Name: Arborist Tree Climbing SWMS
Brand: BlueSafe Online
SKU: prod_01KBPKMVNQ6K6TN76D5AF3Q93Y
Price: 79.50 AUD
Availability: InStock

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, climbing and working in trees, including aerial pruning, lowering sections, processing material and emergency rescue. It supports the identification and management of risks associated with tree condition, falls, falling objects, climbing systems, equipment and site access.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

Conduct a pre-start briefing covering scope, communication, worker readiness and emergency arrangements.
Inspect the tree and surrounding site for stability, deadwood, ground conditions, services and wildlife.
Set exclusion zones to manage public access, vehicles, falling limbs and dropped tools.
Inspect climbing equipment and install the climbing system.
Position plant and equipment while managing movement, handling and fuel risks.
Ascend, access the canopy and undertake aerial pruning.
Rig and lower tree sections while managing loads, anchors and ground crew exposure.
Process fallen material and manage cutting, flying debris and handling risks.
Conduct emergency rescue arrangements where required.
Descend, remove climbing systems, clean up and sign off the work area.

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out tree climbing and associated tree work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Job Step / Activity	Potential Hazards
Pre-start briefing	Unplanned work scope Inadequate worker competency Communication failure Fatigue impairment Emergency delay
Inspect tree and site	Tree failure Deadwood strike Unstable ground Hidden services Wildlife attack Overhead electric lines
Establish exclusion zones	Public struck by debris Worker struck by falling limbs Unauthorised entry Vehicle interaction Dropped tools
Inspect climbing equipment	Equipment failure Harness failure Rope damage Connector disengagement Falling from height
Position plant and equipment	Plant collision Chipper entanglement Vehicle roll-away Manual handling strain Fuel ignition
Install climbing system	Anchor-point failure Fall from height Swing fall Rope severance Falling equipment Electrical contact
Ascend and access canopy	Fall from height Branch failure Suspension trauma Rope abrasion Falling tools Climber fatigue
Undertake aerial pruning	Chainsaw laceration Chainsaw kickback Falling branches Falling tools Unstable work position Noise exposure
Rig and lower sections	Rigging equipment failure Crush from swinging load Unexpected timber movement Anchor failure Ground crew struck Rope burn
Process fallen material	Woodchipper entanglement Flying debris Chainsaw cuts Manual handling strain Vehicle strike Noise and dust
Conduct emergency rescue	Suspension intolerance Rescuer fall Uncontrolled descent Electrical exposure Delayed emergency response
Descend and remove systems	Fall from height Dropped equipment Rope entanglement Ground crew strike Fatigue-related error
Clean up and sign off	Residual trip hazards Traffic exposure Plant movement Fuel spill Unauthorised re-entry Incomplete handover

Need to add specific site requirements?

Use the BlueSafe Portal to tailor this SWMS with site-specific details, job steps, hazards, controls and responsibilities before work starts.

Acceptance Guaranteed: If your client or principal requests changes during document review, BlueSafe will help revise the document at no extra cost and support resubmission until it is accepted.

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
Model Code of Practice: Tree Works, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction; use as practical guidance only, not as automatically binding in every jurisdiction.
Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction; use as practical guidance only.
Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks, Work Health and Safety Consultation, Co-operation and Co-ordination, First Aid in the Workplace, Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace, Managing Electrical Risks at the Workplace and Managing the Work Environment and Facilities, as applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
Work Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines Code of Practice, where adopted or applicable, and electricity network operator requirements.
AS/NZS 1891.1:2020 Personal equipment for work at height; AS/NZS 1891.4 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices—Selection, use and maintenance.
AS 2726.1:2004 and AS 2726.2:2004 Chainsaws—Safety requirements; AS 2727:1997 Chainsaws—Guide to safe working practices.
AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 respiratory protective equipment where respiratory protection is required; AS/NZS 1270 hearing protectors; AS/NZS 2210.3 safety footwear; AS/NZS 4602.1 high-visibility safety garments.

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
Initial and residual risk ratings
Assigned responsible persons for each job step
Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections

Arborist Tree Climbing SWMS

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