Tree trimming with EWP and ropes SWMS, drafted for your job
Trimmed branches can swing back into the climber or EWP basket, while saw cuts can damage climbing lines. Tree condition, ground support and overhead powerlines shape where the crew can work. Describe the job and site so the draft reflects your work, then check the SWMS 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
Tree trimming with EWP and ropes
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
- Work where someone could fall from height
- Work where powered mobile plant is moving
- Work on or near energised electrical installations
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Assess tree and overhead services | Decayed limbs and powerline contact | High | Select sound anchors and maintain electrical separation |
| 2 | Set EWP and close drop zone | Plant instability and public access | High | Check ground support and barrier branch landing area |
| 3 | Establish access and rescue readiness | Suspension and failed communication | High | Inspect rope systems and prepare the rescue crew |
| 4 | Cut and lower tree sections | Saw contact and swinging limbs | High | Keep lines clear; coordinate rigging and each cut |
| 5 | Descend and clear branches | Falling debris and active access equipment | High | Secure saws and stop overhead work before ground cleanup |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your tree trimming with ewp and ropes 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
Categories this task often involves
You tick the ones your job involves. Each ticked category gets its own steps and controls, in your state's wording.
- Work where someone could fall from height
- Work where powered mobile plant is moving
- Work on or near energised electrical installations
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 tree trimming with ewp and ropes 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
Climbing anchor failure in a decayed tree limb
High- Assess the tree and anchor positions before choosing rope access
- Use another access method where sound anchors cannot be established
- 2
Tree trimming EWP overturning on roots and soft verges
High- Assess the setup ground and use suitable support mats before raising the basket
- Keep outriggers clear of voids and stop if support settles during work
- 3
EWP basket struck by a swinging cut branch
High- Set the basket position outside the branch fall and swing path
- Rig sections for controlled lowering and coordinate cuts with the ground crew
- 4
Chainsaw cutting a climbing rope or positioning lanyard
High- Arrange work positioning so the saw path stays clear of support lines
- Check line routing before each cut and use suitable saw handling techniques
- 5
Falling tree limbs entering the pedestrian drop zone
High- Close the drop zone with barriers and control entry points
- Use a ground worker to keep people clear before each cut
- 6
Tree branches or EWP boom approaching overhead lines
High- Plan access and branch handling outside the electrical exclusion zone
- Stop and arrange supply isolation where separation cannot be maintained
- 7
Suspended tree worker stranded after injury or equipment failure
High- Prepare a task-specific rescue plan with equipment ready on site
- Have a rescue-capable ground crew and test communication before climbing
How the job usually runs
- 1Assess tree and overhead servicesDecayed limbs and powerline contact → Select sound anchors and maintain electrical separation
- 2Set EWP and close drop zonePlant instability and public access → Check ground support and barrier branch landing area
- 3Establish access and rescue readinessSuspension and failed communication → Inspect rope systems and prepare the rescue crew
- 4Cut and lower tree sectionsSaw contact and swinging limbs → Keep lines clear; coordinate rigging and each cut
- 5Descend and clear branchesFalling debris and active access equipment → Secure saws and stop overhead work before ground cleanup
PPE for this job
- Arborist helmet with chin strap
- Eye and face protection
- Hearing protection
- Chainsaw protective legwear
- Grip gloves
- Safety boots
- Harness suited to the access system
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
Tree trimming with EWP and ropes 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
Can the draft cover both an EWP and climbing ropes?
Yes. Describe which parts of the tree use each method. The draft coordinates anchor selection, platform setup, branch lowering, ground exclusion and rescue arrangements across the job.
Does it cover tree trimming beside powerlines?
Yes, when you identify the lines and work area. The draft includes keeping branches, equipment and workers outside the electrical exclusion zone and stopping where supply isolation is needed.
How much does a tree trimming with ewp and ropes 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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