Arborist Tree Work at Height — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for arborists pruning, dismantling and removing trees by climbing or from an EWP, including aerial chainsaw use, rigging down limbs, drop zone control and aerial rescue.
Download this template
Tree climbing and aerial tree work involves a fall risk of more than 2 metres. Where it is done as part of construction work, such as clearing a building site, removing trees before demolition or pruning back from a new structure, it is high-risk construction work (HRCW) and a SWMS is required. Work near overhead power lines or on a road verge brings in further HRCW triggers. Where tree work is not construction work (routine pruning or council maintenance, for example), a SWMS isn't strictly required, but it is the standard way arborists plan the job and clients and councils usually ask for one.
The hazards are specific to the trade: falls during climbing or when a tie-in point fails, chainsaw cuts aloft, being struck by limbs as they are cut or rigged down, rigging overloads that pull a stem apart, structural defects in the tree itself (decay, cracks, dead wood, poor unions), and electrocution from nearby power lines. Ground crew are exposed to falling wood, chipper entanglement and traffic. The climber's tie-in point must be assessed for strength. When a chainsaw is used aloft, the climber should be secured by two independent attachment points so that one accidental cut cannot drop them.
Pruning should follow AS 4373 (Pruning of amenity trees). Climbers should hold a relevant arboriculture qualification and have proven competency in tree climbing, aerial chainsaw use and aerial rescue. EWP operators need the licence that matches the machine (a boom-type EWP with a boom of 11 metres or more requires a high-risk work licence). Only workers authorised by the electricity network operator may work inside the approach distances to overhead lines. Contact the network before the job, and check your state or territory regulator for vegetation-near-powerline rules.
An aerial rescue plan is not optional. Whenever someone is in the tree, a trained person on the ground must be ready and equipped to climb or use the EWP to rescue them.
Customise this template with the tree species, height and condition assessment, the work method (climbing, EWP or crane-assisted), the climber's anchor and rigging points, the drop zone and traffic control layout, power line clearances and network approvals, the chipper set-up and the named aerial rescuer.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- •Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
- •Work on, in or adjacent to a road, railway or other traffic corridor in use by traffic
Risk Assessment
1.Tree and site assessment
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree or limb failure from decay, cracks or dead wood during climbing | Catastrophic | Before climbing, the climber inspects the tree from all sides for decay, cavities, fungal fruiting bodies, cracks, root plate movement, hangers and dead wood. Sound the stem with a mallet where decay is suspected. If the tree is not safe to climb, use an EWP or crane, or fell it from the ground if there is room. Record the assessment. | Moderate | Climbing Arborist / Supervisor |
| Contact with overhead power lines | Catastrophic | Identify all overhead lines, including service lines to buildings. If any part of the tree, ropes, tools or EWP could come within the approach distance, contact the network operator before work. Either have the line made safe, or use only workers authorised by the network to work at that distance. Never let a cut limb fall or swing toward a line. | Low | Supervisor |
2.Setting up the drop zone, traffic control and chipper
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground crew or public struck by falling limbs | Catastrophic | Set a drop zone at least twice the height of the work position (or the tree height for felling), barricaded and signed. Keep ground crew out of the zone while cutting is under way and agree clear voice or radio signals with the climber. Use traffic controllers with the accreditation your state requires where the zone reaches a road or footpath. | Low | Supervisor / Ground Crew |
| Entanglement or struck-by injury at the wood chipper | High | Set the chipper on level ground with the discharge pointed away from people and traffic. Check the emergency stop and feed control before use. Feed butt end first from the side of the chute, and let go once the material is taken. No loose clothing, and never reach into the chute. Only trained operators may feed or clear the chipper. | Low | Chipper Operator |
3.Climbing and establishing a work position
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall during the ascent or from an anchor failure | Catastrophic | Stay attached throughout the climb. Choose a main anchor (tie-in point) in sound wood capable of holding the climber, and check it from the ground and on arrival. Inspect the climbing rope, harness, carabiners and friction devices before every climb. No free climbing. | Moderate | Climbing Arborist |
4.Pruning and cutting aloft
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw cut to the climber or severing their climbing line | Catastrophic | Use a second point of attachment (flip line or lanyard) as well as the climbing line whenever operating a chainsaw aloft. Only climbers trained in top-handle saw use may use one. Start the saw with the chain brake on, hold it with two hands, and keep ropes away from the cut. Use a hand saw for small cuts near ropes. | Moderate | Climbing Arborist |
| Struck by a cut section kicking back or swinging | High | Plan each cut: work position, direction of fall and escape route. Position above or to the side of the section, never under it. Use correct notch and back cut techniques for controlled drops. Prune to AS 4373 where the tree is being retained. | Moderate | Climbing Arborist |
5.Rigging and lowering limbs
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigging overload pulling apart the rigging point or stem | High | Estimate section weights and keep pieces within the capacity of the rigging point, rope and blocks. Use a lowering device or friction device at the base to control descent, run by a trained ground person. Avoid shock-loading by limiting the free-fall distance before the rope takes the load. | Moderate | Climbing Arborist / Ground Rigger |
| Ground crew caught in the rope or struck by a swinging section | High | Ground crew stand clear of the rope bight and landing zone while lowering. Only approach on the climber's call. Wear gloves when handling lowering lines. | Low | Ground Crew |
6.Aerial rescue readiness
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injured or unconscious climber unable to descend | Catastrophic | A ground person trained and equipped for aerial rescue, with their own harness, rope and access method set up, must be on site whenever someone is in the tree. Pre-place an access line where possible. Agree the rescue method and emergency contact before climbing. Keep a first aid kit with trauma dressings for chainsaw injuries at the truck. | Moderate | Supervisor / Aerial Rescuer |
7.Clean-up and pack-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual handling strain from moving logs and green waste | Moderate | Cut logs to manageable sizes. Use a log grab, loader or team lift for heavy pieces. Keep the drop zone in place until all cutting is done, and only then rake and clear the site. | Low | Ground Crew |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.