Safety Protocols Every Commercial Tree Surgeon Must Follow During Tree Trimming

Trimming trees is an important part of keeping urban landscapes looking good and keeping trees healthy. But it’s also a very risky undertaking, particularly when done on a commercial basis. Regardless of how important it is to have commercial tree surgeons (or arborists) on the job, safety must always come first. Every commercial tree surgeon reading this text must read and follow the safety procedures outlined in it before pruning any trees.

1. Preliminary Evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation of the tree and its environment must precede any tree pruning. As part of this evaluation, you should look for things like power lines, uneven ground, surrounding buildings, and the tree’s overall health. Before beginning any tree trimming job, a professional arborist needs to assess the tree’s stability, look for symptoms of disease or decay, and consider the tree’s species.

2. Putting on the Right Gear for Safety

For commercial tree surgeons, wearing the right PPE is an absolute must. Safety gear should include a helmet in case of falling branches, goggles to prevent debris from getting in the eyes, earplugs to muffle noise from machinery, gloves to protect hands from sharp objects and rough bark, and sturdy shoes with adequate traction to navigate uneven ground. Make sure all of your personal protective equipment (PPE) is in good shape and provides enough protection by inspecting it before each usage.

3. Making Sure That Equipment Is Regularly Inspected

Tools including ropes, harnesses, chainsaws, and climbing gear are essential for commercial tree surgeons. In order to avoid accidents caused by equipment breakdowns, it is essential to inspect and maintain all equipment regularly. Sharp blades allow for clean cuts, frayed or otherwise compromised ropes or harnesses compromise safety, and all gear must meet or surpass regulations governing such matters.

4. Establishing Secure Climbing Procedures

As a commercial tree surgeon, you’ll inevitably have to climb trees. Climbing safely requires the use of well-tested ropes and harnesses, the maintenance of three points of contact continuously, and the extreme caution when using climbing spikes so as not to harm the tree. Only people with proper training and knowledge of the hazards and procedures involved should attempt climbing.

5. Creating a Managed Work Environment

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, it is crucial to establish a regulated work zone surrounding the tree that needs to be trimmed. Clearly demarcate this area with signs or barriers to deter anyone from entering without permission. Furthermore, it needs to think about possible dangers like branches falling or machinery moving. For the work zone to run smoothly, it is essential that team members communicate with one another and understand their specific duties.

Conclusion 

Maintaining urban green spaces and the health of trees requires careful attention to safety standards when pruning trees. Safety must be the first concern of commercial tree surgeons throughout the entire process. Commercial tree surgeons can reduce risks and guarantee safe tree trimming operations by performing comprehensive assessments, wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE), maintaining equipment, climbing safely, creating controlled work zones, following electrical safety protocols, cutting correctly, keeping an eye on the weather, getting regular safety training, and communicating well with stakeholders.