3. Safety Plan and SOP.pdf

Table of Contents 1 Purpose and Framework

2 Affected Post-fire Environments

2.1 Snag Fall Rates

2.2 Dynamics of the post-fire environment and safety considerations

2.3 Post-fire treatments to abate hazards

3 Program and Project Planning

3.1 Risk Assessments and Job Hazard Analyses

4 Pre-Work Assessment

5 Standard Operating Procedures Common to all Field Activities

6 Organizational Risk Management

7 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

8 Emergency Evacuation Procedures (EEP)

9 Plumas Nation Forest Repeater Site Map

Post-Fire Restoration Safety Plan and SOPs

Safety Plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) For Post-fire Restoration Projects

THIS SAFETY, STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM THE DATE SIGNED;

1 Purpose and Framework As result of the Regional priority on post-fire restoration and rapid obligation of fire settlement funds, an ambitious program is underway in the footprint of the Storrie Fire (burned in 2000) Rich (burned in 2008) and Moonlight fires. Much of this will occur in severely burned stands dominated by dead trees

– or snags- which can create hazardous conditions particularly as deterioration of snags progresses several years after the burn.

Due to the unique nature and large scale of this work, a formal work site Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is required and needed. An inspection of the worksites has been conducted by a qualified health & safety specialist per FSM 6709. This inspection provided recommendations and direction on how we ensure that these projects meet Agency and OSHA guidelines, and are in line with Province, Regional, and Agency standards for safety and job hazard analyses.

There are a few factors which make these large-scale post-fire restoration projects unique.

Some of these projects require activities such as surveys, monitoring and site preparation in unsalvaged timbered areas where the hazard of standing and deteriorating snags has not been abated through timber harvest or felling;

The large acre target necessitates extensive person hours working in and about hazardous field conditions;

Working under snags for long periods of time - all day for significant periods of the field season (4-5 months) - making it difficult to minimize exposure to hazardous conditions;

Workers have the potential to become complacent to hazards as it becomes more familiar and is a daily work environment;

The projects are occurring several years after the fire when deterioration or partial deterioration (tops, limbs) is in progress so hazardous field conditions are both dynamic and variable.

Both the Plumas National Forest and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Region 5 take responsibility for providing all employees a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to serious injury;

serious harm; or cause death, to comply with the General Duty Clause from the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 (OSHA). Compliance with all applicable OSHA standards is mandatory. The Standard Operating Procedures outlined in this plan were developed in collaboration with Plumas staff, program managers, and the District project personnel. This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) offers added instruction for the safe procedures to be taken while working on this project and should be considered safety requirements for the project

This plan is intended for use on multiple fires, whether they fall within the fire settlement restoration program or fall within our normal vegetation management program of work. It is designed to address working in recently burned fires (0-4 years), older fires (greater than four years), and re-burn fires (fire landscapes that have burned twice within the recent past). Some of the fires landscapes that may apply include:

• The 1999 Pendola Fire • The 2008 Rich Fire

• The 2000 Storrie Fire • The 2008 Cold Fire

• The 2001 Stream Fire • The 2009 Silver Fire

• The 2006 Boulder Fire • The 2010 Bar Fire

• The 2007 Antelope Complex Fire • The 2012 Chips Fire

• The 2007 Moonlight Fire • The 2013 Hough Complex

2 Affected Post-fire Environments Fire-killed or fire-injured trees and the overhead hazards they present to the public, employees, contractors, and our partners is the largest safety concern within these post-fire environments. These hazards, like the post-fire environment, are dynamic over time. For example, immediately after a fire event, the major pathways for tree failure may be more mechanistic as the result of fire injury and physical consumption of wood that compromises the structural integrity of the tree. Multiple years after the fire the major pathways for tree failure may be more related to deterioration and decomposition of wood by insects and fungal agents that compromise the structural integrity of the tree. In either case, these fire-killed and fire-injured trees may fail in part, by shedding limbs or tops, or in entirety by failing at the roots, base or bole of the tree. Figure 1 displays some examples of how trees may fail.

Figure 1 The photo on the left displays a tree that has "shed" its limbs within 1-3 years post-fire. The photo on the right displays a "Hanger" or “widow-maker” that is hung up in another tree; This has an imminent probability of falling during a wind event.

Environmental factors that can contribute to these failures include precipitation and wind. Precipitation can saturate wood and soils, which can contribute to the weight of dead wood and facilitate the movement of soil. This allows for structural failure at the root wad so the entire tree comes down.

Precipitation events that contribute to saturated soil conditions could increase periods of risk after the storm event has passed. Winds provide a mechanistic force which acts upon these dead trees and compromised wood integrity fails when the force is great enough. The photo on the right shown in Figure 1 has two “hung-up” trees (on in the foreground and one in the background) that has a high probability of falling during a wind or precipitation event.

2.1 Snag Fall Rates

Based on local experience and observation from district staff, most snags are expected to fall within 25 years post-fire with smaller trees falling sooner. This is generally consistent with the literature on snagfall in the western regions.

• Dahm (1949) studied the fall rate of very mature ponderosa pine snags. When considering all trees within Dahm’s study site, 78 percent of the trees had fallen 22 years post fire with an average of 3 trees per acre still standing.

• Passovoy and Fule (2007) observed in their study that “few fire created snags remained by the 27th year post-fire.” It should also be noted that fire-killed stands have been observed to have higher and faster rates of snagfall than the “natural background mortality” snagfall.

• These local observations are generally consistent with trends described in the Russell (2006) study showing that fire-killed snags have lower half lives.

• A Chambers and Mast study (2005) suggests differences in burned and unburned snag fall rates concluding that burned snags fell faster at a higher rate than unburned snags.

• Ritchie et al (2013) found that fire-killed snags fell rapidly over time leading to elevated accumulations of surface fuels in unsalvaged areas. In addition, in salvaged areas most snags fell within 8 years of the fire. They observed that most snags fell in pulses during high wind events during the fall and winter months, and that larger trees fell in part, while smaller trees fell in entirety. They also observed that white fir snags tended to be more stable than pine.

• Forest Health and Protection (FHP) monitoring of fire-injured trees has revealed the failure of 8-inch to 24-inch DBH red and white fir, with green crowns, in as little as three years with the rate of failure increasing dramatically after the fourth year post-fire, especially in conjunction with high winds or heavy snows (Cluck 2007).

These studies underscore the long-term risk and potential for danger trees to persist compromising safety in the absence of treatment. They also provide trends that can be applied to mitigating exposure such as avoiding areas during fall and winter months or storm events. In addition since smaller trees are

a) found in greater numbers, b) more uniformly distributed across forested stands, c) prone to faster fall rates, and d) contribute to elevated accumulations of surface fuels which impeded travel along ingress/egress and escape routes, these trees should receive priority for abatement. .

2.2 Dynamics of the post-fire environment and safety considerations The quantity, arrangement, and continuity of overhead hazards, the availability of safety zones, and impediments to safe ingress/egress along escape routes are another factor that needs to be considered.

This too has a dynamic element. Immediately post fire and in the first few years following fire, this may not be as concerning since trees have not deteriorated or are only in the initial phases of colonization of deterioration agents such as insects and disease. However, as time since fire progresses, deterioration increases as does snag fall. Over time this fallen material accumulates on the forest floor in a jack-straw arrangement that may be an impediment to quick and efficient travel. In addition, regenerating shrubs quickly dominate the site in terms of cover within three to four years post-fire. High amounts of shrub cover (50- 100 percent cover) of mature shrubs (3 – 5 ft. in height) growing in an intermix of snags and down material can reduce ingress and egress, limit escape routes, and serve as a general impediment to safe and efficient travel in these areas.

Figure 2 Typical stand conditions in the Chips fire immediately after the burn. Trees have not yet begun to deteriorate and fail, and there is no undergrowth that would impede travel. The second photo shows stand conditions seven years after the fire. Trees are deteriorating and have fallen in entirety and in part. Down woody material has accumulated in a jack-straw arrangement and is intermixed with knee to waist high brush which impedes travel and limits ingress/egress and escape routes. Hung up trees and standing snags create conditions where there are very few safety zones.

Figure 3 Stand conditions in the Antelope Complex fire seven years after a fire. Trees are deteriorating and have fallen in entirety and in part. Down woody material has accumulated in a jack-straw arrangement and is intermixed with knee to waist high brush which impedes travel and limits ingress/egress and escape routes.

Hung up trees and standing snags create conditions where there are very few safety zones.

Figure 4 Stand Conditions in the Storrie Fire twelve years after a fire. Most trees have lost many of their limbs and bark. Deterioration is in advanced stages as indicated by partial limb/top fall observed in nearly all trees.

Accumulating downed wood and shrub growth on the forest floor can slow if not completely impede travel.

Re-burns, specifically re-burns that burn within two decades of the original fire, can complicate these hazards. The re-burn can help consume and fall many of the original standing snags which help to eliminate the overhead hazards, but many residual standing snags may persist. The structural integrity of these snags may be even more complicated by partial consumption of the second fire. While some of the physical impediments to travel along the forest floor may be reduced or temporarily eliminated (downed logs and shrubs, respectively), these compromised residual standing snags prove to be a hazard.

Figure 5 Re-burn conditions may be particularly hazardous. This photo is the same stand in the Storrie Fire shown above in Figure 4, but burned again in the 2012 Chips fire. Deteriorating snags that are burned a second time may be particularly dangerous due to deteriorating wood conditions exacerbated by partial consumption in the second (re-burn) fire. While downed fuel and shrubs have been greatly reduced, standing residual snags may be particularly hazardous.

2.3 Post-fire treatments to abate hazards

Salvage and site preparation treatments can be used to abate standing snag hazards. This not only reduces overhead hazards but reduces long term accumulations of dead trees that can impede ingress/egress and contribute to fuel loads. While many of these treatments retain snags for wildlife and resource values, typically enough snags have been removed/treated to a) create safety zones and b) improve ingress/egress along escape routes.

It should be noted that Russell’s (2006) study observed that snags fell much faster in areas that had been logged. Furthermore, the Russell (2006) study showed that ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, two of the most common occurring species on the Plumas, have a half-life of 7 – 16 years depending on whether the area had been salvaged logged or not with ponderosa pine predicted to fall sooner than Douglas-fir. This is largely due to the fact that retained snags after treatment are more exposed to elements such as wind. However, the creation of safety zones and escape routes through salvage logging and/or site prep treatments helps mitigate exposure to these retained snags and improves egress by reducing dead snags accumulating on the ground.

Figure 6 and Figure 7 display examples of post-fire environments where snags have been abated through salvage logging and site prep, respectively.

Figure 6 Post-fire salvage and site prep where snag accumulations have been significantly reduced. While snags have still been retained for resource value, safety is greatly improved by removing the vast majority of snags.

We can safely work in these areas, even under the snags as long as we mitigate exposure (get in, get out, and avoid these areas during wind or wet weather conditions).

Figure 7 Post-fire site prep can also abate snags hazards and create safety zones (snag free sones) to accommodate long term access for post fire restoration work. While snags are still retained for resource values, site prep activities significantly abate standing snags, particularly smaller snags that have faster fall rates after the fire. Piling and burning felled material reduces accumulations of ground fuels which improves ingress/egress travel along escape routes. Again caution must be taken to mitigate exposure to residual standing snags, but managing this exposure after these treatments is greatly improved.

Project planning to abate snags should consider snag retention arrangements and target size classes.

For example, retaining snags in clumps congruent with high severity patch sizes observed in natural fire regimes may be more ecologically appropriate to meet restoration goals, as well as facilitate safety through the creation of areas without snags. Large clumps or patches of snags of all sizes could be retained and avoided to maintain an ecologically relevant suite of complex early seral snags, while creating more oprn areas where snags aren’t retained for safety purposes. In other areas, focusing retention on fewer larger trees and emphasizing removal of large amounts of smaller trees would retain ecologically appropriate LWD and snag structure, and remove smaller snags that a) fall faster, b) contribute to uncharacteristically high fuel loads, and c) impede ingress/egress along travel and escape routes. Figure 8 displays a stand where the vast majority of smaller snags where abated and fewer larger snags were retained for resource values.

Figure 8. While snags are still retained for resource values, site prep activities significantly abate standing snags, particularly smaller snags that have faster fall rates after the fire. Piling and burning felled material reduces accumulations of ground fuels which improves ingress/egress travel along escape routes. Again caution must be taken to mitigate exposure to residual standing snags, but managing this exposure after these treatments is greatly improved.

Lastly, project planning to abate snags need to consider size, time since burn, and tree deterioration. In the first few years following a fire, trees can be felled with chainsaw or feller bunchers for salvage or site prep purposes. However, as time increases, deterioration may affect mitigation of snags. Equipment may be effectively used to push over smaller snags, but caution should be excercised in pushing over larger snags. Consequently, over time, abatement of snags may need to focus on the smaller snags.

This is congruent with ecological restoration goals mentioned above. In addition, after re-burns snags may need to be abated through other mechanisms such as explosives or simple avoidance depending on site specific factors.

3 Program and Project Planning Post-fire restoration project planning and treatment proposals should fully incorporate safety protocols, mitigation measures, and hazard abatement, as appropriate and necessary, based on current and expected conditions throughout the life of the project. This could include consideration and manipulation of timing, seasonality, process, and scope of work. This could also include treatments to abate snags.

Project planning needs to consider how the proposed work can be implemented safely. This can be implemented at both the Fire Restoration Program level and the Project Planning level.

Program Level:

• Inventory personnel for radio availability and, if need be, consider investing in a radio pool to make sure that communication is available to all field going personnel working in post-fire environments. Many permanent employees have radios issued to them, but temporary hires often times must share a radio between many. This is acceptable as long as there are at least two functional radios per crew. Crews should not split up without radio communications.

Radios and proper training should also be provided to interested partners who are performing work in post-fire restoration projects. Communication is essential for safety and this applies to all projects working in the post fire environment.

• Invest in both electronic windspeed devices and Dwyer handheld anemometers for measurement of onsite weather conditions. This applies to many projects that may be working in the post-fire environment. Both anemometers can be variable and subject to user error, but having a variety helps crews field calibrate windspeed measurements. Having windspeed devices available for field crews would facilitate better situational awareness surrounding wind conditions. What’s most important is that these devices are available to field crews and that field crews have opportunities to learn how to properly use the devices by regularly monitoring windspeeds.

• Programmatically, this plan should be reviewed and updated by safety staff in coordination with regional review. Currently, Regional danger tree awareness materials are more focused on green or situational hazard and do not adequately cover considerations in working in dynamic post fire environments with complexes of multiple snag hazards. The focus of this plan is to address the unique hazards posed by working in post-fire environments on restoration type activities and as such reviews should be coordinated both within the forest and with the Region to insure congruency with programmatic guidelines.

Project Level:

• Require a minimum two person crew for travel within snag complexes where hazards have not been abated. Work in these areas may proceed if exposure is mitigated through timing, route travel and other measures; However, this work should not be completed by lone employees.

Road surveys and other work where hazards have been abated may be accomplished lone employees. Projects should budget for the appropriate number of employees based on the scope of and location of work and any safety concerns associated with them.

• Project design should consider abating hazards where feasible. These activities abate hazards for long term land stewardship. For example, Treatments such as site prep have been utilized on the Lassen portion of the 2000 Storrie Fire and the 2012 Chips fire to abate standing snag hazards for subsequent post-fire restoration work.

• Project planning should consider reducing intensiveness or extensiveness of resource surveys for NEPA while increasing post-treatment monitoring requirements, when possible. Some programmatic agreements, such as the Regional Heritage PA, allows for risk analyses and post treatment monitoring in lieu of pre-treatment surveys when access or safety issues may hinder surveys. These risk analyses can guide where pre-treatment surveys need to occur (in cases of high value resources) and where surveys could be deferred into post-treatment monitoring (in cases of low probability of finding resources, etc.). Similar tactics could be used for other resources such as wildlife, botany, or watershed. For example, pre-treatment surveys for T&E species could be prioritized over sensitive species surveys when presumed presence assumptions wouldn’t have a large impact on project planning. Likewise, projects could incorporate noxious weed treatments to mitigate spread.

• Consider reducing pre-project flagging requirements for unit delineation. – delineate units in GIS Treatments and contracts designed to abate hazards such as Site Prep could be delineated in GIS and implemented by requiring contractors to use GPS to identify project unit boundaries. In these cases, why send field personnel into hazardous conditions to flag a boundary utilizing GPS systems for a contract, when the contractor could simply have a GPS unit to identify boundaries while performing the work. This would mitigate unnecessary exposure to field personnel.

• Contracts to abate hazards should require contractors to follow OSHA requirements for safety.

This is standard operating procedure.

3.1 Risk Assessments and Job Hazard Analyses

As part of project planning, risk assessments and job hazard analyses should be completed and periodically reviewed/ updated to address changing conditions in the post-fire environment. Please refer to Section 6 Organizational Risk Management and Section 7 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for working in post-fire environments. This assessment and analysis, along with the emergency evacuation procedures are developed to serve as a baseline for post-fire restoration work. These should be reviewed and updated for specific project proposals, as needed and based on any unique circumstances presented by the project but not covered in the assessment or JHA.

4 Pre-Work Assessment The intent of this document is to serve as local SOPs that would be included with activity-based Job Hazard Analysis (JHA’s) for post-fire restoration-related work activities. SOPs are most effective when they are project-specific and are prepared at the local level by personnel who will be implementing the project. These SOP’s follow Forest Service Handbook 6709.11 and all applicable OSHA regulations. It is expected that employees and those engaged in these work activities will modify their actions to adapt to situations which may present themselves during work activities. The goal of this document is to aid in providing greater situational awareness so dangerous situations can be recognized and avoided.

This SOP identifies the hazards and safe actions associated with working in the vicinity of potential danger trees and specific danger trees that have been identified. It also analyzes the other hazards associated with the work activity.

Pre-work Activities: Wherever possible, restoration projects and associated activities will take place where danger trees have already been abated. However with some activities it is difficult to avoid exposure time to hazardous trees, it will be important to emphasize situational awareness with all employees, beginning with these pre-work activities:

1. All standing dead trees have the potential to present a hazard. Risks are greater in a burned area, as the conditions under which the area burned is generally variable and conditions can change rapidly. Soil stability can be greatly affected by hot burn temperatures and this makes trees more susceptible to falling, regardless of wind conditions. Before entering an area, try to assess the degree to which vegetation is burned. If the older large trees are dead or seriously affected by fire, it is likely that the fire was very hot when it burned through the area. This makes the likelihood for hazards higher.

2. Brief employees on recognition of danger tree indicators, use of assessment techniques and appropriate risk mitigation measures. Wildland fire training videos such as the following link may offer additional perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2KUB6eDVU4

3. Brief employees on work assignment and objectives.

4. Insure required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being utilized.

5. Review applicable JHAs, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), danger tree indicators and mitigation measures including LCES (lookouts, communications, escape routes and safety zones). Refer to attachment at end of this SOP

6. Provide current and updated information on environmental conditions and forecasts (such as strong and/or gusty winds) that could affect danger tree risks.

7. Familarize all employees on the plan that would be executed in the event of a serious employee illness/injury that would require medical evacuation. In the event of serious injury were to occur, it could become anyone’s responsibility to begin this evacuation.

8. Identify trigger points/decision points as warranted for conditions such as moderate to strong winds to inform whether youcontinue to engage or disengage in work activities.

9. MOST IMPORTANT: Be aware of how you are feeling when conditions change. If your “internal alarm” is trying to warn you of danger, listen, speak up, and DISENGAGE! At the end of the day, the most important objective is to get everyone back safely. Safety should not fall second to timelines, production, or accomplishments. There will always be more time or other methods to accomplish our work safely. Each employee should feel empowered to disengage if any safety concerns are present without reprisal.

10. Periodic/Frequent Review. Through the life of the project, perform periodic and frequent review or check-ups with employees to prevent complacency.

5 Standard Operating Procedures Common to all Field Activities During the performance of work, follow the standard operating procedures:

1. WEAR PROPER P.P.E: Wear proper Personal Protective Safety Equipment, i.e., hardhats; boots;

eye protection; gloves; and adequate clothing for field conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2KUB6eDVU4

a. Wear your hardhat for protection from falling limbs and pinecones, and from tools and equipment carried by other crewmembers. Stay away from snags during periods of moderate to high winds.

b. Wear eye protection, as required by FSH 6709.11 and 29 CRF 1910.132 to protect from brush, branch, or dirt hazards. Ultraviolet light from the sun can damage the eyes; look for sunglasses that specify significant protection from UV-A and UV-B radiation. If sunglasses are too dark, such as on a cloudy day, utilize clear lenses.

c. Wear laced boots with ankle support and non-skid Vibram or Lug-type soles for traction.

d. Wear heavy long pants to protect for abrasions from brush, slash, rocks, and tools. Wear knee pads if necessary to reduce knee soreness.

e. Wear long sleeves to protect from abrasions and/or sunburn.

f. Wear well-fitted gloves to protect hands, to prevent blisters and cuts, and to prevent dirt from getting into gloves. Apply a hand cream during the day and especially at the end of the day if subject to chapping hands

g. Use sunscreen to protect skin from harmful UV rays.

2. SIZE-UP WORK CONDITIONS: Maintain situational awareness by sizing up work conditions and utilize the risk management process.

a. Pre-field weather conditions forecast. Be sure to check weather forecast, particularly anticipated winds for the day, but also including min/max temps, anticipated weather events such as thunderstorm development, low pressure systems moving in, and precipitation levels.

b. Look up, down and all around for danger tree indicators and trees of concern.

c. Pay particular attention to trees with dead or broken tops, dead or broken limbs, hung-up trees, trees with severe leans and other signs of significant weakness.

d. Stay alert for environmental conditions that could increase danger tree risks. These include strong/gusty winds, steep slopes, obscured visibility (such as smoke or limited daylight that inhibits visibility of tree tops).

e. Communicate hazards to crew members, implement LCES and other hazard control measures.

f. Ensure that all field going personnel are able to utilize the hand held radio.

g. Identify an escape route (pre- planned, safest, quickest route to avoid a hazard) if needed.

3. WALKING AND WORKING IN THE FIELD: Train personnel on the importance of moving carefully through the woods, recognizing hazards from below and above, and making sure the footing is secure on slick, steep, unstable ground surfaces.

a. Always watch your footing. Slow down and use extra caution around logs, rocks, and animal holes. Extremely steep slopes (>40%) can be hazardous under wet or dry conditions. Watch out for burnt out stump holes, easily dislodged rocks and debris.

b. Watch where you walk, especially around trees and brush with limbs sticking out.

c. Be effcient in your travel routes and don’t dilly-dally. Minimize exposure by choosing the safest and shortest route through hazardous areas. If you need to stop for a break or to take data, find a “safety zone” that minimizes exposure to dead trees. Do not sit down under any burned trees. Ensure that when taking a break you are at least 2 tree lengths from the nearest fire damaged tree. If this is not possible, wait until you are somewhere safe. It is unknown as to which direction a damaged tree may fall, so being mobile for escape is critical in the event that a tree falls and you are in its path

d. Avoid working in old, defective timber, especially hardwoods, if periods of moderate to high winds are anticipated.

e. Watch out for hang-ups and broken tops in tree canopy.

f. If branches or snags are falling, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Creaking trees and swaying tops are indicators of winds aloft. Sustained wind speeds that range between 5 – 8 mph, or periodic gusts that exceed 10-12 mph measured at eye level could be cause for concern, and hazardous areas should be exited and avoided

g. Exercise caution when clearing limbs from tree trunks. Always wear eye protection.Do not grab onto or lean against fire-killed trees which may be unstable..

4. WORKING AROUND DANGER TREES: Train personnel on the importance of identifying danger trees, identifying factors which contribute to falling of limbs, tops or entire trees, and taking necessary precautions when working in the vicinity of such hazards. Assign one person on the team to be the “lookout” to further inform the team’s situational awareness.

a. Employees should always work in pairs at a minimum, and at least two radios should be with the work unit.

b. Scout the area, and be aware of snag/danger tree locations in relation to your work area.

c. Include “Snag Intelligence” in all work activity discussions. I.e. danger tree location and marking, additional hazards due to slope, and other safety precautions. Establish communications to alert crewmembers in the event of a falling danger trees or branches.

Share our experiences with danger trees with others.

d. Identify defects such as fire scars, broken tops, bole damage, crooks, areas of rot, hung up limbs or tops, etc. which are prone to failure and represent an overhead hazard.

e. Identify species (such as white fir) that may be more prone to failure.

f. Direct and train all workers to conduct their own safety assessments, and encourage all to interact with their supervisors to ensure better safety

g. Identify escape routes and safe areas away from the danger trees.

h. Take breaks and stage crews in safe locations

i. Measure wind speed at least hourly and establish the maximum safe wind speed for the current location. If branches or snags are falling, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Creaking trees and swaying tops are indicators of winds aloft. Sustained wind speeds that range between 5 – 8 mph, or periodic gusts that exceed 10-12 mph measured at eye level could be cause for concern, and hazardous areas should be exited and avoided

j. Advise personnel when winds increase or change direction.

k. Emphasize Situations That Shout WATCH OUT

l. SNAGS - - STOP, NOTICE, and GO SAFELY

m. SNAG SMART -- LOOK UP and LIVE

5. WORK WISELY AND SAFELY: Injury from the use and misuse of tools can be avioded by demonstrating the proper use of hand and power tools and ensuring personnel use tools properly. Switch the use of tools to avoid fatigue and wear gloves to prevent blisters and cuts.

Avoid over exertion and keep safe operating distance (10' distance minimum). Ensure tools are in good working order; ask questions!

a. Utilizing Hand Tools

i. Be aware of overhanging hazards.

ii. Avoid tool glance.

iii. Maintain tools.

iv. Be aware of the dangers of rolling logs and rocks.

v. Work in staggered lines.

b. Utilizing Power Tools

i. Make sure the tool has a kill switch or throttle- release mechanism to prevent runaways. Use only those tools so equipped.

ii. Before auger drilling attempt to check for roots, rock, clay pockets, and slash that might bind bits.

iii. Keep equipment in optimum operating condition.

iv. Be alert and prepared for binding when drilling each hole. Get help to retrieve the bit when it does bind.

v. Continually check the condition of operators and rotate hourly.

vi. Maintain a safe working distance between crew members. Stagger crew positions on slopes.

vii. Stop the engine when taking breaks and when moving between job areas.

viii. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for additional safety information.

ix. When refueling, refer to the MSDS for instructions on flammables/ combustibles, such as gasoline.

x. Keep left palm open when operating planting auger to arrest auger momentum when bit catches on root(s) and /or rock(s).

xi. Wear chaps to stop chain oil contamination and absorb shock when bit sticks.

6. DRIVING: Driving to the jobsite on dusty winding narrow roads; on rocky one-lane roads; driving an unfamiliar vehicle; driving during stormy weather; and turning the vehicle around on narrow roads can be challenging. Take proper measures to drive cautiously.

a. Have appropiate State drivers license and Federal Operators Card following Forest Service

Handbook 6709.11 for Safe driving procedures;

b. Headlights on for Safety!

c. Drive with confidence and defensively at all times;

d. Go slow around corners, occasionally clearing the windshield;

e. Stay clear of gullies and trenches, drive slowly over rocks;

f. Yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles, find a safe place to pull over if necessary;

g. Check mechanical equipment such as: brakes, steering, seatbelts, fluid levels, lights. Use maintenance checklist in vehicle logbook;

h. Inquire about road conditions before leaving the office. Be aware of oncoming storms.

Drive to avoid accident situations created by the mistakes of others.

i. When approching another vehicle safely turn out with as much room as possible. Know what is ahead and behind the vehicle.

j. Always use a spotter when backing the vehicle;

k. Let others on the crew know if you do not feel well. Let someone else drive.

l. Drive slowly and safely, wear seatbelts,

m. Watch out for log truck traffic or traffic generated from other associated resource activities.

n. DO NOT park vehicles within striking distance of danger trees.

o. Park vehicles aligned with the egress route for efficient evacuation if need be.

7. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Tailor the work schedule to fit the climate, the physical condition of employees, and mission requirements.

a. HEAT EXTREMES: Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency requiring immediate emergency response action.

i. Remain constantly aware of the four basic factors that determine the degree of heat stress (air temperature, humidity, air movement, and heat radiation) relative to the surrounding work environmental heat load.

ii. The severity of the effects of a given environmental heat stress is decreased by reducing the work load, increasing the frequency and/or duration of rest periods and by introducing measures which will protect employees from hot environments.

iii. Maintain adequate water intake by drinking water periodically in small amounts throughout the day (flavoring water with citrus flavors or extracts enhances palatability). Some over hydration is strongly recommended.

iv. Staying adequately hydrated will enable the body to fight the effects of cold or heat on the body. With proper hydration, the body is able to make use of stored energy. On cold days warm or hot beverages are best but drinks such as coffee that have a diuretic effect should be avoided. Eating balanced meals provides the energy to stay warm and to perform the assigned task. Increasing the intake of high carborhydrate foods is recommended.

v. Allow approximately 2 weeks with progressive degrees of heat exposure and physical exertion for substantial acclimatization. Acclimatization is necessary regardless of an employee's physical condition (the better one's physical condition, the quicker the acclimatization).

A reduction of work load markedly decreases total heat stress.

Lessen work load and/or duration of physical exertion the first days of heat exposure to allow gradual acclimatization.

Alternate work and rest periods. More severe conditions may require longer rest periods and electrolyte fluid replacement.

vi. Curtail or suspend physical work when conditions are extremely severe (see attached

Heat Stress Index).

Compute a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Index to determine the level of physical activity (take WBGT index measurements in a location that is similar or closely approximates the environment to which employees will be exposed).

WBGT THRESHOLD VALUES FOR INSTITUTING PREVENTIVE MEASURES

80-90 degrees F Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity.

90-105 degrees F Heat exhaustion and heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity.

05-130 degrees F Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are likely with prolonged heat exposure and physical activity.

b. COLD EXTREMES: Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia. Dress appropriately for cold and wet weather and adjust work accordingly to prevent over-exposure to cold weather elements.

i. Cover all exposed skin and be aware of frostbite. While cold air will not freeze the tissues of the lungs, slow down and use a mask or scarf to minimize the effect of cold air on air passages.

ii. Dress in layers with wicking garments (those that carry moisture away from the body) and a weatherproof slicker. A wool outer garment is recommended.

iii. Take layers off as you heat up; put them on as you cool down.

iv. Wear head protection that provides adequate insulation and protects the ears.

v. Maintain your energy level. Avoid exhaustion and over-exertion which causes sweating, dampens clothing, accelerates loss of body heat and increases the potential for hypothermia.

vi. Acclimate to the cold climate to minimize discomfort.

vii. Maintain adequate water/fluid intake to avoid dehydration.

viii. Wind chill greatly affects heat loss (see attached Wind Chill Index).

8. EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES (EEP): Familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation procedures before starting work.

a. Know and understand all emergency evacuation procedures, including evacuation route.

b. Always carry a handheld radio, and know how to use it in the event of an emergency.

c. Render first aid to sick or injured until relieved by a higher-level medical responder. Do not abandon the patient.

d. Use Standard Precautions when dealing with potential exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens..

e. Use care when moving patients and transporting the injured.

f. Maintain communications.

g. Notify your supervisor.

h. Complete necessary paperwork.

Risk Management Worksheet for Post-fire Restoration Activities

07-09-20090 R4 RSC

6 Organizational Risk Management Organizational and Operational Risk Assessment Worksheet

Modified

215_A

1. Forest or Unit:

Plumas National Forest

Location:

Post-Fire Restoration Areas

Prepared by (Name/Duty [position):

Lee Mercer, Safety Officer; Ryan Tompkins, Forester

2. Page ____________of______________

3. Operation / Task:

Post-Fire Restoration Field Activities including project planning, surveys, treatment implementation, and monitoring

4. Initial Assessment Date:

June 24, 2014

5. Date of this assessment update: 6. Version of

7. Worksheet Instructions:

• For each hazard identified in box 8, the local district/unit is to complete boxes 12 and 13 with specific implementation controls and personnel assigned unique to the activity and location.

• Additional hazards unique to the location or unit may need to be documented in box 8 by the local district/unit.

8. Identified Hazards: 9. Assess the Hazards Initial Risk rating from risk matrix

10. Initial Proposed Control Measures Developed for Identified Hazard/Risks:

11. Assess the Hazard’s Residual Risk

12. How to Implement the Controls:

13. Assigned to:

(Be Specific) L M H E (Be Specific) L M H E (Be Specific) (Be Specific)

Within fire areas: Working in and around multiple fire-killed snags without snag abatement

X From Safety Plan/Standard Operationg Procedures.:

Work in pairs for spotter safety Plan work assignments with ingress/egress, escape routes and safety zones in mind Cease work during high wind events or weather events associated with wind and precipitation (wet soils).

Minimize exposure for field work in hazardous areas. This may include working earlier in the morning when winds are calm, limiting data collection needs, and/or streamlining survey protocols.

X Monitor weather be before and during each day’s work activity Plan/map day’s work activity with crews Purchase wind gauges for field crew use

Project work leads , crew leaders, and crew members

Risk Management Worksheet for Post-fire Restoration Activities

Within fire areas: Working in areas where fire-killed snags have been abated, but with some snag retention for resource purposes (wildlife value, aesthetics, etc)

X From Safety Plan/Standard Operationg Procedures.:

Work in pairs for spotter safety Plan work assignments with ingress/egress, escape routes and safety zones in mind Cease work during high wind events or weather events associated with wind and precipitation (wet soils).

Minimize exposure for field work in hazardous areas. This may include working earlier in the morning when winds are calm, limiting data collection needs, and/or streamlining survey protocols.

X Monitor weather be before and during each day’s work activity Plan/map day’s work activity with crews Purchase wind gauges for field crew use

Project work leads , crew leaders, and crew members

Within fire areas: Working in and around multiple fire-killed snags while Abating Snags with Equipment

X Contract Provisions include OSHA requirements for logging and snag removal such as protected cabs on equipment and protective screens for the cab.

Equipment specs would require mechanical booms at least 20ft in length Contract specs would limit snag removal to trees less than 20 inches dbh.

Provisions for staying clear of hazardous trees would apply

X Include specification in contract and administer contract to specs.

Communicate hazards to contractors.

Contractors Contracting Officer’s Representatives

14. Residual Risk Level After Control Measures Are Implemented:

(CIRCLE HIGHEST RESIDUAL RISK LEVEL)

Approver SO=Staff Officer; DR = District Ranger

LOW

(SO/DR)

MEDIUM

(SO/DR)

HIGH

(SO/DR)

EXTREMELY HIGH

(Forest Supervisor)

15. RISK DECISION AUTHORITY: (Approval/Authority Signature Block) (If Initial Risk Level is Medium, High or Extremely High, the preparer must brief the Risk Decision Authority at that level on Controls and Control Measures used to reduce risks.)

(Signature)

Job Hazard Analysis for Post-fire Restoration Activities

U.S. Department of Agriculture 1. WORK PROJECT/ACTIVITY 2. LOCATION 3. UNIT

Forest Service Reforestation (Planting, Release, Stake Rows, Survival Exams) Plumas National Forest

Moonlight, Antelope and Cold Fire Areas

7 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

4. NAME OF ANALYST 5. JOB TITLE 6. DATE PREPARED

References-FSH 6709.11 and -12 (Instructions on Reverse)

E. J. Solomon (2008), Linda Smith, Elaine Vercruysse, Dani Swantic, and Karen Newsted (2009) District Culturist

2/19/2010

7. TASKS/PROCEDURES

8. HAZARDS

9. ABATEMENT ACTIONS

UNLOADING TREE DELIVERY TRUCKS (project-specific

JHA)

Muscle/back strains, lifting and stacking

Stand clear of delivery truck until it has come to a complete stop.

• Wear gloves, long sleeve shirts, hard hats, and eye protection.

• Use proper lifting techniques. Lift with legs, not your back.

• Lift no more than one box at a time and do not lift a box too heavy for one person to manage. Use back-support belt if needed.

• Do not twist upper or lower body; turn entire body when carrying heavy loads.

• When stacking boxes, ask for help and make sure stack is stable and will not fall over.

• Pace yourself to avoid over exertion.

WORKING IN AND AROUND TREE COOLER (project-specific JHA)

Slippery surfaces, steep narrow stairway.

Exposure to cool temperatures

Stacked boxes, rolling shelves and

• Slow down and use extra caution on stairs, landing and inside tree cooler.

• Always watch your footing. Use hand rails where available.

• Wear approved boots with non-skid Vibram-type soles for traction.

• Use provided sand or salt on potentially slippery areas to improve traction and prevent falls.

• Proper attire – dress in warm, dry layers with wicking garments (those that carry moisture away from the body). Wear hats, gloves and eye protection..

• Proper hydration - Staying adequately hydrated will enable the body to fight the effects of cold on the body. With proper hydration the body is able to make use of stored energy.

• Proper nutrition - Eating balanced meals provides energy to stay warm & perform the assigned task. Increasing the intake of high carbohydrate food is recommended.

• Do not stack boxes above the recommended height. Stack boxes squarely to obstructed walkways.

improve stability and prevent tipping over.

• Take care when loading and unloading boxes or bags from rolling shelves to prevent injuries. Ensure that all wheels are locked.

• Keep walkways and aisles free of clutter. Remove any tripping hazards.

LOADING TOOLS, TREES, STAKES, ETC.

(Project-specific JHA)

Muscle strains; Falling with loads.

Use proper lifting techniques – Lift with legs, not back. Lift one tree box at a time, use back-support belt. Handle tools carefully and store securely in place, maintain 10’ distance from others when carrying tools.

General work site safety

Scrapes & abrasions on hands & knees from planting or monitoring; de-hydration & nutrition; walking, bending, lifting and twisting.

Be careful of sharp edges and points on steel tapes and horse-shoe nails.

Wear heavy pants & knee pads if necessary to reduce knee soreness; Tight or long gloves to protect hands & prevent dirt from getting into gloves; apply a hand cream during the day and especially at the end of the day if subject to chapping hands.

Staying adequately hydrated will enable the body to fight the effects of cold or heat.

With proper hydration, the body is able to make use of stored energy; On cold days warm or hot beverages are best but drinks such as coffee or tea that have a diuretic effect should be avoided. Eating balanced meals provides the energy to stay warm and to perform the assigned task. During this project, increasing the intake of high carborhydrate foods is recommended. Educate crew members on the importance of moving carefully through the woods and making sure the footing is secure on slick, steep, unstable ground surfaces. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and knee pads.

USE OF PLANTING AND RELEASE TOOLS (project-specific JHA)

- hoedads

- mcleods

- power auger

- tree bags

- pulaskis

- shovels & hoes

Injury from use/misuse of tools; injuring others.

Demonstrate proper use of tools and make sure the workers use tools properly; trade tools to avoid fatigue; wear gloves to prevent blisters & cuts; avoid over exertion;

keep safe operating distance (10' distance minimum); wear proper P.P.E. (ex: hardhat, boots, eye protection, gloves, adequate clothing for the conditions); don't overload planting bags; be sure tools are in good working order; ask questions!

Auger Planting:

• Make sure the auger has a kill switch or throttle- release mechanism to prevent runaways. Use only those augers so equipped.

• Before drilling attempt to check for roots, rock, clay pockets, and slash that might bind bits.

• Keep equipment in optimum operating condition.

• Be alert and prepared for binding when drilling each hole. Get help to retrieve the bit when it does bind.

• Continually check the condition of operators and rotate hourly.

• Maintain a safe working distance between crew members. Stagger crew positions on slopes.

• Stop the engine when taking breaks and when moving between job areas and planting sites.

• Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for additional safety information.

• When refueling, refer to the MSDS for instructions on flammables/ combustibles, such as gasoline.

• Keep left palm open when operating auger to arrest auger momentum if bit catches on root(s) and /or rock(s).

• Wear chaps to stop chain oil contamination and absorb shock if bit sticks.

Hand Planting:

• Be aware of overhanging hazards.

• Avoid tool glance.

• Maintain tools.

• Be aware of the dangers of rolling logs and rocks. Warn others if you see a rolling object

• Work in staggered lines.

• Identify an escape route ( pre- planned, safest, quickest route to avoid a hazard) if needed.

Driving to the jobsite

Dusty, winding, narrow roads,…