Tree Felling Mechanical Safe Work Method Statement

Mechanical tree felling using excavators provides multiple advantages over traditional manual chainsaw felling particularly for construction site clearing and high-risk scenarios. Primary safety advantage is elimination of chainsaw injury risks including kickback lacerations, contact injuries, and vibration-related disorders affecting manual felling operators. Mechanical methods allow operators to work from protected machine cabs rather than ground level reducing exposure to falling branches, rolling logs, and struck-by hazards. Machine operators maintain greater distance from falling trees compared to manual felling where operators are typically within 10-20 metres of tree during fall. Speed and efficiency improvements are substantial - experienced excavator operators can remove 20-40 trees per day compared to 5-15 trees for manual operations depending on tree sizes. Mechanical methods work effectively in conditions that limit manual felling including wet weather making chainsaw operation difficult, windy conditions preventing safe manual felling, and challenging access situations where manual operators cannot position safely. Trees that are structurally unsound, heavily leaning, or have complex branch configurations present extreme risks for manual felling but can often be safely removed mechanically by applying controlled forces from protected positions. Cost effectiveness improves on large clearing projects despite higher hourly equipment rates, as productivity increases offset equipment costs. Environmental disturbance can be less with mechanical methods as single machine access versus multiple workers reduces ground trafficking though this depends on ground conditions. Limitations of mechanical methods include equipment access requirements (gates, clearances, ground stability), size limitations determined by machine capacity, potential for greater ground disturbance from heavy equipment particularly in wet conditions, and need for specialized operators trained in tree removal techniques beyond general excavation skills.

Determining whether specific trees are within excavator capacity for safe removal requires evaluating multiple factors beyond simple tree size. Tree diameter provides initial assessment guide but is insufficient alone. As general rule, excavators can push over trees approximately equal to machine operating weight divided by 100 - for example, 20-tonne excavator can typically push over trees up to 200mm diameter depending on other factors. Grapple attachments extend capacity to approximately 50% larger diameters compared to push-over methods. Tree species significantly affects removal difficulty - softwood species with relatively weak wood and shallow root systems (many eucalyptus species, pine) are easier to remove than hardwood species with very dense wood and deep root systems (ironbark, blackbutt). Tree lean affects machine loading substantially - trees leaning 20+ degrees require significantly more force to control compared to vertical trees. Branch weight distribution creates asymmetric loads particularly for trees with heavy canopy development on one side. Root system development varies by species, soil type, and tree age - trees in rocky ground or shallow soil typically have more accessible root systems compared to trees in deep, fertile soil developing extensive roots. Visible tree condition including cracks, splits, internal decay, or structural damage affects predictability of tree behavior during mechanical manipulation. Ground conditions beneath excavator directly limit removable tree size - soft or sloped ground dramatically reduces machine stability limiting safe tree sizes to well below machine theoretical capacity. Operator experience remains critical factor as experienced operators recognize subtle indicators of trees approaching or exceeding machine capacity including machine response during initial force application, tree movement patterns, and ground condition assessment. Conservative approach involves attempting removal of smaller trees first, progressively increasing tree sizes whilst monitoring machine stability and tree response. If machine begins lifting tracks, shows excessive slewing movement, or trees resist initial moderate forces without yielding, these indicate tree exceeds machine capacity requiring alternative methods or larger equipment. Document tree removal attempts including successes and trees exceeding capacity building site-specific knowledge about removable tree characteristics.

Tree removal near overhead powerlines requires strict electrical safety procedures as excavator boom contact with powerlines causes fatal electrocution. First priority is identifying all powerlines in vicinity before mobilizing equipment. Contact electricity authority (varies by state - Ausgrid, Energex, SA Power Networks etc.) requesting powerline information for site address. Authority provides plans showing powerline locations, voltages, and pole positions. Conduct site visit identifying powerlines visually and marking positions using high-visibility bunting or witches hats positioned on ground directly beneath lines. Measure distances from trees to powerlines using laser rangefinder or measuring tape. Minimum safe approach distances vary by voltage - 3 metres for lines up to 132kV (most suburban distribution lines), 6 metres for 132-330kV transmission lines, and 8 metres for above 330kV. These distances apply to any part of excavator including bucket, boom, or tree being manipulated - not just closest approach point. If tree removal work must occur within minimum approach distances, powerline isolation is mandatory. Submit isolation request to electricity authority minimum 5 business days before planned work providing site address, contact details, work description, and preferred dates. Authority assesses request determining whether isolation is feasible or alternate methods are required. For approved isolations, electricity authority workers attend site de-energizing powerlines and installing visible earthing ensuring lines cannot be re-energized during work. Obtain isolation certificate documenting isolation details before commencing work. Post signage at work area: 'Powerlines Isolated - Certificate [number] - Do Not Re-energize'. Maintain isolation throughout work period not releasing until all equipment has cleared powerline vicinity. For work outside minimum approach distances but within 20 metres of powerlines, implement additional controls including high-visibility marking of powerlines, dedicated spotter monitoring boom position relative to lines, and operator briefing on powerline locations and approach limits. Some situations require powerlines to be covered with insulating line guards installed by electricity authority providing physical barrier preventing accidental contact. Never assume powerlines can be isolated on-demand - electricity authorities require advance notice and may refuse isolation during peak demand periods or if network configuration prevents safe isolation. Plan tree removal projects considering powerline isolation lead times and potential date constraints. Cost of powerline isolation varies by authority and isolation complexity - obtain quotes before committing to projects requiring isolation. Some electricity authorities provide powerline proximity training for plant operators working near lines - verify if operator training requirements exist in your jurisdiction.

Emergency response procedures for uncontrolled tree falls or machine stability problems must be clear, rehearsed, and immediately implemented when incidents occur. For uncontrolled tree falls where tree deviates significantly from intended direction potentially striking structures, vehicles, or approaching occupied areas, operator must immediately announce emergency on radio using clear emergency code ('Emergency - tree falling uncontrolled' or similar agreed phrase). All ground personnel must immediately move away from falling tree toward pre-identified safe zones - typically perpendicular to tree fall direction and outside 2x tree height radius. Do NOT attempt to catch, redirect, or slow falling tree - human strength is utterly inadequate against tree momentum. Operator should attempt to guide tree using boom control if safely possible but must prioritize operator safety abandoning control attempts if machine stability is compromised. After tree lands, before anyone approaches, visual assessment from safe distance identifies potential hazards including suspended branches, tension loads in tree that could release, and damage to structures or services requiring isolation. If tree contacts powerlines, assume lines are live regardless of whether sparking is visible and whether local power is affected. Evacuate area minimum 20 metres from tree, call electricity authority emergency number (check if 000 or authority-specific number), establish exclusion zone preventing access until authority workers declare safe. Never approach trees contacting powerlines even if lines appear de-energized - some protection systems allow lines to automatically re-energize creating deadly hazard. For machine stability incidents where excavator begins tipping or tracks start lifting during tree removal, operator must immediately cease force application, retract boom to neutral position, and carefully reposition machine to stable ground. Do NOT attempt to regain stability through heroic boom movements as these often worsen situation. If machine tips beyond recovery point, operator must brace in cab maintaining seatbelt if fitted and protecting head with arms anticipating cab impact. After machine movement ceases, operator should assess condition including any injuries, fuel leaks, or hydraulic ruptures before exiting cab. Exit only when safe ensuring machine will not continue moving. For machine rollover, establish exclusion zone preventing access until recovery equipment is available. Conduct incident investigation before continuing work identifying causes and implementing corrective actions. Document all emergency responses including witness statements, photos of final positions, damage assessments, and corrective actions taken. Report serious incidents to work health and safety regulator as required by jurisdiction (typically incidents causing serious injury, death, or dangerous occurrences). Review emergency procedures in regular toolbox meetings ensuring all crew members understand their roles and actions required during various emergency scenarios. Practice evacuation procedures periodically ensuring ground crew can quickly reach safe zones when emergencies develop.

Environmental and regulatory approval requirements for tree removal vary significantly by location, land tenure, tree species, and project type making early investigation essential. Most local councils regulate tree removal on private property through development controls or tree preservation orders. Councils typically require permits for removing trees above certain size thresholds (commonly 5-10 metres height or 300-500mm trunk diameter), trees of particular species considered significant, or any trees in environmentally sensitive areas. Application processes require arborist reports documenting tree species, size, health condition, and justification for removal. Processing times range from 2-6 weeks with fees ranging $100-500 depending on council. Some councils maintain lists of exempt trees including declared weeds, dead trees, or trees presenting imminent safety hazards allowing removal without permits. For construction sites, vegetation clearing approval may be required through development consent conditions specifying which trees can be removed, which must be retained and protected, and offset requirements compensating for cleared vegetation. On public land including roads and parks, additional approvals from roads authorities or park management agencies are required. Native vegetation clearing on rural properties typically requires native vegetation permits under state environmental legislation (varies by state - native vegetation act, biodiversity conservation act etc.). These permits require ecological assessment identifying native vegetation communities, habitat trees containing hollows used by wildlife, and threatened species potentially affected. Offset requirements may mandate planting equivalent vegetation elsewhere or contributing to conservation funds compensating for clearing impacts. Some states have self-assessment codes allowing small-scale clearing without permits if certain conditions are met. Heritage trees protected under heritage listings require heritage approval before removal regardless of health or safety considerations. Trees may be heritage listed individually (if historically significant) or protected as part of heritage conservation areas. Removal requires heritage impact assessment demonstrating no feasible alternatives exist. Threatened species legislation protects trees containing threatened species habitat including nesting birds, den trees containing hollows used by possums or gliders, or food trees for threatened species. Ecological surveys may be required determining whether threatened species utilize trees before removal approval is granted. Seasonal restrictions may prohibit tree removal during nesting seasons (typically September-January) protecting breeding birds. Biosecurity legislation regulates trees hosting declared plant or animal pests requiring specific disposal methods preventing pest spread. For example, trees infested with exotic wood-boring beetles may require on-site burning or chipping rather than off-site disposal. Check with local biosecurity officer regarding restrictions. Erosion and sediment control approvals may be required if tree removal creates erosion risks particularly on sloped land or near waterways. Obtain all required approvals before commencing work as proceeding without approvals can result in stop-work orders, requirements to replant trees at substantial cost, prosecution with significant penalties, and development approval complications preventing project completion. Build approval lead times into project schedules - some approvals require months rather than weeks particularly where ecological assessments or heritage studies are required.