ICFR Chainsaw Safety And Operating Manual - page 23
ICFR – Chainsaw Safety and Operating Handbook
17
10.
FELLING
10.1
i
ntroduction
Efficientfellinginvolvesbringingdownatreeinasafe,
controlled manner, in the desired direction according to
the operational plan and complementing the extraction
method to be utilised.
Tree felling with chainsaws is the most dangerous
operation in forestry. Safety therefore depends on the
skill, experience, common sense and judgement of
the feller. Consequently, emphasis must be placed on
training, clear instruction, planning and supervision.
10.2
f
ActorS
influencing
felling
productiVity
Factorsthatinfluenceproductivityandproductquality
during felling operations include:
•
Tree diameter, length and volume (tree size)
•
Tree spacing (walking distance between trees)
•
Terrain (slope, ground roughness and ground
conditions)
•
Tree species
•
Stem form
•
Crown shape and size
•
Lean of tree
•
Felling direction (uphill, downhill or parallel to
the contour)
•
Density of regeneration and weeds
•
Serviceability and suitability of equipment
•
Operator skills
•
Safety considerations
•
Environmental considerations (riparian zones and
other special management zones).
10.3
f
elling
direction
Fellingdirectionhasadirectinfluenceonextraction
and other subsequent operations. Felling must be
planned and controlled to facilitate extraction, reduce
damage to remaining trees, keep harvesting activities
away from special management zones and avoid loss
of useful products (maximum value recovery).
Felling direction will depend on:
•
Harvesting and transport system
•
Extraction direction and method
•
Assortments extracted (short length, long length,
tree length or full tree)
•
Felling layout
•
Slope
•
Lean of tree
•
Obstacles in the felling path
•
Weather conditions
•
Environmental considerations (riparian zones and
other special management zones)
•
Silvicultural requirements (slash management,
re-establishment).
10.4
e
ntering
felling
zoneS
The felling zone refers to the part of the stand where
felling is taking place. All personnel must wear the
required personal protective equipment before entering
the felling zone.
The following procedures must be adhered to:
•
Notify the supervisor or person in charge of the
intention to enter the felling zone.
•
Exercise care while approaching any felling
operation.
•
Draw the attention of the operator to your presence
and intention of entering the felling zone.
•
Do not enter the felling zone until acknowledged
or signalled to do so.
Remember to stay two tree lengths clear of trees being
felled.
10.5
S
Afety
requirementS
during
felling
All requirements in section 5 apply.
The following additional requirements must be
adhered to by the chainsaw operator:
•
Fell according to the planned felling direction to
facilitate subsequent activities.
•
Ensure that warning signs are posted.
•
Do not fell trees if any other persons or equipment
are within two tree lengths of the tree to be felled.
This does not apply to helpers who assist with
felling.
•
In steep areas no other operation or person may
be on the downhill side of the felling operation.
•
Where the danger exists that trees could fall onto
public roads (e.g. felling on the upper slope) or
when felling within two tree lengths from public
roads,workersequipedwithredflagsmustbe
placedontheroadtofacilitatesafetrafficcontrol.
•
Be aware of dead and dying trees as the directional
felling of such trees is unpredictable.
•
Ensure sufficient fuel is in the chainsaw to
complete all cuts on the tree being felled.