Pole Tree Pruner (Download)
Pole Tree Pruner 12-16” Saw Blade – 1-2” diameter cutting capacity 6 – 12’ Reach – Fixed length or telescoping pole Lopper Cutter Basic Features What Is It Used For? Allows cutting and sawing of tree limbs at heights Advantages 12-16 ’ Extended Reach 1”-2” diameter cutting capability Sharp Saw Blade Increases Work Efficiency – Amount Cut/Hour Remove and Cut: Small branches Pods Rotten wood Brush Removing insect nests Pruning Electrocution By Power Lines Slipping Due To Weather Falling Debris Insects Stings and Bites Clear Landing Zone & Fall Area Personal Protective Equipment Avoid Climbing Trees Safety Concerns OSHA Investigations of Pole Tree Pruner Fatalities from 1990 thru 2009 http:// www.landcarenetwork.org/planetFile/pdfs/TCIA-accident-data-2007.pdf Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries 1990-2009 44% of the occupational injury deaths associated with tree care operations in the United States from 1990-2009 happened through the activity of Trimming and Pruning http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5815a2.htm#Tab2 Pole Tree Pruning Fatality Example A worker was in an aerial lift with a pole tree pruner when a gust of wind caused a 40’ tree limb to fall onto the worker. The worker was struck and died instantly http://www.emcins.com/lc/insights/insights09v45/Con_TreeCareFatalities.htm Pole Tree Pruning Fatality Example A worker was in an ariel lift with a pole tree pruner cutting tree branches when he came into contact with a power line. The worker was electrocuted. http://www.emcins.com/lc/insights/insights09v45/Con_TreeCareFatalities.htm OSHA – No current OSHA regulations specifically pertain to fall protection requirements for tree trimmers working with pole tree pruners. – OSHA does state that all tree trimming within 10 feet of a power line must be done by trained and experienced line-clearance tree trimmers. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/92-106.html OSHA (Continued) Protect workers exposed to electrical hazard [29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3)]. Ensure that line-clearance tree trimmers maintain minimum working distances from energized conductors [29 CFR 1910.268(q)(2)(iv), Table R-3] All workers must perform a site evaluation of the limbs that are to be trimmed to determine if power lines pose a danger prior to the beginning of work [29 CFR 1910.269(r)(1)( i )] http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/92-106.html Personal Protective Equipment Head Gear Eye Gear Gloves Ear Covers Covered Shoes Long Sleeved Wshirts Long Pants Safe Practice Pre-Task Assessment Avoid Unsafe Weather Have A Safe Exit Path Stay Alert At All Times Safe Practice Assume All Power Lines are Hot Always use PPE Clear any fallen or lose debris prior to beginning work Know the Co-Workers Stay Hydrated Think Safety Work Safely b