What SWMS Do I Need for Tree Removal Work?

Quick answer: Tree removal work commonly requires one or more SWMS because it involves High Risk Construction Work triggers including falls from height, mobile plant use, crane operations, and work near overhead power lines. The specific SWMS you need will depend on the removal method, plant and equipment used, site access, and proximity to services and traffic.

Last reviewed: June 2026 by the BlueSafe Technical Team. Reflects current Australian WHS requirements.

Tree removal is one of the more complex trades to plan a SWMS for because a single job can involve multiple distinct high-risk activities happening in close sequence. The climbing method, plant on site, access constraints, proximity to power lines, and the presence of public or traffic all affect which SWMS documents are needed and what they should cover.

At a glance

Item	Summary
SWMS required?	Commonly yes — multiple HRCW triggers typically apply
Licence required?	Depends on task — high risk work licences required for EWP, crane, dogging and rigging
HRCW triggers	Falls over 2 m, mobile plant, crane operations, work near energised power lines
Typical tasks	Tree climbing, aerial rigging, chainsaw felling, EWP-assisted removal, stump grinding, chipping, traffic control
Main SWMS focus	Fall prevention, rigging and drop-zone control, plant exclusion zones, power line clearance
Main risk	Uncontrolled timber fall, contact with overhead power lines, mobile plant striking workers, chainsaw injuries

Recommended SWMS set

The table below lists SWMS that are commonly needed for tree removal work. The exact combination will depend on the job scope, site conditions, and work method.

SWMS	Why it may be needed
Chain Saw SWMS	Chainsaw use is present on almost every tree removal — felling, sectioning, limbing, and stump work all involve cutting with a powered saw
Arborist Tree Climbing SWMS	Where workers climb to access, dismantle, or direct the removal of a tree above ground level
Undertaking Arborist Activities SWMS	Covers the broader arborist activity scope including assessment, rigging, cutting, and lower-to-ground operations
Tree Lopping and Pruning SWMS	Where the scope includes controlled lopping or pruning stages prior to full removal
Elevating Work Platform (EWP) SWMS	Where an EWP or boom lift is used to access the tree canopy or upper sections instead of or alongside climbing
Mobile Plant SWMS	Where skid steers, telehandlers, or other mobile plant are used for material handling, log movement, or site access
Mobile Crane Operation SWMS	Where a crane is used to control or lower tree sections — a common method for large trees in confined spaces
Traffic Control SWMS	Where work is in or adjacent to a road, footpath, or driveway with vehicle or pedestrian traffic
Work Near Overhead Power Lines SWMS	Where any part of the work, plant, or falling timber could approach overhead power line exclusion zones
Stump Grinder SWMS	Where a stump grinder is used after tree removal — a mobile plant activity with its own hazard profile
Wood Chipper SWMS	Where a wood chipper is used on site to process branches and timber — entanglement and strike risk require specific controls
Fauna Spotter Catcher SWMS	Where the tree may contain native fauna — common in many Australian jurisdictions, particularly near bushland or in council permit areas

When does tree removal need a SWMS?

Under Australian WHS legislation, a SWMS is required for High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) on a construction project. Tree removal work commonly triggers HRCW for several reasons.

Falls over 2 metres

The most common trigger. Any time a worker climbs a tree, operates from an EWP, or works on elevated platforms above 2 metres, the falls risk trigger applies. The SWMS must explain the fall prevention and fall arrest controls for the specific climbing or access method used.

Work involving mobile plant

EWPs, cranes, skid steers, and telehandlers are all mobile plant. Their presence on a tree removal site commonly triggers the mobile plant HRCW category. The SWMS should address exclusion zones, spotter requirements, plant operating procedures, and ground conditions.

Crane-assisted tree removal

Using a mobile crane to control the descent of large tree sections or intact trees is itself a HRCW trigger. This type of work also commonly involves dogging and rigging tasks that require high risk work licensed personnel.

Work near energised overhead power lines

Working near energised electrical installations or services is an HRCW trigger under the model WHS Regulations. Where tree removal work takes plant, equipment, or personnel near overhead power lines — even if the intent is not to contact them — the SWMS requirement applies. Minimum approach distances and exclusion zone requirements vary by jurisdiction and by whether lines are aerial bundled cable (ABC) or bare conductors.

Note on jurisdiction

Requirements vary across states and territories. Victoria operates under separate WHS legislation to the model WHS framework used in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory. In all jurisdictions, duty holders should check applicable regulations, codes of practice, and any relevant electrical safety rules before commencing tree removal near power lines.

Common hazards in tree removal work

Tree removal involves a combination of hazards that are rarely found together in other trades. Understanding the full hazard profile helps ensure the SWMS set covers the actual risk.

Falling branches and timber sections — uncontrolled drops during cutting or rigging are a primary cause of injuries and fatalities in arborist work
Chainsaw contact — cutting injuries from chainsaws affect both the operator and nearby ground crew
Falls from height — falls during climbing, aerial rigging, or EWP operations
Overhead power line contact — contact or arcing from lines during climbing, cutting, or plant operations
Mobile plant strike — workers on the ground struck by reversing or manoeuvring plant
Rigging failure — failure of ropes, slings, carabiners, or attachment points during controlled lowering
Dead or structurally compromised trees — unexpected failure of branches or trunks during work
Noise and vibration — chainsaw and chipper noise creates communication difficulties and can mask hazard warnings
Biological hazards — insects, bees, spiders, and native fauna disturbed during tree work
Wood chip and debris ejection — wood chippers and grinding operations create high-velocity projectile risk
Manual handling — carrying and moving logs, branches, and equipment across uneven ground
Environmental conditions — wind, rain, and extreme heat change the hazard profile significantly

Document	When typically needed
Site-specific risk assessment	Before any tree removal commences — identifies site hazards, tree condition, services, and constraints
Traffic management plan	Where work affects a road, footpath, or driveway — often required by council permit conditions
Plant pre-start checklists	For all mobile plant on site — EWPs, cranes, skid steers, chippers, and grinders
Worker competency records	Evidence that workers hold required licences, certificates, or qualifications — including high risk work licences for EWP, crane, dogging, or rigging tasks
Council or authority permit	Many councils require a permit before a tree can be removed, particularly for protected or significant species
Toolbox talk record	Pre-start safety discussion with the crew covering the site-specific hazards, control measures, and emergency arrangements for that day
Emergency response plan	Site-specific plan covering how to respond to a fall, power line contact, chainsaw injury, or medical emergency on that site
Fauna spotter report	Where native fauna may be present — required under some council permits and environmental approvals

Example scenario

A three-person arborist crew is engaged to remove a large eucalyptus tree in a suburban front yard. The tree overhangs the footpath and a low-voltage power line runs approximately four metres from the outer canopy. A wood chipper is being towed to site, and a small skid steer loader is available to move timber sections to the kerb.

For this job, the crew should consider having in place:

A Chain Saw SWMS covering the felling, sectioning, and limbing stages
An Arborist Tree Climbing SWMS covering the planned climb method, equipment checks, and rescue arrangements
A Work Near Overhead Power Lines SWMS covering the approach distances, exclusion zone controls, and communication protocol with the electricity distributor if closer work is required
A Traffic Control SWMS covering the footpath closure, pedestrian diversion, and any road-adjacent works
A Wood Chipper SWMS covering the chipper setup, operator responsibilities, and exclusion zone around the chipper
A Mobile Plant SWMS covering the skid steer loader operation, spotter requirements, and ground conditions
A site-specific risk assessment identifying the tree condition, lean direction, attachment point location, and drop zone layout
A pre-start toolbox talk record for the morning of the job
A site emergency plan covering the nearest hospital, contact numbers, and first aid arrangements

This combination gives each major activity its own clear document while the site risk assessment ties them together at the job level.

Frequently asked questions

Does tree removal require a SWMS?

In most cases yes. Tree removal commonly involves HRCW triggers including risk of falling more than 2 metres, use of mobile plant such as EWPs or cranes, and work near overhead power lines. Each of these independently requires a SWMS on a construction project under the model WHS Regulations. Even where individual triggers may not apply, the combination of hazards in tree removal work means that documented safe work methods are generally expected by WHS regulators across all jurisdictions.

Do I need a SWMS for pruning?

Possibly. Pruning from the ground using hand tools typically does not trigger HRCW on its own. However, if the pruning involves climbing, working from an EWP, using a chainsaw at height, or working near power lines, one or more SWMS may be needed. The height of the work, the tools used, and the proximity to services will determine which HRCW triggers apply. When in doubt, assess the specific task before starting work.

Is working near power lines always a SWMS trigger?

Under the model WHS Regulations, work near energised electrical installations or services is an HRCW trigger for construction work. In a tree removal context, where the tree, plant, or equipment could approach the exclusion zone around overhead power lines, the trigger commonly applies. The key question is whether the work puts people or plant in proximity to energised lines — not whether the intent is to contact them. Always confirm the applicable exclusion distances with your state or territory WHS regulator and, where lines may need to be de-energised or covered, contact the electricity distributor before commencing work.

Can one SWMS cover the whole job?

Rarely on a complex tree removal. A single job can involve chainsaw use, climbing, aerial rigging, EWP or crane operation, a wood chipper, a stump grinder, and traffic management — each with distinct hazards, controls, and responsible persons. Attempting to compress all of this into a single document often results in a SWMS that is too broad to be practically useful or consulted during the work. Using purpose-built SWMS for each major activity typically produces clearer documents that workers can actually refer to on the job.

Need help choosing the right SWMS?

The right SWMS set for your tree removal job will depend on how the work is being carried out, what plant and equipment is involved, and the specific site conditions. Browse the individual SWMS products below or use the links to find out more.

Tree removal and arborist SWMS:

Plant and equipment SWMS:

Site and environment SWMS:

Not sure which combination is right for your job? Use the SWMS selector to find products based on your trade and tasks, or work through the WHS self-check to identify gaps in your current documentation.

This guide provides general information only and does not replace project-specific risk assessment, legal advice or consultation with the relevant WHS regulator. Duty holders should assess the actual work, site conditions, workers, plant, substances and applicable state or territory requirements before selecting or using a SWMS.