A Minimum Industry Standard for Site and Tree Hazard Assessment and the Selection of Appropriate Work Methods and Risk Controls
This document covers the work task of tree inspection prior to
conducting tree work operations. General principles of risk management
are presented to provide a framework for tree hazard inspection.
Site inspection, site management, tree identification, tree access
methods and techniques for pruning and removing trees are discussed
in the appropriate Minimum Industry Standards.
About the MIS Series
This book is one in a series of Minimum Industry Standards (MIS) produced by Arboriculture Australia Ltd and the New Zealand Arboricultural Association in consultation with the national arboriculture community in both countries. These industry peer-reviewed documents provide a ‘body of knowledge’ which is shared by practitioners and can be used as the basis for training, dissemination of skills and professional development.
MIS306 – Tree Inspection for Access and Work (2nd ed.) (Non-Member Price)
Section 1: Conducting site and tree inspections
Introduction to tree inspection
Risk management
- Risk management terminology
- Risk management process
- Risk control measures
- Safe Work Method Statements and risk controls
- Recording site inspection
- Recording tree inspection
- Work plans
Leading a site and tree inspection
Site inspection and site hazard
Tree inspection
- Inspect the site and local environment
- Inspect the structural root zone
- Inspect the tree trunk, stems and crown
Evaluating hazards
- Sounding
- Probing
- Pull (load) testing
Assessing tree structure and condition
- Growth habit and structure
- Branch and stem attachment
- Co-dominant stems
- Wood decay
- Fungi
- Cracks, splits and other structural defects
- Cavities and hollows
- Root damage
- Tree species and behaviour
Risk control measures for tree access and work
Section 2: Tree hazards
- Animal damage
- Branch unions
- Cracks or splits
- Deadwood
- Decay
- Electrical conductors
- Epicormic shoots
- Fire-damaged trees
- Fungal fruiting bodies
- Girdling roots
- Hangers
- Hollows and cavities
- Included bark
- Insect damage
- Insect swarms or nests
- Lean
- Lightning damage
- Mechanical damage
- Partial failure
- Previous failures
- Root plate lifting
- Swellings in trunk or in structural timber