Tree Pruning SWMS

Tree pruning across residential properties, parks, and light-commercial sites involves a high-risk combination of cutting tools, falling timber, and elevated work positions. Workers operate pole saws, petrol and battery chainsaws, secateurs, and loppers — often while positioned on ladders, elevated work platforms (EWPs), or rope access systems. The combination of rotating cutting chains, unpredictable branch failure, and overhead work creates a hazard profile that demands a documented Safe Work Method Statement before any cutting commences.

Under the model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the WHS Regulation 2025, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a primary duty of care under section 19 to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Where pruning is performed at heights greater than two metres, the work is classified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) under Regulation 291, and a SWMS is mandatory under Regulation 299 before work starts. Use of chainsaws also engages the plant duties under Part 3.5 and the requirement for competent operators trained to the AHCMOM213 unit.

This SWMS has been prepared by a Certified Industrial Hygienist to meet the content requirements of Regulation 299(1)(a)–(d), aligning with the Safe Work Australia Construction Work Code of Practice, the Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice, and AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees. It is suitable for arborists, garden maintenance contractors, and councils engaged in routine and storm-related pruning works.

Hazards identified

8 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.

1. 1Conduct a documented pre-start tree inspection assessing lean, deadwood, hangers, target zone, and species-specific failure modes (e.g. barber-chair risk in Eucalyptus) in accordance with AS 4373-2007
2. 2Eliminate work at height where reasonably practicable by using long-reach pole saws from ground level; where elimination is not possible, use an EWP rated to AS 1418.10 in preference to ladders
3. 3Establish a minimum 2x tree-height drop zone exclusion barrier with bunting and signage; brief all ground crew on escape routes before each cut
4. 4Maintain Safe Approach Distances from energised overhead conductors per the relevant state Electrical Safety Regulation (typically 3m for unauthorised persons up to 132kV) — engage the network operator for higher-risk work
5. 5Use chainsaws fitted with low-kickback chain, chain brake, and anti-vibration mounts; only operators holding AHCMOM213 (Operate and maintain chainsaws) or equivalent VOC may use chainsaws
6. 6Issue and enforce full chainsaw PPE per AS/NZS 4453: cut-resistant trousers (Class 1 minimum), helmet with mesh visor and earmuffs (Class 5), high-vis, gloves, and Type 2 cut-resistant boots
7. 7Implement job rotation and tool selection to limit continuous chainsaw trigger time below the HAVS daily exposure action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8)
8. 8Store and decant two-stroke fuel from approved metal jerry cans into spill-bunded areas; maintain SDS on site and provide nitrile gloves for refuelling per Part 7.1
9. 9Use a dedicated spotter/groundie in radio or line-of-sight contact with the climber/operator at all times; never operate a chainsaw while alone on a residential job
10. 10Inspect and tag-test all rigging, ropes, harnesses, and lanyards before each shift to AS/NZS 1891.4; remove from service any equipment with cuts, glazing, or shock-load history
11. 11Provide audiometric testing on commencement and biennially thereafter for all workers regularly using petrol chainsaws, per Regulation 58

Applicable Codes of Practice

High-Risk Construction Work triggered

Worked example

A two-person crew from a suburban arborist business is engaged to reduce the crown of a 12m Eucalyptus melliodora overhanging a Brisbane carport. Before mobilising, the lead arborist opens the Tree Pruning SWMS, identifies that climbing access above 2m triggers a high risk construction work category, and confirms the work cannot be performed from ground level due to the lateral reach required. He documents the use of a 14m EWP, sets the drop zone at 24m radius (2x tree height), and identifies a 22kV overhead service 4.5m from the canopy — requiring a No-Go Zone permit from Energex. On site, the groundie conducts the pre-start with both workers signing the register, inspects the chainsaw (chain brake functional, low-kickback chain fitted), and erects bunting around the drop zone. The climber wears AS/NZS 4453 Class 1 chaps, helmet with Class 5 earmuffs, and a fall-arrest harness anchored within the EWP basket. After 90 minutes of cutting, the climber rotates to chipping duties to manage HAVS exposure. The completed SWMS, sign-on register, and EWP logbook are retained for two years per Regulation 300, ready for production if a WHS inspector attends.

Related legislation

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth model) — sections 19, 27, 32
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 — Part 4.4 (Construction Work), Part 3.5 (Plant), Part 7.1 (Hazardous Chemicals)
• Electrical Safety Regulation (state-specific) — Safe Approach Distances to overhead powerlines
• Environmental Protection Act 1994 (QLD) and equivalents — green waste and noise nuisance provisions
• Local Government tree preservation orders and vegetation protection overlays

Frequently asked questions