Tree Work Next to Railways
Working on trees next to railway lines requires meticulous planning, adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication with the railway operator.
The FISA Safety Guide 807 provides essential guidelines for ensuring safe practices during forestry and arboriculture operations near railway infrastructure. In this blog post, we will explore the key aspects covered in the guide to promote safe work practices in such environments.
Understanding Hazards: Working near railway lines demands a comprehensive understanding of the associated hazards. It is crucial to treat railway lines as operational and electrical equipment as live unless otherwise instructed by the Railway Operator. Falling trees can cause significant damage to infrastructure, derail trains, and disrupt rail services. Contact with overhead electrified lines or electrified rails can result in fatal electric shock and burn injuries. Additionally, proximity to trains and improper use of level crossings pose serious safety risks.
Competence: Individuals involved in tree management near railways must possess the necessary competence to carry out the required tasks. Working on railway property requires authorization and competence as determined by the railway operator.
Planning and Consultation: Forest managers and tree owners planning work within two tree lengths of the railway boundary must conduct a preliminary site visit to assess risks to the railway. If there is a risk, consultation with the Railway Operator is essential. Early engagement allows for a thorough assessment of risks and the development of appropriate protection arrangements. The Railway Operator can advise on safety requirements and whether supervision by appointed persons is necessary.
Preparing and Undertaking Work: Site-specific safety plans should be developed, incorporating the work safe agreement received from the Railway Operator. Consider weather conditions, slope angles, and estimated fall directions of trees and limbs when conducting site-specific risk assessments. If any doubt arises regarding railway safety, consult with the Railway Operator for guidance.
Planning Access Routes: If railway infrastructure is to be used for access or timber and machinery haulage, adhere to the asset's normal operating weight, height, and width limits. Assess the condition of the road surface and consult with the Railway Operator if concerns arise. Familiarize yourself with information notices on railway infrastructure and adhere to operating notices at level crossings, using them only for their intended purposes.
Undertaking Tree Work Next to Railways
Where trees are assessed as a risk to railway property you must agree with the Railway Operator the safest operational method of undertaking the work.
Felling or branch removal must be arranged so that cut material falls in a controlled manner. Always use assisted felling techniques where directional felling is required.
Always assess the site and weather conditions prior to undertaking felling or tree surgery operations. Stop and re-assess the method of work where changes in weather conditions increase the risk of a loss of control.
Plant and equipment used for assisting the felling or tree surgery work must be capable of handling the size, height and weight of the trees being worked on.
Plan the work so that any trees to be retained do not pose a risk to the railway during or at the end of the work. This includes ensuring that remaining trees are not over exposed by the removal of surrounding trees or that tree pruning does not unbalance crowns of remaining trees.
Where railway protection arrangements are in place the tree work teams must adhere to the safe system of work set up by railway personnel.
All members of the working group must be briefed on the safe system of work which will include the following:
The arrangements that protect the working group from trains;
the arrangements to protect the working group from any electrified equipment;
the limits of the protected zone where it is safe to work;
the start and finish time; and
the safe systems to be applied to allow the work to take place.
By following the recommendations outlined in the FISA Safety Guide 807, forestry and arboriculture professionals can ensure the safe execution of tree work near railways, minimizing risks to workers and preserving the integrity of rail operations.
