514 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 30-37

Sections

Chapter 31: Tree Maintenance and Removal

This chapter focuses on the safe practices and standards for tree maintenance and removal, highlighting the necessity for adherence to ANSI and OSHA guidelines to protect arborists and personnel involved.

This chapter emphasizes the safe practices and standards for tree maintenance and removal.

It outlines the essential training and qualifications required for safe operations, emphasizing the importance of using appropriate equipment and the development of detailed operational plans. Safety measures, risk assessments, and planning are underscored as critical components for conducting these activities securely.

The chapter also offers detailed instructions on equipment maintenance, safe tree felling, debris handling, and the critical use of personal protective equipment (PPE). It stresses the importance of caution around electrical hazards, effective tree climbing techniques, and the responsibilities of qualified tree workers to ensure safety. The focus is on preventing accidents through rigorous training, adherence to safety standards, and proper execution of tree maintenance and removal tasks.

31-1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 31-1.

31-1. References.

31-2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 31-2.

31-2. Definitions.

a.  Arborist.  A professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial plants. Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees. Arborists typically climb trees using ropes and have special training in this type of climbing. (31-2.a)

b.  Barber Chair.  A circumstance where a tree trunk splits vertically while it is being cut down. (31-2.b)

c.  Bucking.  The act of sawing a felled tree or limbs into smaller sections.  (31-2.c)

d.  Conventional Notch.  A directional felling notch cut into the tree on the same side that the tree is to fall.  The notch starts with a horizontal cut approximately one third the tree’s diameter.  The second cut is sawed at a 45-degree angle from a height of 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) per 1 foot (0.3 m) of diameter above the base of the notch.  (31-2.d)

e.  False Crotch. A pulley, block, sling, lashing, or metal ring affixed to a tree’s leader or limb, through which a load line is passed to raise or lower limbs or equipment. (31-2.e)

f.  Gaffs. Spurs used to assist in climbing utility poles or trees.  (31-2.f)

g.  Humboldt Notch.  A directional felling notch cut into the side of a tree.  The completed notch faces the intended direction of fall and consists of a horizontal face cut and an angled cut below it, creating a notch of approximately 45-degrees.  A Humboldt notch is usually reserved for larger trees on steep slopes.  (31-2.g)

h.  Leader.  The upper portion of the primary axis of a tree.  (31-2.h)

i.  Limbing.  To cut limbs from a tree trunk.  (31-2.i)

j.  Open-Faced Notch.  Two sequential cuts into the side of a tree that results in either a conventional notch or Humboldt notch.  (31-2.j)

k.  Qualified Line-Clearance Tree Trimmer.  A tree worker who, through related training and on the-job experience, is familiar with the line-clearance hazards and has demonstrated ability in the performance of the special techniques involved.  (31-2.k)

l.  Qualified Line-Clearance Tree Trimmer Trainee.  Any worker undergoing line- clearance tree trimming training who, in the course of such training, is familiar with line- clearance hazards and has demonstrated ability in the performance of the special techniques involved.  (31-2.l)

m. Qualified Tree Worker.  An individual who, through related training and on-the- job experience, is familiar with the equipment, techniques, and hazards of tree maintenance and removal and has demonstrated ability in the performance of the special techniques involved.  (31-2.m)

n.  Tied In. When a tree climber’s climbing line has been properly crotched and attached to the saddle and taut-line hitch is tied.  (31-2.n)