Road rules: chipping near busy highways presents its own set of challenges
Published in: Arbor Age
Date: 8/1/2002
By: White, Jeff
SAFETY IS ALWAYS HIGH PRIORITY WHEN IT COMES TO BRUSH CHIPPER operation. But safety begins long before you reach the job site. There are many factors to be taken into consideration before hitting the road in your chipper truck, and many more to plan for at the job site – especially when chipping near busy roadways.
The key is preparation, and preparation for any job begins with proper training.
“We have a dozen different training programs, and we have a fulltime safety trainer on staff,” said Andy Trotter, field operations manager at West Coast Arborists, Anaheim, Calif. “We use the NAA tailgate meeting program every two weeks, as well as quarterly company meetings, safety bulletins, incident reviews and night classes for any employee who wants to advance in certification.
“We provide safety bonus programs to our employees – rewarding them for best safety practices, least missed days and so on.”
According to Trotter, understanding and abiding by all city regulations and ordinances is key to keeping the crews safe, accommodating the residents in the area and to keeping the cities (West Coast Arborists’ customers) satisfied.
“All of our employees are trained in traffic control, and we take the time to find out from the cities what their regulations are so we can follow them,” said Trotter. “We are lucky because our company is very generous in providing what the crews need to get the job done such as safety equipment and training information.”
In addition to following rigorous safety guidelines, Trotter and his crews believe follow-up is also critical. As a result, managers conduct weekly inspections and fill out checklists to ensure all regulations are being adhered to.
Chris Nichols, environmental product manager at Vermeer Manufacturing Company believes West Coasts Arborists sets a good example for the industry, and he says all tree care companies should train their equipment operators in. accordance with state and federal regulations, as well as with manufacturer safety guidelines. He stresses the importance of general training in safe equipment operation but concurs that particular focus should be put on working alongside or near roadways – a typical location for most tree care and disposal.
“There are some basic things to remember,” he said. “For example, crew members should always wear bright clothing or vests, and the brush chipper and chip truck should be surrounded by pylons or other safety barriers to alert traffic that it is stopped and working.”
Research and Follow Federal, State and Local Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put forth some fundamental principles for working near roadways that address proper signage and markings, rerouting of motorists, traffic control, pedestrian (nonworker) safety, and notice to city officials and/or the public. OSHA also states that “roadway occupancy should be scheduled during off-peak hours and, if necessary, night work should be considered.”
Some states have adopted additional guidelines specific to tree care work near or along public roadways. For example, Maryland has two types of roadside tree care permits issued by the Department of Natural Resources Forest and Parks Division: one is issued for the clearing of a specific group of trees – typically issued to tree care companies and landowners; the other is a comprehensive permit issued to counties, corporations and public utilities that plan to clear trees on an ongoing basis. The latter type is issued for a calendar year.
These regulations state that permits are issued if the applicant shows that the proposed tree care will eliminate hazard, improve a tree’s condition, or improve the general aesthetic appearance of the roadway Exceptions are given if trees have been uprooted or damaged.
California also has state and local regulations, and Trotter’s crews are trained to adapt as work locations change. “There are certainly special permits necessary in some areas, and traffic control standards sometimes vary from city to city’ he said. “We always strive to ensure the safety of workers, motorists and pedestrians, and we respect and follow any regulations that have been adopted.”
Use Proper Equipment, Clothing and Procedures
According to Trotter, crew safety goes even further than knowing how to properly use equipment and operate in high-traffic areas. He believes the preparation of machines and vehicles also warrants special attention.
“We constantly check our equipment to ensure it’s in safe working condition,” he said. “And, we consider our vehicles (such as chipper trucks) an important part of our operation. Not only do we routinely maintain them and check to see that all components are safe, but as we position them on a work site we ensure they aren’t a hazard to our crews or any passing motorists or pedestrians.”
Trotter and his West Coast Arborist crews also follow a strict safety regiment that is often also articulated through manufacturer operator manuals. For example, in regards to chipper safety, West Coast Arborist incorporates safety instructions issued by Vermeer Manufacturing Company. They include:
* Operators must use proper personal protective equipment, which includes a hard hat, hearing and eye protection with fall-face shield and safety shoes. If gloves are worn, they must have narrow, tight-fitting cuffs to reduce the chance of being snagged by a branch. If working near traffic, an operator must wear reflective clothing.
* Keep all spectators and unprotected workers away from the machine during operation. Position the discharge chute so material is directed away from bystanders or co-workers.
* Examine the brush pile for stones, wire, nails or other metal objects that may damage cutting knives or become dangerous projectiles.
* Feed material only from the side of the feed table. Release the limb immediately after it begins feeding and then move away to the side.
* Feed material base first to reduce the chance of being snagged by a limb and pulled into the machine.
* Trim material that continues to jam or does not feed properly
* Never climb onto the feed table or work near the feed rollers and blades while the machine is operating. You can be caught and pulled into the machine. Use a wood object to push short material into the feed rollers.
* Follow the normal shut down procedure and wait for all rotating components to stop before opening the machine to remove a plug.
Following safe working practice when feeding brush into a brush chipper is absolutely essential. Owners and workers should use good judgment and respect the potential dangers and fatal consequences of improper operation.
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