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9
Shear Safety
Felling trees, regardless of the method used, involves certain risks which must be identified,
evaluated, and mitigated. Properly used, tree shears can be among the safest, cleanest, and
effificient ways to cut trees. OSHA regulates logging operations under 29 CFR 1910.266, and it is
worthwhile to review and understand those rules even if you are simply using your tree shear to
remove a tree in your yard. You can find them at www.osha.gov on the Internet by using their
search function to look for "1910.266" once the OSHA web site loads.
Your safety is of prime concern to AGT Attachments, and to help you understand your tree shear
and to operate it safely, we have published the recommendations in this manual. If you have any
questions or comments, we are available to take your call (+1 913-244-6269) and are interested in
assisting you.
Preparing to use a tree shear
Preparation is essential to avoiding or minimizing what may otherwise become a dangerous
situation.
Please consider the following:
1. Inspect your machine according to the manufacturer's recommendations for items such as:
a. Tire pressure
b. Proper fluid levels
c. Damage
d. Ensure that ROPS/FOPS and operator protection complies with standards for forestry
use.
2. Inspect your tree shear using the inspection schedule in this manual.
3. Provide a properly serviced fifi re extinguisher on the machine.
4. Consider bringing the following items into the cab of the machine while operating the shear:
a. Communication device (cell phone, 2-way radio, CB, etc.)
b. First aid kit (see kit contents guide in this manual)
c. Ensure that these items are securely stowed and cannot interfere with machine controls
5. Personal protective equipment may be required. Felled trees often have sharp edges,
tripping hazards,
and unstable surfaces.
a. Steel toed boots
b. Work gloves
c. Safety glasses
d. Perform a Hazard Assessment to determine if further PPE is needed
6. Sidney Manufacturing recommends working with a spotter to increase situational
awareness.
During cutting,the spotter must not be closer to the
machine than 2 times the height of the tree.
Leave more room if the terrain or other
conditions may cause the tree to roll or slide.
Figure 1: Hazard Zone per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266{d)(G)(i i)
