Tree Care Handler SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers tree care work from planning and site setup through cutting, lowering, processing and removal of material. It supports planning and risk management for tree conditions, plant movement, height access, falling material and site close-out.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the scope and plan the work
• Establish site controls and exclusion zones
• Inspect tree and site conditions
• Position plant and vehicles
• Inspect tools and refuel safely
• Set up height access
• Conduct pruning and cutting
• Lower branches and timber
• Process material with a chipper
• Handle and load green waste
• Manage fuels and environmental controls
• Clean up, demobilise and complete sign-off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out tree care activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: Tree Works, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction; it provides practical guidance for tree maintenance, pruning, removal, climbing, woodchipping and electrical risks.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction; apply elimination and the hierarchy of controls, then review controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work, as adopted or otherwise applicable where the activity meets the definition of construction work and involves high-risk construction work.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work, as adopted or otherwise applicable; chainsaws and chippers can expose workers to both noise and hand-arm vibration.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities, as adopted or otherwise applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
• AS 2726.1:2004 Chainsaws — Safety requirements — Chainsaws for general use; AS 2726.2:2004 Chainsaws — Safety requirements — Chainsaws for tree service.
• AS 2727:1997 Chainsaws — Guide to safe working practices.
• AS 2550.10:2006 Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use — Mobile elevating work platforms; AS 2550.1:2011 Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use — General requirements.
• AS/NZS 1891 series Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices; AS/NZS 5532:2013 Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at heights.
• AS 1801:1997 Occupational protective helmets; AS/NZS 1270:2002 Hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 Personal eye-protection; AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 Safety footwear; AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 High visibility safety garments.
• Confirm the legal status, current edition and any additional electrical-safety, road-authority, environmental and local-government requirements in the jurisdiction before issuing this SWMS. Model laws and model Codes do not automatically have legal effect in every jurisdiction.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections