16/01/2024
SVLFG practical tip
The chainsaw doesn't care!
Just like autumn, spring is also used for trimming trees and shrubs. Often, short windows of time are used quickly. The chainsaw is quickly up and running, right? And what about the chainsaw trousers, the chainsaw shoes, the helmet? No time to get them on? Not necessary for that little bit? Nothing will happen?
Are you one of those people who knows about the danger but can't assess the risk? The chainsaw doesn't care how many, how long, or where it cuts; it cuts wood and body parts. It all happens very quickly: a stumble while pruning or a branch under tension can send the chainsaw flying. Over 600 cutting teeth per second can cause significant damage. If you don't protect yourself, you're taking a huge risk!
Our good advice on tree and shrub pruning
- Take your time and plan the cutting action.
- Check your tools and equipment.
- Wear full protective equipment.
- Remove all persons from the danger area.
- Also consider how you'll reach heights safely. Ladders and stepladders are prone to accidents. Safer options include telescopic scissors, pole pruners, picking sleds, work baskets, or cherry pickers.
Accident prevention regulation "Forests" modified
New cutting techniques, professional training and the priority use of mechanical processing are the "beacons" of the modified accident prevention regulation "Forestry" (VSG 4.3).
Adaptation to the state of the art and the findings from accidents are further reasons for the revision.
The implementation instructions for the individual regulations applicable throughout Germany have been expanded and described in more detail. This makes them easier to understand for employees and provides legal certainty for supervisors and business owners. The goal of the modification of the Forestry Accident Prevention Regulations is to significantly reduce the number and severity of forest accidents and also to raise the quality standards in forestry work.
The 5 most important changes:
1. Professional training is now required for tree felling.
What's new is that the ability to perform professional felling techniques is generally acquired through training. If, during inspections (vine assessment), no professional felling technique can be determined (even if "45 years of experience" is available), this can now be clearly ordered.
Technical training can be:
- forestry vocational training (e.g. forester, master forester)
- Forestry training or continuing education (e.g. basic courses at the Bavarian Forestry School, rope climbing courses for tree care)
- Chainsaw courses (e.g. heavy timber course, problem tree felling or "just" a basic chainsaw course)
Ultimately, this means that depending on the activity (e.g. felling large trees, cutting down slopes), appropriate specialist knowledge must be available in order to carry out the work safely.
The aim, as already mentioned, is to improve the quality of forestry work and reduce the number of accidents.
2. A retreat point must be determined at a sufficient distance before felling.
The accident investigations and the resulting causes of accidents have shown that the conversion of forests to mixed or deciduous forests increases the danger posed by falling dead wood enormously.
The diversity of the trees to be felled makes it necessary to no longer specify the retreat as a "rigid" measure. The formula is now called situation-dependent or situational risk assessment.
Simply put, the size of the treetop projected onto the ground around the base of the trunk is considered a danger zone in the strictest sense. The chainsaw operator and the second person must/should leave this danger zone to avoid being struck by possible dead wood or branches.
3. The safety felling technique (felling with support/holding band) was established as the standard felling technique.
4. Working alone with the cable winch is only permitted with a personal emergency signal system.
A personal emergency signal system (PNA) is a technical device for triggering and transmitting voluntary and voluntary alarm signals in emergencies. It consists of mobile units, so-called personal emergency signal devices (PNG), which are connected via radio to a personal emergency signal receiving center (PNEZ). This makes it possible to transmit the location in the event of an emergency and initiate the rescue chain.
The PNA is used where no other people are required in the work process (e.g., logging, harvester work), but first aid must be provided, i.e., working alone is not permitted.