ASWP16 Use of a Mobile Crane to Remove Trees
Step Action
Consider crane lifting capacity and Safe Work Loads at
various boom angles for various crane sizes
Note: Prior to contracting a crane to perform the work, a thorough site analysis with the crane
operator is needed to determine the size of crane required and whether the location is
appropriate for a crane to safely work.
5.2 Worksite Setup
Step Action
Determine potential lifting
locations on tree from ground
to establish a lifting plan for
cuts – "picking the load"
Discuss with crane operator potential lift locations on the
tree plus sequence of lifts to be conducted
Assess potential loads considering:
o Wood weights using the Green Wood Weight Charts.
o Branching of tree sections
o Tree condition (i.e. dead or rotten wood)
o Centre of gravity of the load being lifted
o Weather conditions (wind, rain, sunlight)
o Bark conditions
Note: The potential of slippage of chokers must be considered
when determining where to cut and the final weight of the cut
section.
The estimated weight of the load and a safety factor of the
lift shall be determined by competent workers
Loads should be rigged butt heavy using the 2/3 rule for
placing a choker on stem. Use of additional rigging
equipment e.g. ropes, blocks etc. to control the load should
be considered
Consider use of multi leg sling configuration
Determine crane load path to
Landing Zone
Ensure that the size of the section to be cut and the amount
of room available to lower the cut section is adequate
Install pedestrian / worker barriers to keep people from
under load
Setup Landing Zone
Ensure adequate communications between workers and
crane operator using either hand or radio communications
Install pedestrian / worker barriers to keep people from
under load being moved overhead
Note: Do not walk under load suspended by crane.
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