European Arboricultural Council www.eac-arboriculture.

com

Work Practice
Aerial Tree Work Operations

A Guide to Safe
 A Guide to Safe Work Practice

References

Published by:
European Arboricultural Council e. V. (EAC),
Haus der Landschaft, Alexander-von-Humboldt-Str. 4,
D 53604 Bad Honnef, www.EAC-arboriculture.com

Spiritual and conceptual elaboration:

Publication and Work Practice Committee of the EAC:
Chair of Committee:
Aki Männistö, Finland

Members of the Committee:

Chris Cooper-Abbs, UK
Craig Johnson, UK
Toni Marik, Austria

Concept:
K2. agentur für kommunikation, Bonn

Extensive thanks to John Coles for his support

and guidance in the revision of this guide.

Third edition, 11/2008, 1000 copies

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1. Introduction 2. General

1.1 This leaflet provides guidance on Tree work operations are physically
minimum standards for safer work practice demanding. Operatives need to be reasonably
in tree work operations including aerial fit, both physically and mentally. Regular
work techniques, use of saws in trees and medical examinations for operatives are
organisation on work sites for aerial tree recommended. Further medical advice should
work. be taken if operators have any condition
affecting:
1.2 Tree work operations are potentially
hazardous to people and property. They • Alcohol/drug dependency
must only be carried out by skilled, fully • Prescribed medication (affecting the
trained operatives. operators’ ability to use a chainsaw and/
or work at height)
1.3 The leaflet describes safer methods of
work and provides guidance for operatives, 2.1 All operatives must receive appropriate
employers, clients and national work safety training and certification, where it is
boards. nationally available, for the tasks they are
required to perform. Tree work operations
1.4 The guidance should be used in involving work at height should be properly
conjunction with all relevant EU and planned and, where necessary, appropriately
national safety regulations, legislation supervised.
and recommendations. This guidance is not
intended to supersede or replace national 2.2 A team of two or more persons must
guidance issued by regulatory bodies or carry out all aerial tree work. At least one
enforcement authorities. team member should fulfil the role of a
competent grounds person, having the ability
1.5 The European Arboricultural Council is a and necessary equipment to carry out an
forum of representatives from arboricultural aerial rescue.
organisations throughout Europe, which
has the objective of advancing professional 2.3 Provision for administering first aid on
standards of tree care. site must be made at all times. All operatives
should be trained in emergency first aid
procedures and receive regular update

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 A Guide to Safe Work Practice

training. It is recommended that climbers 2.6 All equipment must be stored and
carry a clearly marked and accessible personal handled in accordance with manufacturers’
first aid kit. recommendations. Application and
configuration of work equipment (e.g.
2.4 A risk assessment of the work site, the karabiners, friction hitches, termination
machinery to be used, the task to be knots, etc.) must be in accordance with
undertaken and each individual tree must manufacturers’ guidance, national industry
be carried out prior to, and for the duration best practice literature or published research
of, the operation. The risk assessment must material.
include provision for emergency descent and
aerial rescue. Initial risk assessment must 2.7 All equipment must be inspected before
be utilised to determine whether work from use and on a regular basis, in accordance
a rope and harness would be deemed with manufacturers’ recommendations and
reasonably practicable. This means that national guidance and regulations.
other methods, such as pole saws from the
ground, use of work platforms, etc. are 2.8 Tree work operatives should ensure
not feasible and do not justify significant that all persons engaging in any activity,
additional time and expense, or will not including organisation, planning and
significantly improve the level of risk to the supervision, in relation to work at height
climber or others (the public, co-workers, etc.). or work equipment for use in such work, are
As part of the on-site risk assessment, competent to do so or, if being trained, are
accurate emergency information should be being supervised by a competent person.
recorded about the site. This may include
site name, location, nearest hospital, on-site 2.9 Where tree climbing has been identified
operators’ details, mobile phone number(s) as the most appropriate work method,
and battery life, etc. This list is just intended operators must complete a thorough visual
as an example. tree inspection prior to climbing. This
inspection should identify whether the tree
2.5 Extreme weather conditions may impair is safe to climb, the most appropriate access
the operative’s ability to carry out work. method, anchor points, and the planning of
Sufficient breaks must be taken to minimize the work sequence. The following list provides
the risk of fatigue and dehydration. Tree guidance as to what operators may look for
work operatives must ensure that work at as part of this pre-climb inspection.
height is carried out only when the weather
conditions do not jeopardise the health and • Cavities, decay or decay fungi
safety of persons involved in the work. • Deadwood and broken branches

4
• Dead or flaking bark 3. Aerial Work Methods
• V-shaped unions
• Cracks
• Nesting birds or protected animal species Tree care operations can be carried out by
• External hazards to the tree including using a mobile work platform or climbing
buildings, footpaths, power lines, etc. techniques using a rope and harness.

Consideration should also be given to any 3.1 Climbing techniques using a rope
protection rights imposed on the tree which and harness
may prevent work taking place.
3.1.1 Warm-up exercises prior to climbing are
recommended to minimise muscle injury.

3.1.2 Specialised ropes and harnesses are

available and must be used. All climbing
equipment produced after July 1, 1995 must
conform to relevant EN specifications where
they exist.

3.1.3 A sit harness with leg loops may be

used for work positioning, i.e. when working
no higher than the anchor point with a taut
rope or minimal slack.

3.1.4 If the climbing method exposes the

climber to the risk of vertical fall, suitable
fall arrest equipment must be used i.e. a full
body harness and energy absorber.

3.1.5 Karabiners that are used to connect

the harness to the lifeline must have a spring
loaded, self-locking gate that requires at least
three distinct movements to open it.
Karabiners must be kept in correct alignment
when in use and not “chain linked.”

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 A Guide to Safe Work Practice

3.1.6 Tree work operatives must ensure that installed by use of a throwline. Special
ropes and friction hitch materials selected for attention should be paid to potential
work at height are appropriate in relation to significantly increased loading of the anchor
length, diameter, safe working load, handling point when single rope access techniques
characteristics and interaction or interference are utilised.
with climbing system components e.g. friction
cord on rope. 3.1.10 Friction savers should be used where
possible to reduce damage to the tree and
3.1.7 Single rope technique (SRT) access the rope and to improve the efficiency of
methods may be utilised for tree access and, the climbing technique.
where appropriate, should be combined with
a suitable back-up system. Operators should 3.1.11 The climber must be secured to the tree
be aware of the possible significant forces at all times by means of the climbing rope
applied to the anchor point (up to two times) and/or strop(s).
when utilising single rope techniques
3.1.12 Once in the tree, supplementary
3.1.8 Footlock methods of rope ascent must anchor points must be installed where the
only be used if the climber is securely risk assessment dictates, to ensure that the
attached with a suitable friction knot or safety of the climber is not put at risk from,
mechanical ascending device. Where for example, a pendulum fall, where the
appropriate, this access technique should strength of the anchor point is uncertain or
include the use of a suitable back-up system. compromised, or where there is a risk of the
Operatives using mechanical ascending climbing rope being cut.
devices must ensure that suitable back-up
or fail-safe systems are employed in the 3.1.13 The climbing rope should be long
event of mechanical failure during ascent, enough to allow descent from the work
i.e. ascender back up. position point to the ground. Very long
ropes can be impractical to use and other
3.1.9 Anchor points should be carefully provision may be necessary for descent from
selected to ensure free running of the exceptionally tall trees.
climbing rope and to safely support the
weight of the climber. Anchor points must 3.1.14 The end of the climbing rope should
be visually assessed and weight-tested by the be knotted to prevent it passing through
climber “bouncing” on the line before ascent, the friction knot or descending device.
particularly where the anchor point has been

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3.1.15 Climbing irons (or spikes) may be used 3.2.6 Operatives must not over-reach from the
only during sectional felling operations to platform and it is recommended that they be
assist ascent and work positioning or aerial secured to a designated anchor point with a
rescue. The climber must remain attached to suitable harness and adjustable lanyard.
the tree through the use of additional ropes
or strops when passing obstacles such as side 3.2.7 The safe working load of the platform
branches. (basket) must not be exceeded. The working
platform must be suitable and of sufficient
3.2 Mobile work platforms strength and rigidity for the purpose for
which it is being used.
3.2.1 Manufacturers’ recommendations along
with country-specific guidance, legislation 3.2.8 In the case of wheeled structures,
or published research material on the use of machinery must be fitted with appropriate
mobile work platforms must be followed at all devices to prevent the platform inadvertently
times. moving during work at height.

3.2.2 The load-bearing capacity of the ground 3.2.9 A mobile work platform basket must
must be assessed carefully to ensure the possess a suitable floor surface to ensure
stability of the platform. that no person or object could fall from it.

3.2.3 The platform must only be used for

operatives and necessary tools. The platform 3.3 Ladders/static work platforms
must not be used as an anchor point for
lowering tree sections or for transporting 3.3.1 Ladders are principally used for access
tree sections. to the crown of the tree. If work is carried
out from the ladder, the operative must be
3.2.4 When the platform is used to provide attached to the tree by a rope/strop and
access for pruning or sectional felling, harness. The top of the ladder should also be
operatives must be trained in branch- secured to the tree. Where a ladder is used
removal techniques. for repeated access from the same position,
the top of the ladder must be secured.
3.2.5 Care must be taken to prevent falling
branches from hitting any part of the 3.3.2 The ladder must be placed firmly to
platform, boom or transporting vehicle. prevent slipping or twisting, at an angle of
approximately 75 degrees (base distance

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 A Guide to Safe Work Practice

4. Use Of Saws In Trees

from the tree equal to ¼ ladder height). 4.1 Handsaws should be used in preference
Special ladder footing devices may be to chainsaws in the tree wherever practicable.
necessary to improve stability on uneven
or slippery surfaces. 4.2 Chainsaws must only be used for aerial
tree work by competent climbers who have
3.3.3 Static work platforms such as scaffolding been trained in their use and passed a
must be positioned so that they are stable national certificate of competence where
and not at risk from the operation being this is available.
carried out.
4.3 Chainsaws expose operators to potentially
3.3.4 A thorough risk assessment should be excessively high levels of both noise and
completed prior to the use of ladders, with vibration, which in turn can lead to potential
consideration being given to the use of this health risks to the operators. Good
equipment only if that risk assessment has management practices should be adopted
demonstrated that the use of more suitable to reduce these risks, including – but not
work equipment is not justified. limited to – regular chainsaw maintenance
programmes, information for employees
3.3.5 Extension or over-rung ladders must on the health risks and adequate PPE.
be erected in accordance with manufacturers’
instructions, including the correct number of 4.4 The chainsaw should be of a size
overlapping rungs when extended. appropriate to the material being cut. Top-
handled chainsaws are designed, and are only
suitable, for use off the ground. In particular,
top-handled saws must in normal operating
circumstances be used with two hands
holding the saw. Chainsaws must be
maintained in accordance with manufacturers’
instructions at recommended intervals. It is
important that machinery is only operated
with the correct guards in place and that
safety features are present and fully
functioning where required.

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 5. Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

4.5 Chainsaws must be started and used 5.1 All persons on site must wear appropriate
according to manufacturers’ recommendations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The
Operatives must wear appropriate personal operator must inspect PPE before use.
protective equipment. Damaged PPE must be discarded and
replaced. PPE should meet current EN
4.6 The chain brake should be applied before standards for that equipment type where
starting. The engine should be switched off appropriate and applicable.
or the chain brake applied when changing
work position. If the saw is not in use for 5.2 When using chainsaws, operators must
more than 30 seconds, it should be switched wear PPE in accordance with national
off. regulations and recommendations.

4.7 When using a chainsaw from a rope and 5.3 Operators not using chainsaws must wear
harness, secure work positions must be safety boots and a safety helmet. Eye and ear
established and the use of secondary load- protection should also be worn when working
bearing anchor points is recommended where in close proximity to operators using
the risk assessment dictates. Climbers should chainsaws or other machinery.
be positioned where there is no risk to the
climbers’ ropes; where the risk to the
climbers’ ropes does exist, a secondary
load-bearing anchor point must be used.
Secondary or supplementary anchor points
should always be chosen to minimise the
risk of cutting both the main tie-in point and
the secondary system. Cut-protected strops
should be used where the cut is being made
close to the anchor point, for example during
section felling.

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 A Guide to Safe Work Practice

6. Organisation Of
The Work Site

All operatives should be aware of: 6.6 Provision must be made for accidents and
emergencies. All staff must be trained in
• the work to be carried out; emergency procedures, including assisting
• their personal responsibilities; with aerial rescue situations. This applies to
• the work in progress; tree care operations being undertaken from
• the tasks involved. a rope and harness and from a lift platform.

6.1 Suitable systems of communication 6.7 Work in adverse weather or poor light
between operatives must be established. conditions should only continue if safe
Operators must check the danger zone practice can be maintained.
before releasing any sections from the tree.
6.8 Safe methods of operation for the work
6.2 The work area must be identified and to be completed should be agreed by all
secured by the use of suitable signs and operators on site. These methods should
barriers or other appropriate means. include safe working distances when using
a chainsaw, tree felling and cross-cutting of
6.3 Safe working distances and practice timber. Where several operators are working
with respect to overhead power lines must closely together at reduced safe working
be maintained in accordance with the distances, all on-site operators may
requirements of power suppliers and be required to wear chainsaw PPE in
national regulations. accordance with national regulations
and recommendations.
6.4 Work on, or close to, public highways and
railways must comply with national and local
requirements regarding signage and the use
of high visibility warning clothing. For further advice and information please
contact your national EAC representative
6.5 Ground staff must inform aerial operators or visit www.EAC-arboriculture.com
before entering the drop zone under the
tree or operating noisy machinery such as
chainsaws and brushwood chippers which The text of this leaflet may be freely reproduced
could hinder communication. with acknowledgement to source.

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11
 Members

■ Austria ■ Poland
ISA Austria International Society of Tree Cultivation & Protection
Tel./Fax: +43 – 12 78 29 05 Tel./Fax: +48 – 2 27 27 73 28
email: office@die-baumpfleger.at · Philip Wenninger email: m.siewniak@gmail.com · Prof Dr Marek Siewniak

■ Belgium ■ Romania
Belgian Arborists Associations ASBL ASFOR
Tel.: +32 – 81 62 73 10 · Fax +32 – 81 22 76 43 The Romanian Forestry Association
email: boomverzorging@tiscali.be · Wim Peeters Tel.: +4021 – 2 32 31 46 · Fax: +4021 – 2 32 10 72
email: asfor@rdslink.ro · Eng. Ioan Sbera
■ Croatia
Croatian Arboricultural Council ■ Spain
Tel./Fax: +38 – 512 30 36 93 · email: tvitkovic@hotmail.com Asociación Española de Arboricultura
Tomislav Vitkovic Tel./Fax: +34 – 96 – 31 56 820
email: info@aearboricultura.com
■ Czech Republic
Jochum Bax (jochum@ya.com)
Czech Tree Care Society
Tel.: +42 – 77 78 21 29 9 · Fax: +42 – 2 57 32 39 53 ■ Sweden
email: jgrabner@wo.cz · Josef Grábner Svenska Trädföreningen
Tel.: + 46 – 45 13 13 93 · Fax: + 46 – 45 13 15 93
■ Denmark
email: degouret@svensktradvard.se
Dansk Traplejeforening
de Gourét Litchfield
Tel.: +45 – 35 28 16 06 · email: osj@life.ku.dk
Ole Sejr Jakobsen ■ Switzerland
Bund Schweizer Baumpflege
■ Finland
Tel./Fax: +41– 6 17 13 08 19
Finish Tree Care Association
email: verband@baumpflege-schweiz.ch
Tel.: +35 – 84 05 87 70 98 · email: aki.mannisto@turku.fi
Katrin Joos
Aki Männistö
■ United Kingdom
■ France
Arboricultural Association
Société Française d‘Arboriculture
Tel.: +44 –17 94 36 87 17 · Fax: +44 –17 94 36 89 78
Tel.: +33 – 4 75 90 81 49 · Fax: +33 – 4 75 90 81 85
email: william.matthews@live.co.uk · W E Matthews
email: rizzo.beatrice@orange.fr · Béatrice Rizzo
email: info@theabsolutearbcompany.com · Chris Cooper-Abbs
■ Germany
ISA UK&I Chapter
Interessenvertretung Deutsche Baumpflege
Tel./Fax: +44 –121 556 8302
Tel.: +49 – 22 24 77 07 47 · Fax: +49 – 22 24 77 07 77
email: admin@isa-uki.org
email: w.gross@galabau.de · Wolfgang Gross
email: craig@treesunlimited.co.uk · Craig Johnson
■ Italy
■ EAC Office
ISA Italiano
European Arboricultural Council e. V. (EAC)
Tel./Fax: +39 – 039 325 928
Haus der Landschaft · Alexander-von-Humboldt-Str. 4
email: segreteria@arboricoltura.org · Stefano Lorenzi
53604 Bad Honnef · Germany
■ Netherlands Tel.: +49 – 22 24 77 07 47 · Fax: +49 – 22 24 77 07 77
VHG Vakgroep Boomverzorging email: info@EAC-arboriculture.com
Tel.: +31– 3 06 59 56 50 · Fax: +31– 3 06 59 56 55 Secretary: Wolfgang Gross
email: r.maaskant@vhg.org · Richard Maaskant
■ Norway
Norsk Trepleie Forum
Tel.: +47– 67 17 57 80 · Fax: +47– 67 17 57 81
email: glen@ab-trepleie.no · Glen J. Read