Grapple Saws/ Tree Sheers Rules and Regulations

[ARBQuestions]

The below is a quote from ChatGPT which I have checked across multiple websites and the overriding information is clear that this is a LOLER operation, however it seems common that it's not treated as such and I was wondering if people could share how they've approached subject to adhere to the lifting regulations. 

 

"Tree shears are managed under both the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).

PUWER

PUWER applies to virtually all work equipment used by employees at work, ensuring it is:

Suitable for its intended use.

Maintained in a safe condition.

Inspected regularly by a competent person.

Used only by people who have received adequate training.

The tree shear itself, and the base machine (e.g., excavator) it is attached to, are considered work equipment, so PUWER applies to their general maintenance, suitability, and safe use.

LOLER

The use of tree shears is specifically defined as a lifting operation under LOLER, because it involves the lifting and/or lowering of a load (the cut tree or branch).

LOLER places additional duties on top of PUWER for this specific type of work:

All lifting operations must be properly planned by a competent person.

The equipment must be fit for purpose, suitably marked with its Safe Working Load (SWL), and subject to a statutory "thorough examination" by a competent person at specified intervals (at least every 12 months, or every 6 months for lifting accessories like the shear head).

Records of all thorough examinations must be kept.

In summary, PUWER covers the general safety and maintenance of the equipment, while LOLER specifically addresses the risks associated with the lifting operation itself. Both sets of regulations must be considered and complied with when using tree shears. "

 

Within the Arb/ forestry industry does anybody know what is best practice for grapple saws/ tree sheers legal compliance regarding:

- The assessment of load, it's potential variation (boom reach, length x width of cut, species, wind, time of year...) ?

-The requirement of a lift plan assessed by a competent person (lift supervisor or specific qualification)?

-How this is reflected in the RAMS?

 

I'd really appreciate any advice from people who have faced this same problem and how they've approached it. 

 

Cheers

[openspaceman]

1 hour ago, ARBQuestions said:

n summary, PUWER covers the general safety and maintenance of the equipment, while LOLER specifically addresses the risks associated with the lifting operation itself. Both sets of regulations must be considered and complied with when using tree shears. "

 

There was always an exception from LOLER where the load is not over people or within the riskzone apart from the operator if he is in a ROPS, FOPS and POPS protected cap. Mind things may have changed in the twenty years since I was involved with NPTC FMO.