Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed specifically for Tree Climbing Aerial Rigging and Removal, with the primary goal of identifying hazards and implementing effective controls to keep workers safe at height. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of tree climbing, pruning, aerial rigging, and removal activities to support strong WHS compliance and risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Ascending trees utilising climbing spurs, ropes, harnesses, and associated fall-arrest systems
• Climbing and working in high trees, including safe positioning, work positioning lanyards, and anchor point selection
• Cutting branches overhead using chainsaws and hand tools while maintaining safe body position and drop zones
• Deadwooding operations, including identification and controlled removal of unstable or decayed limbs
• Planning and performing tree rigging operations for controlled lowering of branches and trunk sections
• Pruning overhead branches to clear services, structures, and access ways while minimising damage to the tree
• Pruning high branches using rope access, pole saws, and elevated platforms with appropriate exclusion zones
• Supervising tree lopping activities, including communication protocols and verification of worker competencies
• Tree climbing and complete tree removal, including sectional dismantling and ground crew coordination
• Tree climbing for pruning works, including pre-climb inspections and emergency rescue planning
• Tree pruning at height near roads, public spaces, and utilities with traffic and pedestrian management controls
• Tree trimming using EWPs and rope work, including EWP setup, harness use, and safe operation around powerlines
• Selection, inspection, and maintenance of climbing gear, rigging equipment, and chainsaws used in tree work
• Establishment and management of exclusion zones, drop zones, and communication signals between climbers and ground crew
• Emergency response, aerial rescue procedures, and first aid arrangements for climbers working at height

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for arborists, tree loppers, vegetation management contractors, landscapers, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing tree climbing, aerial rigging, pruning, and removal activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Guidance on preventing falls when working at height in trees and from EWPs
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of chainsaws, EWPs, and other plant used for tree work
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, handling, and manual rigging activities
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Framework for identifying hazards and implementing control measures
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (series) – Requirements for harnesses, lanyards, and fall-arrest equipment used in tree climbing
• AS 2727 Chainsaws – Guide to safe working practices – Safe operation of chainsaws during pruning, deadwooding, and removal
• AS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms – Safe use of EWPs for tree trimming and pruning
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017