When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and landscaping & tree surgery teams carrying out tree surgery & pruning — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised site & general hazards for this task, with the controls a reviewer expects to see.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 9 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 9-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Climbing or MEWP tree surgery and pruning with chainsaws.
Sequence of works
- 1Pre-work planning: Conduct a site-specific risk assessment and tree survey. Identify target tree species, condition, decay, dead wood, and proximity to structures, overhead lines, and public areas. Confirm preferred work method (climbing or MEWP).
- 2Establish exclusion zone: Erect physical barriers and warning signage around the entire work area. Appoint a dedicated ground supervisor to manage the zone and communicate with the climber throughout. Notify occupants/neighbours.
- 3Equipment checks: Inspect all climbing equipment, harnesses, ropes, rigging gear, and the chainsaw (chain brake, chain tension, anti-vibration mounts, fuel/oil levels) before use. If using a MEWP, complete pre-use inspection and verify ground-bearing capacity.
- 4Brief all team members: Conduct toolbox talk covering the work plan, individual roles, communication signals, hazards identified, exclusion zone limits, and the aerial rescue procedure. Confirm all operators hold valid NPTC/IPAF certificates.
- 5Ascent and establishment: Climber ascends using a certified climbing system, or MEWP operator positions platform. Climbing anchor is established in sound wood above the work zone. Ground crew clear the drop zone and stand clear.
- 6Pruning/dismantling operations: Climber removes sections using approved cutting techniques and controlled rigging/lowering where required. Chainsaw engaged only when body is in a secure, balanced position with both feet supported. Chain brake applied between cuts.
- 7Ground clearance: Ground crew process, chip, or stack brash and timber sections away from the work zone. Rigging ropes cleared from the ground after each lowered section. Maintain housekeeping continuously.
- 8Descent and post-work: Climber descends only after confirming all intended work is complete and tools are lowered to the ground. MEWP lowered and travel-locked. All equipment accounted for and inspected after use.
- 9Site clearance and handover: Remove all equipment, barriers, and arisings. Inspect the site for residual hazards (exposed roots, low stumps, saw cuts on branches). Advise client of any ongoing hazards (e.g. decay found, recommended further works).
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Fall from height
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Assess whether an elevating work platform (MEWP) can be used to eliminate free climbing; only use climbing where MEWP access is genuinely impracticable.
- › Establish a drop zone exclusion radius (minimum 2× tree height as guide) cordoned with barriers/cones; no unauthorised persons within zone during aerial work.
- › Climber uses a certified arborist climbing system (harness, rope, friction hitch) inspected before each use by a competent person; MEWP harness with short lanyard anchored to basket anchor point.
- › Full body or sit harness to EN 361, climbing helmet with chin strap to EN 397/EN 12492, and approved arborist chainsaw PPE worn at all times aloft.
Struck by falling branch or wood
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use rigging ropes, pulleys and lowering devices to control descent of cut sections rather than allowing them to free-fall. Competent rigger required on the ground.
- › Ground supervisor maintains continuous exclusion zone and ensures no one enters the drop zone. Verbal and visual communication maintained with climber at all times.
- › All ground workers and climbers wear EN 397 or EN 12492 arborist helmet with face screen and neck protection within the work zone.
Chainsaw contact injury
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Only operators holding current relevant NPTC/Lantra chainsaw certificates (CS30/CS31 for ground, CS38 for aerial) to operate chainsaws. Certificates verified before work commences.
- › Ensure chainsaw is fitted with a functioning chain brake and nose guard; chain brake tested before each use. Saw isolated (chain brake engaged) when moving between cuts.
- › Operator wears EN ISO 11393 chainsaw trousers/chaps (Class 1 minimum ground, Class 2 for aerial), cut-resistant gloves EN 381-7, chainsaw boots EN ISO 20345/EN 381-3, and forestry helmet with visor and ear defenders.
Noise-induced hearing loss
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Schedule work to reduce individual daily chainsaw running time; rotate operators to keep exposure below 85 dB(A) LEP,d where reasonably practicable.
- › Provide SNR-rated ear defenders (minimum SNR 25 dB) integrated in forestry helmet or worn as muffs; mandatory for all chainsaw operators and workers within audible range.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Calculate daily vibration exposure (EAV/ELV) using manufacturer HAV data. Implement job rotation to limit individual exposure. Maintain exposure records for all operatives.
- › Provide and ensure use of certified anti-vibration gloves (EN ISO 10819) where vibrating tools must be used manually. Note: gloves are a supplementary, not primary, control.
- › Select professional chainsaws with manufacturer-declared low vibration values and anti-vibration mounts; check and maintain anti-vibration bushes regularly.
Public struck by falling debris or vehicle
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Erect physical barriers (cones, tape, interlocking barriers as appropriate) around the entire work area including access routes. Signage must warn of overhead work.
- › Appoint a dedicated ground person to manage the exclusion zone, communicate with the climber, and intercept members of the public or vehicles attempting to enter the work area.
- › Notify property occupants, neighbours, and relevant parties (e.g. school, care home) in advance. Agree access restrictions and timings where feasible.
MEWP overturning or entrapment
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Competent person assesses ground conditions before MEWP deployment. Outrigger pads used on soft or uneven ground. MEWP selected for the terrain (tracked spider MEWP where necessary).
- › Only operators holding current IPAF PAL card (category relevant to machine, e.g. 3b boom) permitted to operate MEWP.
- › Brief all ground personnel on ground-level emergency lower controls before work starts. Rescue plan to be in place for operator entrapment or incapacitation at height.
Slips, trips and falls at ground level
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Designate a brash/chipping drop zone away from walkways and access routes. Clear rigging ropes and equipment from pedestrian paths between cuts.
- › All operatives wear chainsaw-protective, ankle-supporting boots with anti-slip soles suitable for the terrain (EN ISO 20345 S3 minimum).
Climber lone working / incapacitation aloft
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › A minimum of two competent persons must be present on site whenever a climber is working aloft with a chainsaw. Lone working aloft is not permitted.
- › A written rescue plan specific to the tree and work method is prepared before climbing begins. Ground worker trained and equipped to perform or assist aerial rescue. Plan includes calling 999 if rescue not achievable.
- › Ground operator trained in emergency first aid and aware of suspension trauma risk; trauma straps or foot loops available to relieve load on harness if climber is suspended unconscious.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
Competence
- ✓ NPTC/City & Guilds chainsaw and tree-work certificates of competence (CS30/31/38 or equivalent units) for the specific operation
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Welfare units and signage
- › Barriers, cones and pedestrian segregation
- › First-aid kits and eye-wash
- › Spill kits
- › Communication (radios / lone-worker device)
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ Welfare provision matching CDM 2015 Schedule 2
- ✓ Traffic management and pedestrian routes
- ✓ Lone-working check-in arrangements where relevant
- ✓ The document is site-specific — real address, access arrangements and dates, not a generic template
- ✓ Hazards match the actual task and the controls are specific (not “take care” and “use PPE”)
- ✓ Named supervisor and competent person, with operative sign-off space
- ✓ Emergency and rescue arrangements that work for this site
The report builder runs these as pre-submission checks before you download — or run an existing document through the free RAMS pre-submission checker.
Frequently asked questions
Who should write a tree surgery & pruning RAMS?
Someone competent to plan the work — usually the contractor doing the job or their supervisor. A template like this gives you the recognised hazards and controls for tree surgery & pruning, but the person signing it off must review it as the competent person and confirm it matches the actual site and method.
How long is the RAMS valid for?
Until something changes — there's no fixed expiry in law. Review it if the method, site conditions, equipment or people change, after any incident or near miss, and at sensible intervals on longer jobs. Date the review and re-brief the team.
What regulations apply to tree surgery & pruning?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, PUWER 1998 — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are the main ones, alongside Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3, LOLER 1998 — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, reg 3 — risk assessment. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a RAMS need to be site-specific?
Yes — this is the most common reason documents get sent back. Principal contractors reject generic copy-paste RAMS. Your document should name the site, access arrangements, dates, supervisor and any site-specific hazards. The RamsDocs builder fills these in for you and flags what's missing before you download.
Is this template free?
Yes — everything on RamsDocs is free during early access, including building a site-specific version of this RAMS and downloading the PDF. No card required.