15
OPERATION
that would endanger any person, strike any utility
line or cause any property damage. If the tree
does make contact with any utility line, the utility
company should be notified immediately.
Before any cuts are started, pick your escape
route (or routes in case the intended route is
blocked); clear the immediate area around the
tree and make sure there are no obstructions in
your planned path of retreat. Clear path of safe
retreat approximately 135° from planned line of
fall. The retreat path should extend back and
diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall.
See Figure 12.
TREE FELLING
See Figures 12 - 15.
Unusual Hazardous Tree Felling Conditions
Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or
heavy precipitation. Wait to do your cutting until
the hazard has ended.
WARNING:
Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or
trees that have rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow
trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged down
with heavy equipment, then cut them up.
DANGER:
Electrocution hazard. Do not cut trees or branches
near power lines or electrical wires. Contact with
power lines or live electrical wires will result in
serious personal injury or possible death.
WARNING:
Do not cut trees or branches near buildings, which
may result in serious injuries or property damage.
WARNING:
Check the tree for damaged or dead branches
that could fall and hit you during felling.
WARNING:
Periodically glance at the top of the tree during
the backcut to assure the tree is going to fall in
the desired direction.
WARNING:
If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or
if the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall,
leave the saw and save yourself!
Felling a tree - When bucking and felling perations
are being performed by two or more persons,
at the same time, the felling operation should
be separated from the bucking operation by a
distance of at least twice the height of the tree
being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner
90°
PLANNED PATH OF SAFE RETREAT 135° FROM PLANNED
LINE OF FALL
PLANNED LINE OF FALL
SAFE
RETREAT
ZONE
PLANNED
LINE OF FALL
Fig. 12
SAFE
RETREAT
ZONE
45°
45°
90°
135°
135°
SAFE
RETREAT
ZONE
HINGE
2 in. OR 1/10 DIA
NOTCH -
APPROX. 1/3
DIAMETER OF
TRUNK
BACK CUT
2 in.
Fig. 13
