The Way to Properly Operate a Pole Saw

Now that it's a new year, it is time to think about your strategy for training and how you can keep your present credentials current.

Over the current WHS legislation there is a general responsibility for everybody at work, with a major emphasis on employers, to act with due diligence.

This basically translates to the care that a reasonable person must exercise to prevent harm to others in the workplace.

It is a pretty open-ended term placing obligations on everyone while they are at work, including employers, the self- employed and employees together with the general requirement to carry out their duties.

As accountable operators it's also a requirement for everybody to receive training for their functions and to be deemed qualified and present in their required skills.

One approach to demonstrate compliance with these requirements would be to attend regular training and update sessions to maintain and enhance skill levels.

Regular refresher and update training and evaluation programs to suit relevant skills are offered by Training For Trees.

One time a unit of competency or full qualification is attained, attending refreshers and upgrade sessions is a fantastic way to ensure credentials are kept up to date with the latest requirements.  This is an efficient means to ensure bad habits are identified and rectified with further instruction.  Plus, there are a few major monetary incentives from the government in the moment for applying new apprentices or training existing employees to complete qualification level.  Contact the Training For Trees office for further information.

Great deals for ideal but affordable Best Pole Saw? Go to Bestinsider.com

Do I Need A Ticket To Run A Pole Saw?

A mutual machine used on a regular basis in the tree industry but frequently overlooked in regards to training and certification is the powered pole saw.  We're frequently asked,'Is a ticket necessary for a pole saw?'  Whether an available unit of competency relates to a certain machine or operation then it is reasonable to recommend that instruction and assessment is undertaken as nationally recognised proof of training skills and proficiency.

Over the years We've heard of some horrific accidents and injuries Brought on by pole saws, with operators or even innocent bystanders sustaining accidents such as:

Electrocution

Injuries from cut branches falling on the operator (commonly known as a"struck by" injury)

Eye injuries

Accidents to bystanders and workmates

In addition to these injuries, tree damage from tears and tears and incorrect pruning angles can also occur without appropriate coaching for pole saws.

Regardless of the risks, these machines are a great asset to have in any arborist toolkit.  They appear to be getting lots of use in the storm clean-up operation since they may distance the operator from the hazard and allow users to cut dangling branches into small, more manageable sections.

The early pole saws were essentially a tiny chainsaw head for sale as an attachment for the end of a brushcutter and didn't have many safety features and refinements.  This initial concept is unchanged to date; you can still buy multi-purpose machines which interchange with different implements. 

However, safety features are now standard and clearly identified in the operator guide as well as on the warning decals on the device.  Guide bar and chain designs are refined with the pub using a narrow nose and also gauge combined with a reduced kickback chain.The power unit's drive shafts have user-friendly systems built to decrease vibration through the operator's arms and hands, although the main drive shaft tube could be subject to a fair amount of vibration in certain machines.

There are a few superb support harnesses available for the larger machines that support the load and weight of the machine whilst still allowing complete reach and performance.  These are similar to a rucksack in style and are more considerable than the simple shoulder strap that comes as standard.

They reduce the classic neck and shoulder strain which can happen with prolonged use.

The most well-known machines in our industry would be the extendable high-end types.  Over the years there have been some nasty accidents caused by severed branches falling on the operator or innocent bystanders and contact with overhead power lines.  One thing I notice that is increasingly alarming is the lack of respect and maintenance of those machines.  They all too often appear dirty with illegible warning stickers and a poorly maintained bar and string.

Maintenance of the bar and chain is exactly the same as for the conventional chainsaw, just make certain you use the correct chain tension file size and stick to the right filing angles in accordance with the chain manufacturer's guidelines.

Operationoperate4

As with all operations that are performed at the office it is vital to carry out a risk assessment on site before any work starts.  The management measures should consist of taking note of any worksite issues, emergency procedures, the environment, exclusion zones, public access streets and some other problems that may rise during the examination.

There should be an agreed upon plan of operation and, above all, communicate this to all employees on site.  At this point I would also strongly suggest the tree is taken under consideration.  Can the proposed operation be carried out with the rod saw without causing tree damage?  Or, should the tree be obtained without the rod saw, utilising the skills of an experienced arborist and pruned from the conventional fashion?

 Achieving the last pruning cuts in accordance with industry- best practice, and the Australian standard for tree function, is not necessarily possible.  The end result of poor preparation and operation can lead to a great deal of unnecessary damage to the tree.  This damage generally takes the kind of discoloration across the branches, coat hanger-like stubs, big flush cuts or wrongly angled branch cage pruning wounds.

A great deal of irreversible damage can be done to trees at a very brief period of time and operators must be trained in their maintenance and operation alongside some sound arboricultural knowledge and instruction to reflect the requirement of the pruning criteria (AS4373 Pruning Of Amenity Trees).

As well as risk to the tree, there's also danger to the operator, who in some cases finds the ideal working position directly under the branch which is being cut!  The operator subsequently finds that gravity works quicker in a downward motion than they can move sideways carrying a 10kg machine above head height, with the consequent impact normally ending in a trip to the emergency room.

Operation And Pruning Tipsoperate3

Generally speaking these machines are not insulated and unless you've got the right training and certificate to operate around electrical apparatus then stay well away from overhead power lines.  If unsure call the local electricity supply company for information.

Be Conscious of any legal and environmental restraints like tree protection laws and avoid bothering any nesting birds or wildlife

Check the machine Before initiating work and check all safety features are working correctly

Wear the correct PPE: head, eye and ear protection; gloves (anti-vibration if possible); non-snag outer clothes; steel-capped boots with a heavy tread pattern on the sole for traction; chainsaw chaps or pants

Keep a business footing and ensure the worksite is kept clear of limbs and offcuts as work progresses

Before trimming, properly assess the tension and compression in the wood to avoid trapping the saw

Plan the sequence of surgery and constantly reduce the weight of this branch gradually as you cut it into manageable sections

Undercut the division first and make sure that when creating the top cut an overlap happens to decrease the danger of ripping the bark past the branch collar. 

Ensure the hook onto the bottom is in contact with the branch going to be trimmed at all times where possible

Always use the machine with an angle of less than 60 degrees from flat to Decrease the risk of harm from falling lumber

Make Certain the final cut is just on the outside edge of the branch collar

Do not forget that the principal task powered pole saws are intended for is the removal of nasal branches.  It is almost impossible to generate a correct pruning cut upright growth and these normally lead to a spear cut that won't be able to compartmentalize correctly.

It may also be useful to think about using a manually-powered rod saw, like a Silky Saw, for use together with the engine-powered machine since this will allow for better positioning on some of the internal cuts made around the canopy.

If these steps are followed you should find greater operational efficiency and less downtime/damage to your investment and therefore more money on your bottom line.

Q: Why do rod saw operators need a ticket?

A: WHS states companies and the self- used on the job must be adequately trained in their duties.

A nationally recognised statement of attainment like FPICOT3238B Operate a Pole Saw is one of the strategies to document which approved training and evaluation was carried out.  We recommend the unit AHCPGD203A Prune Shrubs and Small Trees is carried out in combination with the rod saw component, as a minimum.

Persons that are trained and certificated generally have a larger understanding of operations and the necessary outcomes.  The final result is usually found in less downtime and maintenance conditions and ultimately in the reduction of accidents and injuries.

"Everyone participated in carrying out work around trees have to be trained and capable in their designated task and try to maintain and boost their business money by continuing to gain relevant experience and credentials."

Coaching is as important as the servicing of vehicles and machinery, in the end, workers are the machinery required to operate your company.  It's been proven that separate training and evaluation increases staff retention, security, awareness, productivity and efficiency.  Remember to schedule regular refresher and update training sessions.

For full trade level qualifications and apprenticeships to fit with the market standard requirement to be categorized as an arborvitae/tree employee you will need to undertake AHC20513 Certificate II in Arboriculture that's a good pathway to follow towards becoming a qualified working arborist, also tackle the AHC30810 Certificate III in Arboriculture.  Funding incentives now apply to eligible applicants and their employers in QLD. 

See More: The Best Way to Cut a Branch Using a Pole Chain Saw
                   How to Use a Remington Electric Telescoping Pole Saw