Tree Trimming

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Purpose

This section is intended to provide guidance to all District employees that engage in trimming, removing, or clearing trees and to ensure our workgroups are equipped with the necessary information and tools to safely complete tasks as outlined in WAC 296-45 Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution .

Applicability

This section is applicable to all employees that engage in trimming, removing, or clearing trees.

Responsibilities

This section of the Accident Prevention Manual is meant to be used in conjunction with Line Clearance/Tree Trimming Standards. Link to: Tree Trimming Standards

Employee Responsibilities

• Understand and work in accordance with the following WACs:

  • WAC 296-45-285 Hand, and portable powered tools
  • WAC 296-45-295 Gasoline engine power chain saws
  • WAC 296-45-305 Live-line tools
  • WAC 296-45-25505 Personal protective equipment
  • WAC 296-800 Safety and health core rules
  • WAC 296-45-455 Line clearance tree-trimming operations
  • WAC 296-45-325 Working on or near exposed energized parts
  • WAC 296-45-275 Ladders, platforms, and manhole steps
  • WAC 296-876 Ladders, portable and fixed
  • WAC 296-45-45505 Brush Chippers
  • WAC 296-45-45515 Stump cutters
  • WAC 296-45-45525 Rope
  • WAC 296-45-375 Mechanical equipment, including aerial manlift equipment
  • WAC 296-880 Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection
• Current on all required training (See Learning Central)

Manager Responsibilities

It is the expectation that managers would ensure the following tasks are being met:

• Applicable employees are familiar with and working in compliance with the above-mentioned WACs.
• All required and recommended trainings are assigned and completed by employee.

Training and Resources

Required trainings are, but not limited to: Pole/Tree Top Rescue, Hand and Power Tool Safety, and First Aid CPR. These trainings, can be assigned to applicable employee’s learning plans through Learning Central.

Other applicable sections of this Accident Prevention Manual are:

• Rope, Cable, and Rigging
• Mechanical Equipment Including Aerial Manlifts
• Pole Top, Tower, Tree, Bucket Rescue
• Fall Protection Program
• Tools - Portable Power and Manual