Two tree lengths?

[jojam]

We were out today to do some edge trees and felling for a badgers sett.There were 3 official bods on site for about 3 hours.We were told that the chainsaw ops(him and me)had to work 2 tree lengths away from each other and we had to be 70metres away from the harvester whilst he was working.During the time they were there the supervisors told us we were to close to each other(chainsaw ops) and i was to close to the harvester.Fair enough on the harvester bit but i argued that was it not safer for the 2 cutters to work side by side.1 fell and other knock in wedges then swap and other fell,wedges etc.So now we have 2 trees on the deck so we can sned both trees out at the same time.I can't see anythin wrong with that way of working,we're both within sight and sound of one another and we can help one another out when needed(jammed saw etc.)Feel free to comment or how does everyone else work?

[ukminch]

To many variables really. I guess it comes down to what works in each situation, which will be different for each client, and each risk assessment and method statement. 2 Trees is certainly what's taught, but if one is not felling then there's only one tree coming down at a time I can't see a problem with your method.

 

R

[Blakes 7]

AFAG guides state two tree lengths, but these are recommendations.

Cover your working practices with a method statement and risk assessment and tell Bods to shove off out of your work area.

[jonathan hall]

i work that way too, who ever i work with its that kind of sketch.

if theres 2 of you together working wedges, i rekon its safer, as soon as wedges are being belted the tree is obviously not as safe, so you gotta get on quick sharp and on a big tree you can get tired. the longer a big butt is in that half felled phase the more dangerous.

 

i can understand if theres another worker within that proximity - that isnt actualy working with you- 2 tree lengths definetly , but two guys working side by side, you both can see what your each other is doing. good for the critisism or a quick 'heads up!'

Edited November 25, 2009 by jonathan hall

[timtree81]

sounds ok to me ,but some times bods just have to pic up on sumit ! i am very safety driven at work but i find when a hse or equvilant is around i dont give them chance to pick up one a thing ,its crazy sticking to each and everything all the time i know

[jojam]

if one is not felling then there's only one tree coming down at a time I can't see a problem with your method.

 

RThat's what i thought.They did allow us to do it this way with a little persuasion before they went off site.At least you both know what the tree is doing or going to do,rather than if your 2 tree lengths away trying to catch the others attention to tell him there's one coming down when he can't see what your doing.

[Stephen Blair]

i am with you jamie, every job site is diferent so things need to change and adapt to what suits.

[Highland Forestry]

Good system of work Jamie... we do the same on big hairy sitka for the harvesters.

 

A contract manager told me a while ago 'You can do it however you want to to it as long as you can justify it in your risk assessment'

[slasherscot]

the probelm is they have never made up a schelude for 2 man felling 1 tree....bit of a minefield if on FC or forestry management sites

[jojam]

AFAG guides state two tree lengths, but these are recommendations.

Cover your working practices with a method statement and risk assessment and tell Bods to shove off out of your work area.

That's interesting,i'll bear that in mind for future reference.I did politely ask them when were they going to bugger off and let us get on with it!But i know they have a job to do and boxes to tick when they get back to nice warm office.