Trimming and Felling Precautions

Before you begin to cut, you must determine your escape area. This is the area you will go to immediately after the back cut has been made and the tree is beginning to fall. To locate the escape areas, you must first determine the danger zones. Two danger zones can be identified and must be avoided to prevent serious injury or death. The first danger zone is located in a semi-circle, from half the diameter of the tree toward the direction of the fall. The second danger zone is one-quarter of the diameter of the tree and located in the opposite direction of the intended fall. Fellers MUST avoid these two danger zones. The escape areas are then located between the danger zones. Always retreat to one of these areas as the tree is beginning to fall.

• Use control lines on trees, to direct their fall in the intended direction.
• When felling, keep a distance of at least twice the length of the tree between the tree and people. 
• Have a co-worker assist in controlling movement of falling branches. 
• Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines.  
• Use an observer to watch out for power lines. 
• Safety observer should wear protective clothing.
• All workers and observers should wear hardhat, goggles, hearing protection, fluorescent vest, cut-resistant trousers, and safety boots.