry out — climbing, felling, and chainsaw use.
Falling branches and timber sections must be controlled using rigging techniques or guided fall methods to protect people below.
Exclusion zones of at least twice the tree height must be maintained around felling operations at all times.
Climbing with chainsaws requires specialist harness systems, work-positioning lanyards, and top-handled saws designed for aerial use.
Electrical hazards from overhead power lines near trees require assessment before any climbing or felling takes place.
Stump grinding creates flying debris and noise — eye protection, hearing protection, and public exclusion are mandatory.
Bird nesting season restrictions (March to August) prohibit tree work unless an ecologist confirms no active nests are present.
Fatigue from sustained physical climbing and chainsaw use at height increases the risk of falls and cutting injuries.

Falling timber	Branches and tree sections weighing tonnes fall unpredictably during dismantling — controlled rigging prevents fatal struck-by injuries.
Chainsaw at height	Using a chainsaw while climbing combines two of the highest-risk activities in construction — specialist training is mandatory.
Overhead lines	Trees near power lines create electrocution risk during climbing and felling — the lines must be identified before any work begins.

Do

Don't

Hold valid NPTC qualifications for every tree surgery operation you carry out.
Establish exclusion zones of at least twice the tree height around all felling work.
Use controlled rigging to lower branches and sections rather than free-falling them.
Check for overhead power lines before climbing or felling any tree.
Wear full chainsaw PPE including helmet, visor, ear defenders, and chainsaw trousers.
Use only top-handled chainsaws designed for aerial use during climbing operations.
Check for active bird nests before tree work during nesting season (March to August).
Wear eye and hearing protection during all stump grinding operations.
Manage fatigue from climbing — take regular breaks to maintain concentration.
Brief the team on the felling plan, rigging arrangement, and exclusion zones.

DON'T carry out tree surgery without valid NPTC qualifications for the specific task.
DON'T allow anyone within the exclusion zone during felling or dismantling operations.
DON'T free-fall branches without rigging — they bounce and travel unpredictably.
DON'T climb or fell trees near overhead power lines without an assessment first.
DON'T use a chainsaw during tree work without full specialist chainsaw PPE.
DON'T use rear-handled chainsaws while climbing — only top-handled saws are permitted.
DON'T remove trees during nesting season without confirming no active nests are present.
DON'T operate stump grinders without eye protection for flying debris.
DON'T push through fatigue when climbing — tiredness causes the falls that kill.
DON'T start tree work without briefing everyone on the plan and exclusion zones.

See also: Chainsaw Operations Safety | Landscaping Safety Awareness

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