Forest Operations > Conduct Skidder Operations > Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Requirements

Safety Equipment

On your work site you will be required to wear all appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Safety equipment to be worn outside vehicles / machines and with tasks on forest operations may include:

• Day/night high visibility clothing;
• Steel cap safety boots;
• Hard hats;
• Safety glasses;
• Gloves;
• Ear plugs and/or ear muffs.

Day and night high visibility clothing (refer to AS/NZS 4602)

The main reason workers are struck by machinery is that the operator working a machine did not see the other worker. Knowing where all your work mates are at all times is vitally important. The high visibility clothing (vest, shirt or coats) must have reflective striping on them to ensure you have the best chance of sighting your work mates and your work mates can see you both in the day and at night time.

Fig. 2

Hard hats (refer to AS/NZS 1801)

You are required to wear a hard hat at all times when you are outside of a vehicle or machine in the forest. A hard hat is worn to protect your head from falling objects e.g. falling pine-cones, branches, tools and from knocks and bumps while carrying out maintenance on machinery.  When you first receive your hard hat it is important to:

• Check that the date on the inside is current;
• Store it correctly to avoid damage;
• Do not decorate it with marker pens or paint etc.

Any of these could cause the helmet to deteriorate and place you at risk of injury.  

Fig. 3

Steel Cap Safety Boots (refer to AS/NZS 2210.1)

Safety Boots are worn to protect your toes from heavy falling objects such as machine components or rolling logs etc. Some organisations may require you to wear ankle high lace-up boots. Safety boots must also have non slip tread.

Fig 4

Safety Glasses (refer to AS/NZS 1337)

Safety glasses are used to protect your eyes from airborne particles, (e.g. sparks or hazardous substances that may cause eye injuries). Using high pressure air nozzles, grinders, welders and maintenance on hydraulic components are tasks where eye damage can occur. Also make sure you are using the correct eye protection when assisting with welding.

     

Fig 5

Gloves (refer to AS/NZS 2161)

Gloves are used to protect your hands when carrying out maintenance on hot or sharp components. Make sure you use petroleum resistant cloves when topping up or replacing machine fluids.

Fig 6

Ear plug/muffs (refer to AS/NZS 1270)

When noise levels reach and exceed 85db ear plugs/muffs must be used to protect your hearing. Ear plugs / muffs must be fitted correctly and of the correct noise reduction level. Many pieces of equipment such as angle grinders or chainsaws produce noise levels well over 100db

Fig 7