Pole Saw Operations

Scope

This Operational Guideline is to be followed when using pole saws. This includes activities such as; light to medium trimming of elevated tree limbs and branches, reducing the height of vegetation, trimming vegetation impacting assets, and other mitigation works.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• Prior to operation, the operator shall:
  • Be qualified and have RFS current competency in the relevant activity to be undertaken.
  • Wear the appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE) correctly including helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, boots, and safety harness (optional).
  • Have appropriate pole saw and support tools/accessories present for the operation.
  • Undertake refuelling and fuel mixing in an appropriate area which is well ventilated (e.g., preferably not indoors and must be greater than 3 metres from ignition sources).
  • Undertake a risk assessment that may be written (for planned events) or form part of the Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) (for incidents).
  • Consider having an assistant/offsider, with Bush Firefighter (BF) qualifications, for complex tasks.
• As a pre-works check, the operator shall ensure:
  • Pole saw pre-start checks are done in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction.
  • The pre-operational safety checks are completed, including a visual inspection of the pole saw to check for any leaks, damage, and the overall condition of the saw.
• Whilst operating the pole saw, the operator shall ensure:
  • All cutting is undertaken in accordance with relevant environmental approvals for planned events, or for incidents in accordance with the Incident Controller’s (IC) intent or Incident Action Plan (IAP).
  • A minimum of 3 metres distance is maintained between the pole saw cutting zone and other workers/bystanders (excluding the assistant/offsider) at all times.
  • All other workers/bystanders are to be located outside areas where they are exposed to hazards (e.g., excessive noise, moving parts of the tree(s) etc.)
  • They do not exceed an angle of 60 degrees from the ground, to avoid cutting limbs directly overhead.

Special Considerations

• All pole saw activities will consider RFS OPG - Hazardous Trees and RFS OPG - Chainsaw Operations.
• The use of a pole saw is at the discretion of the pole saw operator and no other person shall direct them to undertake any operation if the operator feels it is unsafe to do so.
• Pole saw use after dark is not recommended and should only be considered in exceptional circumstances. In such instances, sufficient lighting to illuminate the entire work area (including areas where logs/trees will move to when cuts are made) and tree canopy must be provided.
• If any issues have been identified and cannot be rectified during the pre-start check:
  • advise the Officer in Charge (OIC) immediately;
  • tag the equipment for repair; and
  • complete Report Defect – Equipment in Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) or follow local reporting procedures.
• Tagged equipment must not be used until the defect is resolved and tag removed by a qualified person.
• Only qualified personnel are permitted to complete maintenance on the pole saw.
• When using battery powered or electric pole saws, the power source must be removed/locked out prior to any maintenance.
• For non-incident operations, for example, when cutting close to waterways, personnel must adhere to the Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code or appropriate environmental approval.
• Green waste from AIDER/mitigation works are to be either chipped/mulched back into the work area, taken to a waste transfer station, or left onsite in accordance with the appropriate environmental approvals.
• The property owner(s) is responsible for green waste from storm damage make safe pole saw operations carried out by RFS personnel. The green waste should be stacked neatly in accordance with a work order or as per landholder agreement. Logs need to be cut into safe manageable sections. Permission is required from the owner to remove any waste from their land.

Related Information

• AIDER
• Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code 2021
• Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Code of Practice 2022
• Mitigation Works Request Form
• RFS OPG - Chainsaw Operations
• RFS OPG - Hazardous Trees
• Work Place Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017