Other ground workers should under- stand that they must not enter the drop zone to grab brush, move a rope, or speed up cleanup until the overhead hazard has ended, and the climber or ground lead has confirmed that it is safe. Productivity pressure must never override exclusion-zone discipline. On larger jobs, it may be necessary to assign a dedicated watchperson. That person should not be distracted by feeding a chipper, operating machin- ery, or performing unrelated tasks. Their focus should remain on con- trolling access and warning the crew when conditions change. ESTABLISH CLEAR COMMUNICATION Clear communication is essential when- ever overhead work is underway. Be- fore starting, the crew should agree on the words, signals, or radio procedures used to announce cuts, lower loads, stop work, and declare the area clear.
Simple, consistent commands are gen- erally the most effective. Examples may include:
ASSIGN ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Drop-zone safety works best when re- sponsibilities are clearly defined. Every worker should know who is in charge of the overall job, who communicates with the climber, who monitors pub- lic access, and who manages ropes or equipment. The climber is responsible for evaluat- ing conditions in the tree, communicat- ing intended cuts, and avoiding releas- es until the area has been confirmed clear. The climber should not rely sole- ly on visual assumptions; ground con- ditions can change quickly. The designated ground lead or quali- fied crew member should confirm that the drop zone is clear before authoriz- ing a cut or lowering operation. This person may also coordinate the ground crew, monitor pedestrian access, and ensure that ropes are managed safely.
•“Stand clear.” •“Rope coming down.” •“Lowering.” •“Cutting.” •“Heads up.” •“Stop.” •“All clear.”
The exact words may vary by com- pany, but everyone on the crew must understand them. A command should be given loudly enough for the intend- ed workers to hear or communicate through reliable radios when noise, distance, or equipment makes verbal communication difficult. Before releasing material, the climber should receive confirmation that the area is clear through an agreed-upon
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