Product Overview

This Arborist Tree Climbing SWMS is a detailed Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with arborist access and work performed in trees. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that supports WHS compliance and safe management of high risk tree work activities on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and job set-up for arborist tree climbing, including site assessment, exclusion zones, and communication methods
• Selection, inspection, and maintenance of climbing ropes, harnesses, lanyards, carabiners, and associated climbing hardware
• Safe techniques for ascending, positioning, and descending within trees using rope-and-saddle and modern climbing systems
• Use of double rope and single rope (SRT) techniques, including anchor point selection and load management
• Establishing and verifying safe anchor points, redirects, and back-up systems to prevent falls from height
• Management of chainsaws and powered cutting tools aloft, including starting, handling, and cutting techniques while in the tree
• Manual handling of branches and timber in the canopy, including use of rigging systems to control dropped loads
• Use of lowering devices, pulleys, slings, and rigging ropes to safely control limbs and sections during dismantling
• Control of dropped objects and debris, including ground crew coordination and maintaining no-go zones
• Working near overhead powerlines and other services, including safe approach distances and consultation with utilities
• Emergency response planning for aerial rescue, including retrieval of an injured climber and first aid considerations
• Fatigue management, heat stress control, and hydration strategies during prolonged tree climbing operations
• Traffic and pedestrian management where tree work is undertaken adjacent to roads, driveways, or public access areas

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for arborists, tree workers, vegetation management crews, landscaping contractors, and site supervisors overseeing tree climbing and canopy work at height.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – guidance on preventing falls during arborist tree climbing activities
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – relevant to chainsaw and machinery use during tree work
• Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace – requirements for first aid provision and emergency response, including aerial rescue
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – ensuring safe conditions for arborist crews and support staff
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – control measures for handling branches, timber sections, and climbing equipment
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – selection and use of harnesses, lanyards, and associated fall protection equipment
• AS 2727 Chainsaws – Guide to safe working practices – safe operation of chainsaws in tree climbing and aerial work