careful when cutting tall hedges and should always check the other side of the hedge before starting trimming work. Taking special care when operating trimmers in slippery conditions e.g. damp, snow or ice, on slopes or uneven ground—cuttings, fallen branches and scrub should always be cleared away. Avoiding using electric hedge trimmers in wet or damp areas. If this is not reasonably practicable a residual current device (RCD) should protect the power supply. Fitting the blade guard or scabbard before transporting or storing the trimmer—the trimmer should only be carried by the handle with the cutting blades behind the operator. Wearing PPE e.g. gloves, eye, head, hearing and foot protection. Manual task risks Manual tasks include activities requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain an object. Manual tasks can also mean exposure to hand and arm vibration, for example from using a chainsaw. Work around trees involves manual tasks. A PCBU must identify, assess and eliminate or control these risks. No task should involve working above shoulder height, whether from the ground or from an EWP. See guidance material on and Code of Practice: for further information. Felling trees with chainsaws The manual felling of trees with a chainsaw is a dangerous process that should only be carried out by people assessed as competent against the relevant national UoC. The common hazards and risks of felling trees with chainsaws are outlined in Table 21. Table 21 Common hazards and risks of felling trees with chainsaws hazardous trees unsuitable ground conditions and slope escape routes not clearly identified kickback or recoil from the chainsaw falling objects e.g. limbs, dry stags, dead and brittle tops and widow makers nearby structures and overhead electric lines standing vegetation in the intended direction of fall being struck by the butt of the tree cutting of the climbing or attachment ropes resulting in falls from height operator’s weather conditions including heat, wind, rain and cold damage to underground services
careful when cutting tall hedges and should always check the other side of the hedge before starting trimming work. Taking special care when operating trimmers in slippery conditions e.g. damp, snow or ice, on slopes or uneven ground—cuttings, fallen branches and scrub should always be cleared away. Avoiding using electric hedge trimmers in wet or damp areas. If this is not reasonably practicable a residual current device (RCD) should protect the power supply. Fitting the blade guard or scabbard before transporting or storing the trimmer—the trimmer should only be carried by the handle with the cutting blades behind the operator. Wearing PPE e.g. gloves, eye, head, hearing and foot protection. Manual task risks Manual tasks include activities requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain an object. Manual tasks can also mean exposure to hand and arm vibration, for example from using a chainsaw. Work around trees involves manual tasks. A PCBU must identify, assess and eliminate or control these risks. No task should involve working above shoulder height, whether from the ground or from an EWP. See guidance material on and Code of Practice: for further information. Felling trees with chainsaws The manual felling of trees with a chainsaw is a dangerous process that should only be carried out by people assessed as competent against the relevant national UoC. The common hazards and risks of felling trees with chainsaws are outlined in Table 21. Table 21 Common hazards and risks of felling trees with chainsaws hazardous trees unsuitable ground conditions and slope escape routes not clearly identified kickback or recoil from the chainsaw falling objects e.g. limbs, dry stags, dead and brittle tops and widow makers nearby structures and overhead electric lines standing vegetation in the intended direction of fall being struck by the butt of the tree cutting of the operator’s climbing or attachment ropes resulting in falls from height weather conditions including heat, wind, rain and cold damage to underground services