3
5
Two ties at all times
Don’t forget your hand saw
Some novice tree climbers working without proper supervision
will sometimes skip over the following rule about securing one-
self to a tree: While chain saws are the essential cutting equipment of most
arboricultural operations, hand saws have their place. The new
Z makes their usefulness official:
Arborists shall be tied in and use a second means of being
secured (e.g., lanyard or a second climbing line) when operat-
ing a chain saw in a tree. (6.3.6) During pruning/removal operations, a hand saw shall be taken
by the aerial device operator while working aloft. (5.2.13)
Note that the requirement mandates both a climbing line and a
second method, such as a work-positioning lanyard or a second
climbing line. Simply using two work-positioning lanyards or a
two-in-one lanyard is not allowed, as one of the methods must
be a climbing line. The only exception is when the employer/
crew leader, at their sole discretion, determines a second method
presents a greater hazard.
4
A hand saw shall be with a worker aloft to make or finish cuts.
(8.5.19)
This requirement mandates that a hand saw be carried by aerial-
lift operators and climbers during all rigging, pruning and
removal operations.
Bonus tip: Chaps
And a reminder on another critical safety requirement:
Don’t aim too high
Are you accustomed to reaching high while operating a chain
saw? According to the Z, you may need to adjust your ways: Cut-resistant leg protection that meets or exceeds ASTM F414
and ASTM F1897 shall be worn while operating a chain saw
from the ground. (3.3.8)
A chain saw shall not be used above shoulder height unless the
employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by oper-
ating the chain saw that way in that particular situation.
(6.3.9) The Z does not make any distinction as to what powers a chain
saw, gas engine or li-Ion battery, so this requirement holds for
both. It does not matter what powers the chain saw – the rotat-
ing chain can still plane through flesh as well as wood.
This rule from the Z appeals to common sense. When a chain
saw is held above the shoulders, the kick-back zone becomes the
face and neck, which is dangerous for obvious reasons. However,
this rule allows an exception if an employer/crew leader can
determine a safer technique for a unique situation. This is just an overview of the key paragraphs in the Z regarding
the proper use of chain saws and related equipment. We encour-
age tree professionals at every level to become familiar with all
the Z standards for arboricultural operations and to apply these
standards to their work in our great industry.
John Ball, P h . D ., CTSP , is professor of forestry at South Dakota State University and a Board Certified Master Arborist. Cary Shepherd, CTSP , is commercial sales
manager/tree care, with Husqvarna. He is based in Strongsville, Ohio. This article originally appeared in Tree Care Industry magazine: January 2019. It is
reprinted with permission.
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