Product Overview

Summary: This Tree Pruning Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, safe, and legally defensible method for conducting tree pruning works in Australian workplaces. It focuses on managing the significant risks associated with working at height, chainsaws, falling branches and public interfaces, while supporting consistent, high-quality arboricultural outcomes.

Tree pruning is high‑risk work that combines working at height, the use of powered cutting equipment and exposure to the public and nearby assets. Without a structured procedure, businesses face an increased likelihood of serious injury from falling branches, chainsaw contact, falls from trees or elevated work platforms, as well as property damage and service interruptions. This Tree Pruning Safe Operating Procedure provides a step-by-step framework that guides workers from pre‑start planning and hazard identification through to site demobilisation and post‑work inspection.

Developed for Australian conditions and WHS requirements, this SOP helps you integrate safety, environmental care and arboricultural best practice into every pruning task. It details how to assess tree condition, establish exclusion zones, coordinate climbers and ground crew, manage traffic and public interfaces, and select appropriate pruning techniques and equipment. By adopting this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, standardise training for new and existing staff, and reduce the risk of incidents that lead to injuries, insurance claims, reputational damage or regulatory enforcement action.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and local council requirements for tree work in public and private spaces.
• Reduce the risk of serious injuries from chainsaw use, falling limbs, dropped tools and falls from height.
• Standardise tree pruning practices across crews, improving work quality, efficiency and documentation.
• Protect members of the public, nearby workers, vehicles and infrastructure through clear exclusion and traffic management controls.
• Support defensible incident investigations and insurance claims with a documented, repeatable procedure.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Ground Crew Workers
• Tree Climbing Technicians
• Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Local Council Works Supervisors
• Landscape Maintenance Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Construction and Civil Site Managers
• Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Coordinators
• Small Business Owners in Tree Services

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from trees, ladders or elevated work platforms (EWPs)
• Struck-by injuries from falling branches, tops or cut sections
• Chainsaw cuts, kickback and contact with moving chains
• Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of logs, branches and equipment
• Electrocution or arcing from contact with overhead powerlines
• Slip, trip and fall hazards from uneven ground, debris and poor housekeeping
• Noise-induced hearing loss from chainsaws, chippers and other powered equipment
• Eye and face injuries from wood chips, dust and flying debris
• Traffic-related incidents when working adjacent to roads or vehicle access ways
• Injuries to members of the public entering the work zone
• Weather-related hazards such as high winds, heat stress and lightning
• Equipment failure or misuse of climbing gear, rigging and EWPs

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Applicable Legislation
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisor, Arborist, Ground Crew)
• 4.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 5.0 Required PPE, Tools and Equipment
• 6.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 7.0 Tree Condition Assessment and Pruning Objectives
• 8.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 9.0 Working at Height and Fall Protection Requirements
• 10.0 Chainsaw and Cutting Equipment Safe Use
• 11.0 Climbing, Rigging and Lowering Techniques
• 12.0 Exclusion Zones, Public Safety and Traffic Management
• 13.0 Environmental Considerations (wildlife, heritage trees, waste disposal)
• 14.0 Step-by-Step Tree Pruning Procedure
• 15.0 Communication Protocols Between Climber and Ground Crew
• 16.0 Emergency Preparedness and Rescue Procedures
• 17.0 Post-Work Inspection, Clean-Up and Site Handover
• 18.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Storage of Equipment
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS 2727: Chainsaws – Guide to safe working practices
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 2550.10: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms (as applicable to EWPs used in tree work)
• AS 4373: Pruning of amenity trees
• Relevant state/territory electrical safety guidelines for vegetation management near powerlines