ASWP01 Introduction & General Legislation
The ASWP Committee recognizes that without the dedication and volunteer hours of several
organizations and individuals from within the industry and health and safety associations the
safe work practices would not have been developed. The ASWP Committee recognizes those
efforts of the organizations below.
Recognition of Organizations and Businesses
Arbor Valley Tree Service Davey Tree Service
Bruce Tree Service Gardiner Tree Service
City of Toronto Hydro One
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services Ministry of Labour
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association ISA – Ontario Chapter
WSIB Ontario Commercial Arborist Association
MTCU Ontario Parks Association
Humber College Sir Sanford Fleming College
2.0 Arborist Safe Work Practices Defined
2.1 Scope
The Arborist Safe Work Practices (ASWP) contain arboricultural safety requirements for
planting, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing woody plants, cutting brush and for
using equipment in such operations, outside of the Construction or Industrial Legislated Limits
of Approach to energized electrical apparatus. For work within the Construction or Industrial
legislated Limits of Approach the user should contact the Infrastructure Health and Safety
Association.
2.2 Purpose
The work practices provide safety criteria for arborists and other workers involved in
arboricultural work. They are to act as a guide to Provincial, Municipal and other local
authorities in drafting regulations and may be adopted in whole or in part.
2.3 Application
The ASWP is intended to apply to all employees engaged in the business or trade of
arboriculture including: planting, pruning, repairing, maintaining, removing woody plants, or
cutting brush. They are not intended for use by nursery personnel, who are growing and
planting trees for wholesale. The ASWP serves as a reference for safety requirements for
those engaged in the practice of arboriculture. The safe work practices may require situational
modifications in response to personnel emergencies and is not intended to limit the options
available to emergency responders.
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