ASWP06 Rigging Trees
4.0 Mandatory Information / Work Practices
The following are the general mandatory requirements for an arborist rigging trees or sections
of trees. In addition to these requirements, the work practice contains specific requirements
that must also be followed.
All rigging and pulling equipment must be inspected prior to use (follow manufacture's
instructions)
All appropriate Personnel Protective Equipment must be worn during rigging operations
Establish appropriate job plan (refer to ASWP02 Job Planning)
All persons at the work site shall know the Emergency Response Plan (refer to
ASWP02 Job Planning)
All trees must be inspected for hazards prior to climbing, (Refer to ASWP03 Ascending
Trees) and (ASWP04 Working at Heights)
All trees must be inspected for hazards prior to rigging or cutting (Refer to ASWP05
Tree Removal and ASWP12 Chain Saw Use)
Those engaged in rigging shall have an understanding and are competent in:
o Loads and forces applied to rigging equipment, rigging and anchor points
o Manufacturer's specifications and compatibilities of all components
o Loads (e.g. dynamic, static and shock)
o Unbalanced loading of limbs
o Estimating loads, wood weights (refer to Appendix C Ontario Green Wood
Weight Chart)
o Reaction wood
o Tension and compression wood
Synthetic slings must have a load rating capacity label attached
All ropes slings blocks connecting devices and any other equipment used in rigging
operation must not be subjected to forces greater than the manufacture's recommended
safe working loads (SWL) or working load limits (WLL)
A minimum safety factor of 5:1 must be incorporated into a rigging system
The rigging system design should be so that the rope is the weakest link in the system
Establish and review communication systems during operation including hand signals or
2 way radios
All personnel must be aware of all hazards and barriers within the Drop Zone
All personnel must ensure there are no obstacles or hazards within the Drop Zone
All ground assistants involved in a rigging procedure must receive prior training and
instructions appropriate for their given situation
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