Product Overview

Summary: This Tree Rigging Techniques Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning and executing safe rigging activities during tree work. It helps Australian arboriculture and vegetation management businesses control high-risk tasks such as sectional felling, limb lowering, and crane-assisted removals, while meeting WHS obligations and protecting workers, property, and the public.

Tree rigging is one of the highest-risk activities in arboriculture, involving the controlled lowering, lifting, or movement of heavy tree sections in often complex environments. Without a robust, standardised procedure, businesses are exposed to serious incidents such as falling limbs, equipment failure, struck-by injuries, and uncontrolled damage to nearby structures or utilities. This Tree Rigging Techniques SOP sets out a practical, WHS-aligned method for planning, setting up, operating, and demobilising rigging systems in a wide range of tree work scenarios, from residential removals to roadside and utility corridor operations.

Developed specifically for the Australian context, the SOP supports PCBU and officer duties under WHS legislation by embedding risk assessment, hierarchy of control, and safe work methods into everyday practice. It clarifies roles between climbers and ground crew, details the safe use of rigging hardware and friction devices, and standardises communication signals and exclusion zones. By implementing this procedure, businesses can lift the competency of their teams, reduce near misses and property damage, and demonstrate due diligence to clients, regulators, and insurers when carrying out complex tree works.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of serious injuries and property damage during sectional felling and limb lowering operations.
• Ensure consistent, best-practice rigging methods across all crews, regardless of site or project complexity.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties and relevant arboriculture guidance when managing high-risk tree work.
• Improve coordination and communication between climbers and ground crew, minimising misunderstandings and unsafe actions.
• Support more efficient job planning and execution, reducing unplanned downtime due to equipment failure or unsafe setups.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Climbing Arborists
• Ground Crew / Rigging Assistants
• Vegetation Management Supervisors
• Tree Services Business Owners
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Local Council Parks and Gardens Coordinators
• Utility Vegetation Management Coordinators
• Construction Site Managers engaging tree contractors

Hazards Addressed

• Falling branches, trunks, or rigged loads striking workers or members of the public
• Failure of rigging ropes, slings, or anchor points leading to uncontrolled falls of tree sections
• Climber falls from height due to poor rigging setup or shock-loading of systems
• Contact with overhead or nearby electrical assets during rigging operations
• Uncontrolled swing or pendulum of suspended loads impacting structures, vehicles, or plant
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, pulling, or catching heavy loads and rigging gear
• Entanglement or line handling injuries from running ropes and friction devices
• Noise and dust exposure from chainsaws and chippers used in conjunction with rigging operations
• Traffic-related risks when rigging occurs adjacent to roads or access ways

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Rigging Terminology and Components)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisor, Climbing Arborist, Ground Crew, Spotter)
• 4.0 Required Competencies, Training and Licensing
• 5.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance Material
• 6.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 7.0 Risk Assessment and Control Measures for Rigging Operations
• 8.0 Selection, Inspection and Maintenance of Rigging Equipment
• 9.0 Establishing Anchor Points and Rigging Systems
• 10.0 Communication Protocols, Signals and Chain of Command
• 11.0 Setting Up Exclusion Zones and Public/Traffic Control
• 12.0 Step-by-Step Rigging Procedures (Limb Lowering, Negative Rigging, Speedlines, Crane-Assisted Rigging)
• 13.0 Working Near Overhead and Underground Services
• 14.0 Integration with Chainsaw Use and Other Plant
• 15.0 Manual Handling and Line Management Techniques
• 16.0 Emergency Response, Rescue and Incident Reporting
• 17.0 Environmental Considerations and Debris Management
• 18.0 Documentation, Records and Review Requirements

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS 4373: Pruning of amenity trees
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1576 series: Scaffolding (where temporary platforms are used in conjunction with rigging)
• AS/NZS 4389: Safety mesh (where relevant to protection of work areas below)
• AS/NZS 4501 series: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2210.3: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1269 series: Occupational noise management
• State and territory electrical safety regulations and utility vegetation management guidelines