| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the scene for ice hazards | Falling ice, weakened branches, slippery ground, downed wires | Perform a slow 360 degree assessment; identify overhead hazards; stay clear of downed wires and call utility company immediately |
| Establish work zone | Motorists sliding on ice, bystanders wandering into hazard zone | Set cones and signs farther back than normal due to slick roads; assign lookout; use vehicles as protective barriers |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Dull chain, damaged pole saw, frozen components, hydraulic leaks | Check chainsaw tension, pole saw locks, fuel condition, and hand tools; remove any damaged or frozen equipment from service |
| Don required PPE | Slips, falling ice, flying debris | Wear traction aids, insulated clothing, eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection before starting work |
| Identify hazardous limbs and hangers | Unpredictable limb release, brittle ice causing sudden breaks | Examine canopy for hangers and branches under ice load; remove overhead hazards first using pole saw or mechanical methods |
| Manage crew positioning | Crew walking into fall zones or slipping near cutting area | Maintain clear communication; assign lookout; keep all workers outside the drop zone and away from slippery slopes |
| Begin cutting operations | Kickback, falling limbs, chain contact, slipping while cutting | Maintain stable stance; cut from side angles; use pole saw whenever possible to avoid standing under branches; keep both hands on saw |
| Break up and remove ice covered branches | Sudden limb movement, sharp ice edges, lifting injuries | Handle branches carefully; break ice away gradually; lift with legs; use gloves to protect hands from ice shards |
| Watch for limb rebound and stored energy | Spring loaded limbs releasing unpredictably | Identify bent limbs under tension; make controlled relief cuts; keep clear of predicted rebound path |
| Use mechanical equipment when necessary | Struck by equipment, sliding tires on ice, loader contacting limbs overhead | Operate at slow speed; use chains or tire studs if needed; maintain constant communication with ground crew |
| Clear debris from roadway and shoulders | Slips on ice, traffic hazards, lifting oversize limbs | Use shovels, hooks, and rakes; keep footing secure; direct traffic around work zone; cut large limbs into manageable pieces |
| Final inspection | Hidden hangers remaining, icy patches left on road | Perform full canopy check; spread sand or salt if roadway is slick; verify no debris remains |
| Remove traffic control | Workers exposed to sliding vehicles during takedown | Remove devices carefully; keep lookout posted; ensure roadway is safe before reopening |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots with good traction
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when using powered saws
Chainsaw chaps when using a chainsaw
Weather appropriate insulated clothing
Ice cleats or traction aids when needed
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Winter Maintenance
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the scene for ice hazards | Falling ice, weakened branches, slippery ground, downed wires | Perform a slow 360 degree assessment; identify overhead hazards; stay clear of downed wires and call utility company immediately |
| Establish work zone | Motorists sliding on ice, bystanders wandering into hazard zone | Set cones and signs farther back than normal due to slick roads; assign lookout; use vehicles as protective barriers |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Dull chain, damaged pole saw, frozen components, hydraulic leaks | Check chainsaw tension, pole saw locks, fuel condition, and hand tools; remove any damaged or frozen equipment from service |
| Don required PPE | Slips, falling ice, flying debris | Wear traction aids, insulated clothing, eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection before starting work |
| Identify hazardous limbs and hangers | Unpredictable limb release, brittle ice causing sudden breaks | Examine canopy for hangers and branches under ice load; remove overhead hazards first using pole saw or mechanical methods |
| Manage crew positioning | Crew walking into fall zones or slipping near cutting area | Maintain clear communication; assign lookout; keep all workers outside the drop zone and away from slippery slopes |
| Begin cutting operations | Kickback, falling limbs, chain contact, slipping while cutting | Maintain stable stance; cut from side angles; use pole saw whenever possible to avoid standing under branches; keep both hands on saw |
| Break up and remove ice covered branches | Sudden limb movement, sharp ice edges, lifting injuries | Handle branches carefully; break ice away gradually; lift with legs; use gloves to protect hands from ice shards |
| Watch for limb rebound and stored energy | Spring loaded limbs releasing unpredictably | Identify bent limbs under tension; make controlled relief cuts; keep clear of predicted rebound path |
| Use mechanical equipment when necessary | Struck by equipment, sliding tires on ice, loader contacting limbs overhead | Operate at slow speed; use chains or tire studs if needed; maintain constant communication with ground crew |
| Clear debris from roadway and shoulders | Slips on ice, traffic hazards, lifting oversize limbs | Use shovels, hooks, and rakes; keep footing secure; direct traffic around work zone; cut large limbs into manageable pieces |
| Final inspection | Hidden hangers remaining, icy patches left on road | Perform full canopy check; spread sand or salt if roadway is slick; verify no debris remains |
| Remove traffic control | Workers exposed to sliding vehicles during takedown | Remove devices carefully; keep lookout posted; ensure roadway is safe before reopening |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots with good traction
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when using powered saws
Chainsaw chaps when using a chainsaw
Weather appropriate insulated clothing
Ice cleats or traction aids when needed