Landscaping · Australia

SWMS for tree removal

By SiteSortedBuilt from Safe Work Australia and state regulator guidance · How we write and check theseUpdated 9 November 2026

Yes. Tree removal usually includes high risk construction work (risk of a person falling more than 2 metres; work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant), so a SWMS is required by law before work starts.

It must list the hazards, the controls and how they will be put in place, monitored and reviewed, and the workers must be consulted and sign before starting. The main hazards are falling from height, road traffic, EWP tip-over or crush and falling tools and materials.

Make this SWMS now Word template PDF

SWMS example: tree removal

This is a complete SWMS for tree removal, with 10 job steps. Open it in the builder to add your site, crew and signatures, change anything, and download a PDF. Or download the free Word template below and fill it in by hand.

Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Tree removal and pruning with a chainsaw · Landscaping · Example

Document SWMS-001 · Rev 1

High risk construction work covered

Risk of a person falling more than 2 metresWork in an area with movement of powered mobile plant

Job steps, hazards and controls

#	Job step	Hazards	Risk before	Controls	Risk after
1	Assess the tree for lean, decay and dead wood, check for power lines and buildings, and plan escape routes; keep 2 tree lengths clear when felling	Contact with overhead power lines Falling tools and materials	High	Ask the network operator to turn off, move or insulate the lines before work starts. Eliminate Use non-conductive (fibreglass) ladders near any power lines. Substitute Mark the safe distance with flags, tape or goal posts and keep all plant and people outside it. Isolate Keep out of the No Go Zone set by your state and the network operator, or get written approval and a safety observer. In NSW and Qld, untrained people and plant stay at least 3 m from lines on poles up to 132 kV, 6 m up to 330 kV and 8 m above 330 kV. In Victoria the limits differ, and work within 8 m of tower lines needs a spotter and the network operator's permission. Administrative Use a dedicated spotter whenever plant moves or raises anything near lines. Administrative Treat all lines as live. If plant touches a line, stay in the cab and keep everyone well away. Administrative Barricade and sign the drop zone under overhead work so nobody walks beneath. Isolate Fit toe boards, kick plates and mesh screens on scaffolds and edges. Engineering Falling tools and materials: see step 7 for the full controls Administrative	Medium
2	Set up the drop zone with barriers and traffic or pedestrian control	Public entering the work area Road traffic	Extreme	Fence off the site with secure temporary fencing and lock the gates when you leave. Isolate Give pedestrians a safe, marked path around the work, with ramps for prams and wheelchairs. Isolate Use hoarding, covered walkways or catch fans where work is above public areas. Engineering Put signs at each entry: site name, contact number and "No unauthorised entry". Administrative Make the site safe at the end of each day: cover holes, lower plant, remove ladders and lock tools away. Administrative Use a spotter when moving plant or materials across public paths. Administrative Do the work at low-traffic times, or close the road or lane with approval. Eliminate Put solid barriers between the work and traffic where speeds are high, not just cones. Isolate Use a truck-mounted attenuator or buffer vehicle on high speed roads. Engineering Have a Traffic Management Plan. Signs and cones are set out by accredited traffic controllers to your state's rules. Administrative Get a road occupancy or street works permit from the road authority before you start. Administrative Park work vehicles to shield the work zone, with beacons on. Administrative Wear day and night hi-vis clothing (AS/NZS 4602.1). PPE	Medium
3	Check the chainsaw, chain brake and PPE before starting	Chainsaw injuries Loud noise	High	Use a different tool where you can, such as a pole saw or hand saw for small branches. Substitute Use a saw with a working chain brake, chain catcher and low-kickback chain, kept sharp and tensioned. Engineering Only trained operators use chainsaws. Administrative Never cut above shoulder height or from a ladder. Administrative When felling, keep everyone at least two tree lengths away. Administrative Do not cut any tree or branch that could fall onto or into the No Go Zone of power lines. That work is only done by line clearance workers authorised by the network operator. Administrative Wear chainsaw chaps, chainsaw boots, gloves, a helmet with face screen and hearing protection. PPE Use quieter tools and methods, such as cut-to-size materials, low-noise machines and battery tools. Substitute Keep noisy plant away from work areas, and use screens or distance between the noise and people. Isolate Loud noise: see step 10 for the full controls Administrative	Medium
4	Look for nests, wasps and snakes before climbing or cutting	Bites and stings	Medium	Check work areas before starting, and get pest control to remove nests. Eliminate Look before you reach into dark spaces. Administrative Ask owners to keep pets away from the work area. Administrative Know who has allergies and keep their medication, such as an adrenaline auto-injector, close by. Administrative Know snake bite first aid: pressure immobilisation bandage, keep still and call 000. Administrative Wear gloves, long sleeves and boots. Use insect repellent outdoors. PPE	Medium
5	Set up the EWP on firm ground outside the drop zone	EWP tip-over or crush Contact with overhead power lines	Extreme	Check the ground before setting up. Use outriggers and spreader pads, and keep clear of trenches, pits and slopes. Engineering Use a platform with tilt alarm and secondary guarding (anti-entrapment) where there is an overhead crush risk. Engineering Hold a High Risk Work Licence (WP) for boom-type EWPs with a boom of 11 metres or more. Under 11 metres and scissor lifts: trained and assessed (for example EWPA Yellow Card). Administrative Do a pre-start check each day. Keep a trained person on the ground who can lower the platform in an emergency. Administrative Have a written emergency and rescue plan, tested before work starts, for a worker stuck in the platform or hanging in a harness (WHS Regulations r.80). Administrative Never exceed the safe working load, climb on the rails or use a ladder in the basket. Administrative In boom-type platforms, wear a harness clipped to the basket anchor point. PPE Contact with overhead power lines: see step 1 for the full controls Administrative	Medium
6	Cut from the ground or the EWP, never from a ladder	Falling from height Chainsaw injuries	Extreme	Do the work from the ground where you can, for example pre-assemble on the ground or use extension poles. Eliminate Install guardrails or edge protection on all open edges before work starts. Isolate Use a scaffold, mobile work platform or EWP instead of working off a ladder. Engineering Where edge protection is not practical, use a fall restraint or fall arrest system on a rated anchor point. Engineering Everyone working at height holds a White Card and has been briefed on this SWMS before going up. Administrative Have a written emergency and rescue plan, tested before work starts, so a worker hanging in a harness can be brought down within minutes (WHS Regulations r.80). Administrative Wear a full body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard, clipped on at all times when using fall arrest. PPE Chainsaw injuries: see step 3 for the full controls Administrative	Medium
7	Drop limbs in sections into the clear drop zone. Before cutting bent or loaded wood, work out which side is under tension and stand clear of where it will spring	Falling tools and materials	High	Barricade and sign the drop zone under overhead work so nobody walks beneath. Isolate Fit toe boards, kick plates and mesh screens on scaffolds and edges. Engineering Use catch fans, debris netting or covered walkways where people pass below. Engineering Tether hand tools when working at height. Engineering Keep platforms tidy. Do not stack materials near edges or above toe board height. Administrative Lower materials with a hoist, chute or rope. Never throw or drop anything down. Administrative Wear a hard hat anywhere objects could fall. PPE	Medium
8	Fell the stem with a scarf cut on the felling side and a back cut that leaves a hinge, call a warning, then step back along the planned escape route	Falling tools and materials Chainsaw injuries	High	Falling tools and materials: see step 7 for the full controls Administrative Chainsaw injuries: see step 3 for the full controls Administrative	Medium
9	Refuel with the engine off and the saw cool, on bare ground away from ignition, using an approved fuel can, with an extinguisher at the vehicle	Fire and emergencies	High	Provide fire extinguishers suited to the site, checked and easy to reach. Engineering Keep exits and escape routes clear and signed. Engineering Have a site emergency plan: alarm, exits, assembly point and emergency contacts. Administrative Keep a stocked first aid kit and at least one trained first aider on site. Administrative Know the site address and how emergency services get in. Call 000. Administrative Go through the emergency plan with every worker and visitor at induction. Administrative Keep flammable materials and rubbish away from exits and escape routes. Administrative	Medium
10	Chip or stack wood: feed the chipper butt first from the side, never reach past the feed control bar or kick material in, and stop and isolate it before clearing a jam; then clean up	Lifting and carrying heavy loads Hand-arm and whole-body vibration Loud noise Poor housekeeping and waste	High	Plan to avoid carrying: have materials delivered, and old items picked up, as close as possible to where they are used. Eliminate Use lighter or smaller loads: order smaller bags and shorter lengths, and drain or break down old items before moving them. Substitute Use trolleys, pallet jacks, hoists, vacuum lifters or plant instead of carrying by hand. Engineering Use a two-person lift for anything heavy, long or awkward. Plan the route first and clear it. Administrative Use low-vibration tools and methods, such as a breaker on an excavator instead of a hand jackhammer. Substitute Keep tools sharp and well maintained, and use anti-vibration handles and seats. Engineering Limit trigger time on high-vibration tools and rotate workers. Administrative Keep hands warm and dry, and take regular breaks. Administrative Use quieter tools and methods, such as cut-to-size materials, low-noise machines and battery tools. Substitute Keep noisy plant away from work areas, and use screens or distance between the noise and people. Isolate Keep tools maintained and use mufflers on compressors and generators. Engineering Limit time on noisy tools and rotate workers. Administrative Keep exposure below 85 dB(A) over 8 hours. Give hearing tests to workers who often need hearing protection. Administrative Order materials to size and send packaging back where you can. Eliminate Put skip bins and waste chutes close to the work. Engineering Clean as you go, and do a full clean up at the end of each day. Administrative Keep exits, stairs and walkways clear at all times. Administrative	Medium

PPE

Chainsaw chapsHard hatFace shieldHearing protection (earmuffs or plugs)Work glovesSteel cap bootsHi-vis shirt or vestSafety glassesCut-resistant glovesOverallsSafety harness and lanyard

Plant and equipment

Chainsaw: Chainsaw operation competency (nationally recognised unit)Boom lift (EWP): HRWL WP for boom-type EWPs with a boom of 11 m or more. Under 11 m: trained and assessed (e.g. EWPA Yellow Card)TrailerHand tools

Permits and plans

Working at heights permit

Emergency

Call 000. Add the nearest hospital, the assembly point and the first aider for your site.

Sign-off

Supervisor and every worker sign to confirm they have read and understood this SWMS.

Page 1 of the free tree removal SWMS template: business details, high risk construction work and job steps with hazards, risk ratings and controls

Free SWMS template for tree removal

Word (.docx) and PDF, A4 landscape, no email needed. Fill in your site details, then print or send it.

Word template (.docx)PDF template

Make yours in 2 minutes

Same document, filled in for your job. Answer a few yes or no questions, the crew signs on the phone, and you send the PDF.

Start this SWMS

Pre-start checklist for tree removal

Tick these off before work starts. They come from the hazards, permits and equipment in this job.

SWMS read, explained and signed by everyone on the job
Edge protection installed and checked before anyone works above 2 m
Elevating work platform pre-start check done and the operator is ticketed
Overhead lines identified and safe distances marked
Exclusion zone and spotter set up for plant and traffic
Exclusion zone below the work and public kept out
First aider, first aid kit and emergency number (000) confirmed
PPE checked and worn: chainsaw chaps, hard hat, face shield, hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs)

The safe sequence of work

Assess the tree for lean, decay and dead wood, check for power lines and buildings, and plan escape routes; keep 2 tree lengths clear when felling
Set up the drop zone with barriers and traffic or pedestrian control
Check the chainsaw, chain brake and PPE before starting
Look for nests, wasps and snakes before climbing or cutting
Set up the EWP on firm ground outside the drop zone
Cut from the ground or the EWP, never from a ladder
Drop limbs in sections into the clear drop zone. Before cutting bent or loaded wood, work out which side is under tension and stand clear of where it will spring
Fell the stem with a scarf cut on the felling side and a back cut that leaves a hinge, call a warning, then step back along the planned escape route
Refuel with the engine off and the saw cool, on bare ground away from ignition, using an approved fuel can, with an extinguisher at the vehicle
Chip or stack wood: feed the chipper butt first from the side, never reach past the feed control bar or kick material in, and stop and isolate it before clearing a jam; then clean up

Hazards to watch on tree removal

The hazards most specific to this job, and the step where each one comes up.

Step 3, 6, 8Chainsaw injuriesChainsaw kickback or contact with the chain causes deep cuts to the legs, arms and face.

Step 4Bites and stingsSnakes, spiders, wasps and bees in roof spaces, under floors and in long grass bite or sting workers.

Step 5EWP tip-over or crushThe platform tips on soft or sloping ground, the worker is crushed against a beam or ceiling, or is thrown out of the basket.

Step 2Road trafficPassing cars and trucks hit workers or plant working on or next to a road.

Step 9Fire and emergenciesA fire, injury or other emergency happens and workers cannot get out, raise the alarm or get first aid in time.

Step 1, 5Contact with overhead power linesA ladder, EWP, crane, tipper or long length of material touches or gets close to an overhead line and electrocutes people.

Highest risk on tree removal: Extreme before controls (B), down to Medium after controls (A), on the Australia 5 by 5 risk matrix (likely and catastrophic becomes unlikely and major).

What changes on your site

This example covers the job itself. Your site may add more. Add controls for any of these that apply (the builder asks you these as yes or no questions):

Will anyone use a ladder or stepladder?
Will anyone work on a roof?
Is there a skylight, clear sheet, fibro or other fragile roofing?
Will you use a scaffold or mobile tower?
Was the building built before 2004?

Licences and legal requirements in Australia

This task can involve these high risk construction work categories under the WHS Regulations:

Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant

Equipment on this job that needs a licence, ticket or training:

Chainsaw: Chainsaw operation competency (nationally recognised unit)
Boom lift (EWP): HRWL WP for boom-type EWPs with a boom of 11 m or more. Under 11 m: trained and assessed (e.g. EWPA Yellow Card)

A SWMS must be prepared before any high risk construction work starts. It must list the high risk work, the hazards and risks, the control measures, and how those controls will be put in place, monitored and reviewed. It must be easy for the workers to read and understand.

Rules that apply: WHS Regulation 2011, Part 3.2 (falling objects); WHS Regulation 2011, Part 4.1 Noise; WHS Regulation 2011, Part 4.5 High risk work; WHS Regulation 2011, Part 4.4 Falls; WHS Regulation 2011, regulation 43 (emergency plans); WHS Regulation 2011, Part 4.2 Hazardous manual tasks.

Each state has its own regulator and some extra rules: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Australian Capital Territory.

Why SWMS get rejected

Principal contractors send documents back for these reasons. This example avoids them, but check yours too.

It is generic: another site address, tasks that are not on this job, or no sign it was reviewed for this site. WorkSafe WA says a generic SWMS may not meet the regulations unless it is reviewed and amended for the workplace.
The HRCW boxes are not ticked, or the ticks do not match the tasks (for example a roof job with no falls box ticked).
Falls are controlled only by "be careful", training or a harness, with no edge protection or scaffold and no reason why higher controls are not reasonably practicable.
Workers will clip on to a harness but there is no rescue plan for someone left hanging.
The "how controls are implemented, monitored and reviewed" part is missing, or it says the same thing on every row.
No worker sign-on, no person responsible for compliance, or a date given to the principal contractor that is before they actually received it.
Licence or White Card details are missing for workers operating plant or doing licensed high risk work.

Questions

Do I need a SWMS for tree removal?

Who signs the SWMS?

The person conducting the business (PCBU) or their supervisor prepares it with the workers, and every worker doing the high risk work signs to show they were consulted and understand it. Give a copy to the principal contractor before work starts.

How long do I keep it?

Keep this SWMS, and every revised version, until the high risk construction work is finished, where workers and inspectors can see it on site. If a notifiable incident happens during the work, keep it for at least 2 years after the incident.

What PPE is needed for tree removal?

Usually Chainsaw chaps, Hard hat, Face shield, Hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs), Work gloves, Steel cap boots, Hi-vis shirt or vest, Safety glasses, Cut-resistant gloves, Overalls, Safety harness and lanyard. The site rules may add more, so check with the principal contractor.

More landscaping SWMS

SWMSRetaining Wall Construction10 steps SWMSPaving5 steps SWMSTurf Laying5 steps SWMSFence Installation6 steps SWMSIrrigation Installation5 steps SWMSGarden Maintenance6 steps

Related jobs in other trades

RoofingGutter ReplacementAlso involves public entering the work area RoofingRoof Tile ReplacementAlso involves contact with overhead power lines ConcretingConcrete Slab PourAlso involves contact with overhead power lines Excavation and earthworksTrenchingAlso involves contact with overhead power lines ScaffoldingScaffold ErectionAlso involves contact with overhead power lines Welding and fabricationStructural Steel ErectionAlso involves contact with overhead power lines

Toolbox talks for this job

Toolbox talkOverhead Power Lines Toolbox talkExtension Leads and Power Tools Toolbox talkHearing Protection and Noise Toolbox talkHand-Arm Vibration

Blank SWMS template: free SWMS templates. Also for other countries: United Kingdom (RAMS) · United States (JHA) · Canada (FLHA)