50
c) Felling a tree
When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or more persons at the same time, the
felling operations should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height
of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any
utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the company
should be notified immediately.
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide
downhill after it is felled (
Ú
Fig. 21).
An escape path should be planned and cleared as necessary before cuts are started. The escape path
should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall (
Ú
Fig. 15).
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree, the location of larger branches and the wind
direction to judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and wire from the tree.
Felling direction
Danger zone
Danger zone
Escape route
Escape route
Fig. 15
