| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate scene and determine hazards | Downed power lines, unstable tree, hanging limbs, traffic hazards | Contact utility if wires are involved, identify tension points and overhead hazards, establish safe perimeter, use traffic control if near roadway |
| Clear work area of bystanders and debris | Trip hazards, struck by falling limbs | Remove loose branches, assign a lookout, restrict access to authorized personnel |
| Inspect chainsaw and tools | Equipment failure, dull chain, fuel leaks | Check chain tension and sharpness, verify chain brake operation, inspect bar and fuel system |
| Establish escape route and position crew | Struck by moving wood, sudden tree roll or shift | Stand on uphill side when possible, choose escape path at a 45 degree angle from cutting direction, communicate plan with crew |
| Cut and remove smaller limbs first | Kickback, flying debris, limb spring back | Use proper cutting technique, stay clear of limbs under tension, cut from safe side, maintain secure footing |
| Assess trunk for tension and compression | Log movement, sudden release of stored energy | Identify pinch or bind points, make relief cuts to control movement, use wedges as needed |
| Make primary trunk cuts | Chainsaw kickback, saw pinching, log rolling | Maintain two handed grip, keep saw out of line with your body, cut small sections at a time, avoid standing directly downhill |
| Move cut sections | Back strain, crushed fingers, rolling logs | Use proper lifting techniques, use machinery or team lifts for heavy sections, stabilize logs before cutting further |
| Load debris onto truck or chipper | Struck by equipment, pinch points, chipper hazards | Maintain communication with equipment operator, feed chipper from the side, keep hands clear, wear hearing protection |
| Final site cleanup | Remaining trip hazards, hidden sharp limbs | Remove debris completely, rake area, ensure roadway or trail is safe before reopening |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Chainsaw chaps
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection
High visibility vest
Respirator or dust mask when cutting dry or decayed wood
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Emergency Response Operations
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate scene and determine hazards | Downed power lines, unstable tree, hanging limbs, traffic hazards | Contact utility if wires are involved, identify tension points and overhead hazards, establish safe perimeter, use traffic control if near roadway |
| Clear work area of bystanders and debris | Trip hazards, struck by falling limbs | Remove loose branches, assign a lookout, restrict access to authorized personnel |
| Inspect chainsaw and tools | Equipment failure, dull chain, fuel leaks | Check chain tension and sharpness, verify chain brake operation, inspect bar and fuel system |
| Establish escape route and position crew | Struck by moving wood, sudden tree roll or shift | Stand on uphill side when possible, choose escape path at a 45 degree angle from cutting direction, communicate plan with crew |
| Cut and remove smaller limbs first | Kickback, flying debris, limb spring back | Use proper cutting technique, stay clear of limbs under tension, cut from safe side, maintain secure footing |
| Assess trunk for tension and compression | Log movement, sudden release of stored energy | Identify pinch or bind points, make relief cuts to control movement, use wedges as needed |
| Make primary trunk cuts | Chainsaw kickback, saw pinching, log rolling | Maintain two handed grip, keep saw out of line with your body, cut small sections at a time, avoid standing directly downhill |
| Move cut sections | Back strain, crushed fingers, rolling logs | Use proper lifting techniques, use machinery or team lifts for heavy sections, stabilize logs before cutting further |
| Load debris onto truck or chipper | Struck by equipment, pinch points, chipper hazards | Maintain communication with equipment operator, feed chipper from the side, keep hands clear, wear hearing protection |
| Final site cleanup | Remaining trip hazards, hidden sharp limbs | Remove debris completely, rake area, ensure roadway or trail is safe before reopening |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Chainsaw chaps
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection
High visibility vest
Respirator or dust mask when cutting dry or decayed wood