Arboriculture Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Tree work combines chainsaws, working at heights, heavy branches and public interfaces. Without clear procedures, the risk of injury or property damage increases dramatically.

BlueSafe’s Arboriculture SOPs provide practical guidance for common arborist tasks so crews know the safe way to set up, work and pack down.

Typical Arboriculture SOP Topics

Industry-specific SOPs may cover:

• chainsaw use on the ground and in trees
• pruning and dismantling using ropes, harnesses and friction devices
• operating chippers and managing chip discharge
• stump grinding in open and confined spaces
• operating EWPs for tree access

Each SOP links back to your SWMS for high-risk aspects such as tree felling and elevated work.

What’s Included in an Arboriculture SOP

Each SOP typically includes:

• purpose and task scope
• PPE, equipment and inspection requirements
• site assessment and exclusion zone setup
• step-by-step operating instructions
• communication and traffic control reminders
• clean-up, equipment care and documentation steps

You can tailor the content to reflect your preferred tree work methods and client requirements.

Why Arborists Use BlueSafe SOPs

• ✔ Written around real tree work tasks and hazards
• ✔ Supports WHS duties and client expectations
• ✔ Fully editable and brandable for your business
• ✔ Useful for inductions, toolbox talks and skills refreshers

Use these Arboriculture SOPs to support safer, more consistent tree work across every crew and job.