Forest Operations > Conduct Feller Buncher Operations > Operational Hazards 

Operational Hazards 

As in most outside work involving large product, heavy machinery and a number of workers, there are some hazards associated with forest operation tasks.

However with the correct training and right attitude to the tasks at hand, no person should be at risk of injury or harm.

If all workers on a forest operation understand industry standards and codes of practice, OH&S legislation and organisational worksite policies & procedures, they should be safe from any incidents.

Refer back to the section: Industry Standards and Codes of Practice and Organisational Policies and Procedures.

Unexpected tree movement

• Assess each tree for lean, crown weight, and likely direction of fall.
• Ensure the machine is fitted with protective structures.
• Keep the cabin door closed.
• Make sure the machine is in a stable position before placing bunched trees on the ground.
• Leave trees that are beyond the capability of you or the machine for chainsaw operator to fell.

Proximity to other workers

• Ensure that there are no exposed workers within two tree-Iengths of the feller buncher.
  
  If they are, stop felling until the person is in a safe position,
  (Machine operators have protection, and grounded workers don’t).
  
  
• Ensure there are no other machines within two tree-length of the felling machine.
  If so stop felling until the machine is in a safe position.

Unplanned machine or component movement 

• Put the machine in a stable position before placing trees down.
• Do not travel up or down slopes beyond the capabilities of the machine.
• Avoid working across sloped terrain.
• Control slew speed to suit load size.

Other machines

• Ensure that there are no other machines (with FOPS and ROPS) within one tree-length of the felling machine. If there are, stop felling until the machine is in a safe position.
• All other machines must be beyond two tree-lengths. 
• Plan the felling task to avoid having machines working too close to each other.
• Machine operators should communicate with each other to avoid unsafe practices.  

Machine instability

• Do not operate the machine beyond its slope capability. Note that this will vary with ground conditions (e.g. soil type, and when it’s wet).
• Keep the weight of the machine over the front of the machine when working on slopes.
• Do not attempt to fell trees beyond the machine; or your capabilities.
• Select a travel path that avoids side slopes, stumps and soft ground.