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In this module, we're gonna' look at two short
videos that illustrate some of the hazards
associated with falling trees.
It's an optional module, mainly intended for tree
fallers, but anyone that walks around in the woods
may find this information helpful.
Michelle Reugabrink is the Occupational Health &
Safety Manager on the Tahoe National Forest and
she put together this exercise.
You should also review the procedural chainsaw
operations and the hazard tree safety pages in your IRPG.
This first short video is called Every Second Counts.
Chainsaw operation & tree falling can be dangerous.
The content in the following presentation is
only a small portion of chainsaw safety & operation.
Follow all safety guidelines, training,
procedures & job hazard analysis.
Consult the Forest Service Health & Safety Code Handbook.
(chainsaw noise) As a sawyer you're working
under extreme conditions; low visibility, smoke, heat, stress & long hours.
It's easy to get complacent & forget two vital safety issues.
First, have a primary & secondary escape route
plan & second, always know what hazards are there above you.
Look up as often as it is safe to do so.
Before your cutting begins, size up your work
area from a distance.
Know before hand what's up there and what potentially
could come crashing down on you.
Walk out your escape routes as well as the lay of the tree.
Remove anything in the way which could hinder your exit from the tree.
Have a second escape route plan in case the first one
becomes blocked or the situation changes.
Don't forget, death comes from above.
If you use a lookout, make sure they're a safe
distance away from the tree.
Always be aware for falling limbs, debris,
tree tops, or even the tree itself, which can fall back on to you.
Don't depend on the lookout's voice, or any other methods
to warn you of danger, the saw motor is just too loud.
Constantly look up, before, during & after your cutting.
A valuable group training exercise, called the
Sim-limb Top Drop can really demonstrate how
important the concept of looking up & using escape
routes can be.
The Sim-limb uses a lightweight simulated limb
released from a flag pole and below, with a chainsaw
and its chain removed, a sawyer simulates cutting a tree.
And through different warning methods (yelling
in background) the sawyer is alerted (horn blowing in background)
of the falling limb & attempts to escape from underneath.
By far, the best method is for the sawyer to be looking up.
(chainsaw noise) If you need to use your escape
routes, put down the saw & use your escape route as fast as is safe.
It's up to you to always know what's going on
around you & above you.
So don't forget, size up the situation before you
enter the hazard area, (chainsaw noise, yelling)
have an escape route & always look up.
(sound of tree falling) Every second counts.
For more Sim-limb Top Drop information, access the
Forest Service intranet at the website you see on the screen.