Limb Loppers (Download)
Limb Loppers Limb Loppers A tool designed to cut off limbs, branches, and twigs from a tree or other plant. A form of scissors with blades from 2” – 4” in length with long handles that extend for 2’ – 2.5’ in length. Standard Usage Remove dead branches. Have hazardous trees taken down Prune out weak or narrow-angled tree branches that overhang job sites, parking areas, and sidewalks — anyplace falling limbs could injure people or damage property. Eliminate branches that interfere with street lights, traffic signals, and overhead wires. Prune branches that obscure vision at intersections. Source: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG0628.html Types of Limb Loppers Bypass Loppers: have two blades moving together to cut, similar to scissors. Types of Limb Loppers Anvil Loppers: use a stationary flat edge, or jaw, on one side and a sharp blade that moves on the other side to cut. Types of Limb Loppers Hydraulic Loppers: have bypass blades and use mechanical assistance to cut. Historical Background The first known use of the word lopper was in 1953. Source: www.merriam-webster.com Loppers are a form of scissor. The first scissors were most likely invented in Egypt around 1500 BC. Pivoted scissors were invented by the Romans around 100 AD. Source: www.uncommonscissors.com General Uses Limb loppers are used most by those in the landscaping industry, referred to as aborists . They are also used by the general public for common trimming tasks. Specific Uses Bypass Loppers Used on small branches and bushes, <1”. Anvil Loppers Used on medium branches and tree limbs, 1”>2”. Hydraulic Loppers Used on large branches, >2”, and hard to reach areas. Relevance to Construction The main use of limb loppers in the construction industry is to trim over-grown trees and bushes for power lines, traffic, and site clearing. They are much easier to use in tight spaces than power tools. Hazards and Safety Concerns Work injuries that involve limb loppers include: Falls Struck-by Electrical Shock Amputations / Lacerations Asphyxiation Non-Fatal Accident A worker was trimming a tree in close proximity to an energized power line when the tree branch being trimmed came into contact with a 7.3 KV power line. The worker grabbed the branch and suffered electrical shock. The employee received burns to the left hand and right foot. Source: IMIS Accident Summary: CY 2007 [SIC 0783] Fatal Accidents In 2007, there were 45 fatal arborist injuries that occurred. The fatalities were all males age 20 – 72, with a mean age of 35.7 years old. Source: IMIS Accident Summary: CY 2007 [SIC 0783] Source: IMIS Accident Summary, CY 2007 [SIC 0783], Extracted from OSHA Accident Investigation Data 1990-2009 FATAL CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS Fatality Example The owner of a home improvement company, was working on the roof of a private residence for which he had contracted to clean roof gutters. As he leaned over the roof edge to prune over-hanging tree limbs, he lost his balance and fell to the ground, suffering fatal spinal injuries. Source: Extracted from OSHA Accident Investigation Data 1990 – 2009 Fatality Example A worker was cutting tree branches while standing on a ladder. The branch broke prematurely, striking the employee, knocking him off the ladder. The employee fell 18 feet to his death. IMIS Accident Summary, CY 2007 [SIC 0783] A worker was trimming tree limbs from around a 138 kV power transmission line when he was electrocuted. The limb he was cutting was not roped off and it fell, coming in contact with or falling close enough to the line that the electricity could arc across the limb and into the tree killing the victim. IMIS Accident Summary, CY 2007 [SIC 0783] Fatality Example OSHA Regulations OSHA defines limb loppers as a hand and portable power tool. This means it falls under OSHA Standard 1926.300: Tools – Hand and Power: General Requirements Another OSHA Standard that applies is 1910.269 which pertains to line-clearance tree-trimming operations . Source: www.osha.gov Safe Work Practices Personal Protective Equipment Safety Vest Hard Hat Gloves Eye Protection Long-Sleeved Shirt Long Pants Safe Work Practices Clean the limb loppers before using them on a different plant (diseases can be transmitted through the debris on the limb loppers). Keep the limb loppers sharp . Defective shears must not be used. Do not force the limb loppers. If cutting is difficult, use a saw. Safe Work Practices Always carry pruning shears with the point facing down when walking or standing. Always know where the fingers and hands are before making a cut. Safe Work Practices s Pruning Operations Hold safety meetings before every shift, warning workers of dangers in their area. Work as a team. Other tree trimmers on the job site should be on the look-out for danger. Do not throw or drop tools from trees, unless warning has been given and the ground area is clear. Be alert and aware of other employees working nearby. http://nasdonline.org/document/2104/d000056/tree-trimmer-electrocuted-in-orchard.html Safe Work Practices Assume that all overhead wires are energized at lethal voltages. Never assume that a wire is safe to touch even if it is down or appears to be insulated. Never touch a fallen overhead power line. Call the electric utility company to report fallen electrical lines . Always use caution when working near electricity. Source: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/quickcards.html Safe Work Practices If working at heights or handling long objects, survey the area before starting work for the presence of overhead wires. All tree trimming or removal work within ten feet of a power line must be done by trained and experienced line-clearance tree trimmers. A second tree trimmer is required within normal voice communication range. Safe Work Practices Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions. Perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting work. Eliminate or minimize exposure to hazards at the tree and in the surrounding area . Source: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/quickcards.html Safe Work Practices Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, etc ., recommended in the equipment manufacturer’s operating manual. Determine the tree’s felling direction. Address forward lean, back lean, and/or side lean issues. Inspect tree limbs for strength and stability before climbing. Tree trimmers working aloft must use appropriate fall protection. Safe Work Practices Use extreme care when felling a tree that has not fallen completely to the ground and is lodged against another tree. Always face a falling tree. Be alert and avoid objects thrown back by a tree as it falls. If broken trees are under pressure, determine the direction of the pressure and make small cuts to release it . Source: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/quickcards.html Safe Work Practices Use extreme caution when moving ladders and equipment around downed trees and power lines. Do not climb trees while carrying tools. Line-clearance tree trimmers must be aware of and maintain the proper minimum approach distances when working around energized power lines. Think Safety Work Safely