High-risk operations

Pages90-99
90
15. High-risk operations
Tree climbing
Organization
629. A risk assessment should be carried out before starting work. The
appropriate equipment and number of operators should be decided upon, and
emergency procedures known and agreed by all staff.
630. Tree-climbing operations should be carried out by a team of at least two
people. One of the ground staff should be competent in rescue techniques.
631. Climbers and ground staff should plan the job thoroughl y and be aware
of the nature of the task and associated hazards.
632. Ground staff should maintain effective communication with the climber.
633. Hot weather may cause heat stress in climbers and ground staff.
Sufficient breaks should be allowed to minimize the risk of impaired judgement
due to heat stress.
634. At no time should tree-climbing operations be done when visibility is
seriously impaired or during inclement weather, such as storms or heavy rain, or
when the tree is covered with ice.
Personnel
635. Trees should only be climbed by experienced and fully competent
persons.
636. Workers employed in tree climbing operations should be in good
physical condition.
637. Everyone engaged in tree climbing operations should be fully trained.
638. Climbers should have proper knowledge and training in:
(a) safe climbing techniques;
(b) tasks performed when climbing trees, such as rigging, pruning, tree topping or
seed collection.
639. Climbing teams should be trained in basic first-aid techniques and carry
a personal first-aid kit.
640. All climbers should understand and implement the manufacturer's
maintenance reco mmendations for all climbing equipment such as:
(a) safety harness;
(b) safety belt;
(c) climbing ropes and strops;
(d) karabiners;
(e) other climbing aids.

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT