Sunday, November 7, 2010

Be OSHA Compliant While Felling a Tree With The Right Safety Gear

If you have been searching for information on how to fell a tree then you have come to the right place. Inside this article I will share with you all the safety equipment that you need in order to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliant before you start your project. So if your in a rush I strongly suggest that you read this entire article right away so you can get on your way to started as soon as possible.

The reason OSHA has started enforcing such a strict set of regulations is that felling is the most fatal of all logging activities. With that being said it also just smarter to be as safe as possible when doing a dangerous activity.

Okay, now let's get down to the equipment that OSHA states in its regulations.

OSHA regulations that you need to wear the following when felling a tree:

1. Head Protection - This usually comes in the form a hard hat.

2. Eye and Face Protection - To protect your eyes you can wear safety glass or goggles. If you want to be more stylish I have seen tree fellers wear some dark shades even though these are not OSHA compliant. To protect your face you can always grab a ski mask or similar style mask. Just know that unless you are felling trees in the winter, it is going to be hot and you are going to sweat. So wearing that mask will be hot and uncomfortable.

3. Hearing Protection - This is real simple, get yourself a pair of ear plugs. Any cheap pair will do.

4. Leg Protection - Also to keep this simple a pair of blue jeans will suffice.

Some people wear knee pads or shin guards just for the extra protection. When felling a tree you never know what is going to happen.

5. Feet Protection - Steel toe boots is the only way to go. Stuff is going to fall on your feet and you want to have the utmost protection from anything that happens to fall and land your feet.

The above regulations are mandatory for professional tree fellers. If you cut trees every now and then, OSHA wants you to adhere to as many of the above regulations as possible. A good rule of thumb to follow is, when you purchase your chainsaw, if money permits you should purchase your safety gear at the same time also. As with anything this risky safety is of the utmost importance. OSHA is looking out for you best interest. These regulations were design with you in mind.