Tree Felling Safety Awareness Training (Cal/OSHA)

Duration: 8 Hours

Format: Classroom Training + Final Exam

Course Description:

NATEC’s Tree Felling Safety Awareness Training is designed to provide tree fellers with a general understanding of the hazards associated with tree felling, trimming, and removal operations. This course focuses on hazard recognition, risk awareness, and injury prevention to increase overall safety awareness in tree work operations.

Tree work presents significant safety risks, including falls, electrocution, struck-by incidents, chainsaw injuries, and equipment-related hazards. This training emphasizes identifying these hazards and understanding the importance of safe work practices, proper planning, and communication to reduce the risk of injury or fatality.

Course Objectives:

• Recognize common hazards associated with tree work operations
• Understand the importance of safe work practices and hazard controls
• Identify risks related to electrical hazards, falling objects, and working at heights
• Understand basic safety considerations for tools and equipment used in tree work
• Recognize the role of planning, communication, and job briefings in maintaining safety

Course Content:

Overview of Tree Work Hazards:

• Tree work activities (felling, trimming, pruning, removal)
• Common causes of injury: falls, electrocution, struck-by hazards, chainsaw incidents
• Importance of hazard awareness, training, and PPE

General Safety Awareness:

• Job briefings and communication practices
• Situational awareness and recognizing changing conditions
• Weather-related hazards (wind, rain, heat, visibility)
• Traffic and pedestrian awareness

Electrical Hazard Awareness:

• Dangers of working near overhead and downed power lines
• Importance of maintaining safe distances
• Awareness of energized lines and electrical risks

Working at Heights – Safety Considerations:

• Fall hazards and potential consequences
• Importance of fall protection systems
• Recognizing unsafe tree conditions and work environments

Struck-By & Falling Object Hazards:

• Hazards from falling trees, limbs, and debris
• Awareness of drop zones and safe positioning
• Importance of communication between workers

Equipment & Tool Safety Awareness:

• General hazards associated with chainsaws and power tools
• Awareness of kickback, improper use, and maintenance issues
• Importance of using appropriate PPE

Wood Chipper Safety Awareness:

• Common hazards such as entanglement and flying debris
• Importance of safe positioning and equipment awareness

Specialty Hazards (Palm Trees & Site Conditions):

• Risks associated with unstable fronds and tree conditions
• Awareness of positioning and environmental hazards

Heat Illness Prevention Awareness:

• Importance of hydration, rest, and monitoring conditions
• Recognizing signs of heat illness

Evaluation & Certification:

Participants must successfully complete a final written exam to demonstrate understanding of the course material. Documentation is provided upon successful completion.

Key Training Note:

This course is a safety awareness training intended for tree fellers to increase safety awareness. Employers are responsible for providing task-specific training, supervision, and ensuring worker competency.