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. 

Small Engine Tool Precautions

Always check the oil level before starting the engine. Add oil if necessary. Always use the type of oil that is recommended in the operator’s manual. If the engine requires a mixture of oil and gasoline, be sure to use the proper ratio. Refer to the operator’s manual for the correct mixture. Never start the engine in an enclosed space. Always start it in a well-ventilated area. Carbon monoxide or fumes can be dangerous in an enclosed space. Never touch the engine muffler while it is hot. Never perform any kind of adjustment while the engine is running.

•Always wear personal protection clothing such as safety goggles with shields, earmuffs or earplugs, leather or cotton gloves, long pants, and rubber-soled work boots. 

•Do not wear tennis shoes, sandals or open toed shoes.

•Remove any loose debris (trash, tree limbs, rocks, etc) before you start.

•Make sure the area where you will be working in is clear of all other workers or bystanders.

•Never operate a machine while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

•Never remove any safety guards or shields. 

Never fill the gasoline tank if the engine is hot. Allow it to cool down for several minutes before refueling. Clean up any spilled gasoline before starting the engine. Do not smoke while filling the gas tank or operating the machine. Store gasoline in an approved, properly labeled container. Use only gasoline approved for the engine.

Construction Tool Precautions

Wrenches, hammers, pliers. Pruning saws and tools. Crowbars, screwdrivers. Hand hooks, files, and scrapers. Each of these tools might be in your toolbox, and each one needs to be used safely, for the right job. Read the operator's manual before using the tool and operate the tool according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use only tested and approved tools. If a tool is defective, remove it from service, and tag it clearly "Out of service for repair". Ensure that you have been properly trained to use the tool safely.

•The right tools should be utilized for the right job.

•Keep tools in good working order.

•Any tools with frayed cords or without a grounding plug shall be taken out of service.

•Do not use tools that you do not know how to operate.

Ensure that the power tool has the correct guard, shield or other attachment that the manufacturer recommends. Do not leave a running tool unattended. Do not leave it until it has been turned off, has stopped running completely, and has been unplugged. Disconnect the power supply before making adjustments or changing accessories.

•Never remove equipment guards without proper authorization.

•Be sure the power tool is off and has stopped rotating before putting it down.

•Disconnect tool from power source to change drill bits, blades, etc.

•Do not use compressed air for cleaning unless the pressure is reduced to less than 30 psi.

Defective Power Tool. Do Not Use!

Pull This From Service.