Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Tree Lopping and Pruning is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for all stages of arborist and vegetation management work. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of tree lopping and pruning operations to support robust WHS compliance and risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Cutting and sectional dismantling of large trees, including top-down removal and controlled lowering of limbs
• Dismantling trees in close proximity to houses, sheds, powerlines, and other structures to prevent impact damage
• Applying chainsaw-free dismantling methods, including use of cranes, EWP, hand tools, and mechanical aids where practicable
• Conducting emergency tree recovery and make-safe works following storms, bushfires, floods, and other natural disasters
• Felling live trees using planned felling cuts, escape routes, and exclusion zones
• Felling trees with chainsaws, including bar selection, maintenance, kickback control, and safe starting techniques
• Manual tree felling techniques for smaller or less complex trees, including directional felling and use of wedges
• Mechanical tree felling and removal using machinery such as harvesters, excavators, skid steers, and grapples
• Tree removal in confined or restricted spaces, including backyards, easements, and tight access areas
• Tree clearance from roadways and trafficable areas, including traffic management and work near live traffic
• Tree trimming, crown lifting, and land clearing activities for development, access tracks, and asset protection zones
• Trimming branches near fences, boundary lines, sheds, and neighbouring properties to avoid structural damage
• Uprooting trees and stump removal, including root ball extraction and ground stability considerations
• Selection, inspection, and safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for chainsaw and tree work
• Setup and management of exclusion zones, spotters, and communication methods for ground crew and climbers

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for arborists, tree lopping contractors, vegetation management crews, landscapers, civil contractors, and site supervisors responsible for tree felling, pruning, and removal activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – for tree climbing, EWP use, and work at height during lopping and pruning
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – for chainsaw, chipper, and machinery noise exposure
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – for lifting, dragging, and handling branches, logs, and equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – for chainsaws, EWPs, cranes, chippers, stump grinders, and mechanical felling equipment
• Code of Practice: Traffic Management for Workplaces (or equivalent state guidance) – for tree works and clearance on or adjacent to roadways
• AS 2727: Chainsaws – Guide to safe working practices – for safe operation, maintenance, and handling of chainsaws during tree felling and pruning
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – where cranes or lifting equipment are used for sectional dismantling of trees
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – for harnesses, ropes, lanyards, and associated height safety equipment used in tree climbing