California Code of Regulations › Title 8 - Industrial Relations › Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations › Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety › Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders › Group 3 - General Plant Equipment and Special Operations › Article 12 - Tree Work, Maintenance or Removal › Section 3427 - Safe Work Procedures

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 28, July 12, 2024
(a) Climbing and Access.
(1) Prior to climbing the tree, the employer
						shall ensure that the tree, including the root collar, is visually inspected by
						a qualified tree worker who shall determine and ensure a safe method of entry
						into the tree. The location of all electrical conductors and equipment within
						the work area shall be identified in relation to the work being performed.
						Climbing lines, ropes, lanyards, and other climbing equipment shall be
						inspected in accordance with the provisions of Section
						3422(j) of this
						Article 12.
(A) Only when a tree cannot be
						safely accessed by climbing or the use of aerial devices, a qualified tree
						worker may be hoisted into position by using an approved tree worker's saddle
						secured to a crane's hook that shall be closed with a positive locking device.
						The tree worker's saddle shall also be secured to an independent line attached
						above the crane hook, and the following criteria shall be met:
1. All climbing equipment, lines and rigging
						shall have a minimum breaking strength of at least 5,000 pounds.
2. The crane boom and load line shall be
						moved in a slow, controlled, cautious manner with no sudden movements when the
						qualified tree worker is attached to the crane.
3. The requirements for hoisting employees by
						crane in a personnel platform contained in Sections
						5004(d)(2), (4), (5),
						(6), and
						5004(e) shall
						apply to the hoisting of a qualified tree worker suspended in an approved tree
						worker saddle.
4. Cranes used for
						tree work shall be equipped with a functional load indicating device.
5. The crane operator shall be familiar with
						the potential hazards and operational techniques encountered in tree
						work.
6. The qualified tree worker
						being hoisted shall be in continuous communication with the crane operator, or
						signals shall be relayed by a qualified signal person as provided in Section
						5001.
7. The crane operator shall remain at the
						controls when the qualified tree worker is attached to the crane.
8. The qualified tree worker shall be
						detached from the crane while the load is hoisted.
9. The employer shall ensure that the crane
						operator and qualified tree worker determine the weight of the load being
						lifted to prevent the crane from being overloaded.
10. The hoisting of a qualified tree worker
						shall be promptly discontinued upon indication of any dangerous weather
						conditions or other impending danger.
NOTE: 1. Other applicable provisions pertaining to
						  crane operations are contained in the General Industry Safety Orders, Group 13,
						  Cranes and Other Hoisting Equipment.
NOTE: 2. For line clearance tree trimming operations,
						  see Article 38 of the High Voltage Electrical Safety
						  Orders.