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Safety Advice for Pruning and Cutting, Part 1 of 3
Frank Sinatra once sang, "The leaves of brown came tumbling down. Remember in September in the rain..."
As those leaves come tumbling down this month, some of us may want to take the tree down along with them. Or perhaps just prune some of the limbs to make those trees and bushes presentable for next year. If you or your workers are preparing to prune, trim or tackle other gardening chores in the next few weeks, here are some pointers on how to tackle them safely.
The Pruners
Let's look at pruners first. Pruning doesn't have to be difficult - it all depends on your choice of tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Hand Pruners: When cutting small limbs or branches, three-quarters of an inch or less, most people can use hand pruners. These come in two styles:
- Scissor cut, called by-pass; and
- Anvil cutters.
The differences in the style is mostly a matter of preference. But by-pass pruners tend to be better on live stems while the anvil pruners work better on dead wood. When using either one, make sure the blades are sharp.
Loppers: Loppers give you the extra leverage you need for cutting large diameter branches of up to two inches.
Pruning PPE: As with all gardening activities, pruning requires PPE:
- Gloves are useful when using a hand pruner or a lopper because they cushion your hand and protect it from the rough bark on the cut limbs;
- If you're cutting overhead, a hardhat is in order; and
- Keep in mind that branches can whip around. So be sure to wear safety glasses.
The Power Chainsaw
The power chainsaw is the right tool for the job when the job is bringing down limbs or whole trees. However, chainsaws are dangerous. When activated, they'll cut anything in their path, including a finger, hand or limb. Because these tools don't have brains, you need to use your own when using them.
Power Chainsaw PPE
You need the proper PPE when using a chainsaw. The danger of this tool puts a premium on PPE:
1. Clothing:
- For cut protection of the legs, chaps or special logging pants are necessary - if that chainsaw were to slip, these specially designed pants help protect your leg by ripping apart and clogging the chain and sprockets;
- A long-sleeved shirt is needed to protect against scratches from the branches and twigs; and
- Gloves, generally leather palm, are a must because they provide protection against vibration and abrasion resistance from handling the wood.
2. Eye, head and face protection: Wood chips flying around means eye, head and face protection are a must, as are safety glasses with side-shields and a face shield. The use of the logger's hardhat with built-in face shield and hearing protection is a good solution.
3. Hearing protection: Gasoline chainsaws are noisy! Period. End of story. However, you can protect yourself with either:
- The hearing muff protector in the logger's hardhat;
- A regular hearing muff; or
- Any type of in-the-ear plug.
Whichever type you choose, you do need hearing protection. Having said that, some of the electric chainsaws are not very noisy and you may be able to get by without hearing protection. Remember the rule of thumb: if you have to shout to be heard by a person three feet away, you're over the OSHA limit, so use hearing protection.
Conclusion
Now that you know the gear required, next week, we'll cover 16 important safety rules any chainsaw operator should know - and follow.
OFF-THE-JOB SAFETY
Ladder Use Has Its Ups and Downs
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Another common autumn chore is cleaning the eaves. That means that in the next few weeks, many of us will be climbing up ladders. And, as everyone knows, what goes up must eventually come down - one way or another. If ladder safety isn't a concern in your workplace, add it to your list of off-the-job safety talk topics, to keep your workers safe at home, too.
To get you started, share these quick ladder safety pointers with your workers:
- Do a safety inspection. Never use a ladder with broken, missing or loose parts. Check for oil or grease on the rungs. Ensure that ropes, pulleys and locks are in good condition and the feet have clean, sturdy non-slip soles.
- Wear appropriate shoes. Your shoes should also have clean non-slip soles, and a definite heel to prevent your foot from slipping through the ladder.
- Conduct a perimeter check. Look around. What's overhead? Beside? In front? Behind? See any electrical lines?
- Position the ladder correctly. Set the base of the ladder one foot out from the structure for every four feet of height. Don't over-extend the sections. Use a rope or strap to secure the ladder so that it won't slip or fall.
- Be seen. Let others know you're there. Enlist your youngster as a lookout and post warning signs. If you have to work in a doorway, block it and lock it.
- Keep steady. To climb a long ladder, try a "bearclimb," which lessens bouncing. Move the right hand and foot together, and then the left hand and foot. It takes a bit of practice.
- Don't go all the way up. Stop climbing when you are at least three rungs from the top.
- Use a toolbelt. Keep your hands free for climbing. Secure tools in a tool belt and hoist larger tools in an approved container after you have reached your work height. Carrying heavy or bulky objects up a ladder can cause you to lose your grip and balance.
- No reaching. Always climb down and move the ladder if you cannot easily reach your work.
- Ladder use is a solo act. Only one person at a time on the ladder. There should be no backseat drivers with this job.
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