ICFR – Chainsaw Safety and Operating Handbook
20
Therefore the operator must:
•
Determine the general felling direction, taking
into consideration the felling layout, extraction
routes and landings according to the harvesting
plan.
•
Ensure that there are no other persons or
equipment within two tree lengths of the trees
to be felled, unless these persons are acting as
instructors or assistants.
•
Check for hazards such as electricity and
telecommunication lines. Ensure that the
necessary notification procedures are adhered to.
•
If any road, railway or public access is within two
tree lengths of the work area or could be at risk,
ensure that the required notification and warning
procedures are adhered to.
•
Check for other permanent structures within two
tree lengths of the felling direction.
•
Check for special management zones that need
special attention.
10.9.2
i
ndiViduAl
tree
to
be
felled
Each tree to be felled must be assessed to ensure safety
and to complement subsequent operations.
Therefore the operator must:
•
Ensure that the felling direction is assessed. (Refer
to section 10.3).
•
Plan to fell the tree so that it clears any obstructions
and falls into a clear, open space, if practicable.
•
Check for dead or broken branches/tops or debris
that could fall into the work area when the tree is
felled.
•
Check for branches interlocking with other trees.
These could break off as the tree falls and drop
into the work area, pull the tree away from the
desired felling direction, or cause other trees to
uproot or fall.
•
Check for vines that could affect the felling
direction.
•
Check for any rot where the felling cuts are to be
made as this could affect the felling direction.
•
Have felling aids available, if required.
•
Ensure that the felling method is not affected by
slope.
10.9.3
p
repAring
the
felling
Site
Once the general work area and the individual tree to
be felled have been assessed, the operator must:
•
Remove all low branches that could hinder
making the felling cuts. Cut from the top to the
bottom ensuring that the stem is kept between
the operator and the chainsaw. Hold the chainsaw
close to the body with the right foot in front of
the left foot. Never work above shoulder height.
Photo 9: Removing lower branches
•
Clear an adequate work area around the base of
the tree and provide an escape route diagonally
to the rear at approximately 135° from the felling
direction.When clearing natural regenerated
saplings, ensure that they are cut as low as
possible sweeping the saw from left to right
within the limitations of the operator’s stance and
control. Be aware of kickback.
•
Always keep the escape route clear.
Figure 10: Escape route