Manual tree felling SWMS, drafted for your job
A tree can split, shed dead limbs or fall away from its lean when cut, leaving the saw operator exposed if the fall zone and escape route are poor. Describe the job and site so your SWMS reflects the work, then review the draft with the crew before starting.
A$39per job
However many high-risk activities it covers.
- However many high-risk activities it covers.
- 3 for A$99
- 10 for A$249
- Yearly A$129 for 120
- Monthly A$60 for 10
You review it on site before work starts.
Your Business
Safe Work Method Statement
Version 1
Draft
Manual tree felling
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Assess tree and surroundings | Dead limbs, defects and conductors | High | Select a method suited to the tree and site |
| 2 | Close fall zone and clear escapes | Bystanders and blocked retreat | High | Exclude people; clear escape routes before starting the saw |
| 3 | Check saw and plan the cuts | Kickback and stem splitting | High | Check safety devices; use a tree-specific felling method |
| 4 | Fell and retreat | Unexpected fall direction and splitting | High | Keep the zone clear; use the planned escape route |
| 5 | Assess fallen or lodged timber | Hung-up stems and stored tension | High | Isolate lodged trees; reassess timber before processing |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your manual tree felling SWMS will contain
An A4 document your crew can read on site, a PDF for the builder and a sign-on register.
- Job and site detailsYour business, the site, the principal contractor, the dates.
- High-risk construction workThe categories your job involves, ticked.
- Step-by-step methodEach step with its hazards, risk rating and controls.
- How controls are checkedWho puts each control in place, monitors and reviews it.
- PPE, plant and permitsEquipment and training the job needs.
- Emergency planAssembly point, first aid, nearest hospital to confirm on site.
- Consultation and reviewWho was consulted, when it is reviewed.
- Sign-on registerYour crew signs by QR or on paper.
High-risk construction work
High-risk work on this job
This task is not usually high-risk construction work. If your job involves any category, tick it when you start and the SWMS covers it.
State notes
Rules depend on your state
Pick your state when you start. Your state's regulator publishes the rules and guidance for this work.
Hazards and controls
What goes wrong on a manual tree felling job, and how the SWMS controls it
These rows are written for this task. Your draft adds the ones your site and method need.
- 1
Tree falling outside the planned manual felling zone
High- Assess lean, canopy, defects and wind before selecting the felling method
- Close the assessed fall area; use another removal method where direction cannot be controlled
- 2
Trunk splitting upwards during the felling back cut
High- Have an experienced tree worker assess lean and splitting risk before cutting
- Use a felling method suited to the tree; stop if the stem cracks or movement changes
- 3
Dead limbs dropping above the chainsaw felling position
High- Inspect the crown from a safe position and remove overhead hazards using a planned method
- Keep people out below suspect limbs; choose another method if they cannot be controlled
- 4
Chainsaw kickback while forming the felling cuts
High- Use a maintained saw with working chain brake and the correct cutting equipment
- Keep both hands on the saw and avoid bar-tip contact
- 5
Hung-up tree moving during attempted ground release
High- Stop work and isolate the area around a lodged tree
- Plan controlled mechanical recovery; do not climb it or cut its supporting tree
- 6
Saw operator trapped by brush on the escape route
High- Clear escape routes before starting the felling cuts
- Keep tools and crew out of the route and reassess if the tree moves unexpectedly
- 7
Felled tree or branches contacting overhead conductors
High- Assess the whole tree fall envelope against nearby lines before choosing the method
- Arrange supply-owner controls or a specialist removal method if the tree could contact conductors
How the job usually runs
- 1Assess tree and surroundingsDead limbs, defects and conductors → Select a method suited to the tree and site
- 2Close fall zone and clear escapesBystanders and blocked retreat → Exclude people; clear escape routes before starting the saw
- 3Check saw and plan the cutsKickback and stem splitting → Check safety devices; use a tree-specific felling method
- 4Fell and retreatUnexpected fall direction and splitting → Keep the zone clear; use the planned escape route
- 5Assess fallen or lodged timberHung-up stems and stored tension → Isolate lodged trees; reassess timber before processing
PPE for this job
- Chainsaw protective legwear
- Safety helmet
- Hearing protection
- Eye and face protection
- Chainsaw protective boots
- Close-fitting handling gloves
Your draft lists the PPE your site and method need.
After you finalise
Brief your crew and send it to your builder
Crew signs by QR
Send to my builder
PDF and register
Builder sent it back?
Make their changes and re-issue the same job free. Workers re-sign the new version.
Questions
Manual tree felling SWMS questions
- Last reviewed
- 21 October 2026
- How
- Hazard rows checked against the task; no legal line is stated unless it is logged from primary text.
- Next review
- Every six months, or when the method or rules change
Does it cover a tree that hangs up during felling?
Yes. The draft covers stopping work, isolating the area and arranging controlled recovery. Describe the tree and available equipment; review the recovery method rather than attempting to climb or cut the supporting tree.
Can it cover trees beside houses or powerlines?
The site constraints need to determine the removal method first. Describe buildings and lines; the draft covers assessing the fall envelope and choosing specialist or mechanical removal where manual felling cannot be controlled.
How much does a manual tree felling SWMS cost?
One job uses 1 SWMS when you finalise: A$39 for one, however many high-risk activities it covers. AI drafting needs a SWMS pack or plan. Packs and Yearly cost less per SWMS.
Is this a template?
No. You describe the job and the site, and the SWMS is drafted for them. You edit anything, then finalise it.
Who checks the SWMS?
You do, with your crew, on site before work starts. The draft gives you a strong starting point; the person running the work makes sure it matches the site.
My builder sent it back. What now?
Open it, make the changes they asked for and re-issue it. Corrections to the same job are free.
How does my crew sign it?
Show the QR code on your phone or print the A4 sign-on sheet. Workers read and sign on their own phones without an account.
Does it work in my state?
Yes. You choose the state before drafting, and the document names the law that applies there. Victoria uses its OHS Regulations.
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