Company Name: …Chainsaw Sculpture Ltd.………………………… Responsible Person: …………………………………
Email Address: chainsawmick@btopenworld.com… Contact Number: 07718388760 01673863306. Summary of activity: Tree stump carving…………………………………... |
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION |
On-site carving of a large tree stump using chainsaws and other power tools. |
COMPETENCY
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All works carried out solely by Mick Burns, holder of certificates of competence issued by NPTC in all aspects of chainsaw use apart from aerial works.
Mick Burns has had in excess of 25 years experience of such works and has also had extensive experience as an instructor in the chainsaw carving field.
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COMMUNICATION |
Communication with client will initially be by email. On site, the communication will be verbal directly to the client or to the most responsible of their representatives.
This will cover safe distances, site hazards particular to that site, access to the site, parking, cordons etc.
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ACCESS |
The site to be readily accessible on foot within 50m of mobile workshop. Parking space to be available for mobile workshop (large transit van with catering and toilet facilities) and also possibly a trailer where extra equipment is required.
There must be reasonable access to erect a scaffolding tower if required. |
SPECIFIC HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS |
Industry standard scaffolding towers may be used where work is higher than 1500mm.
All chainsaws maintained and used as per industry standard.
Protective clothing to be worn as appropriate to equipment used.
Small amounts of fuel will be kept on site. Fire extinguisher will be available.
Small generator will be used on site and will be operating at 240v as there are no 110v options for some of the power carving tools available.
First aid kit available on site.
Working area to be fenced off out to more than 5m from site of carving (5m the distance under which there is an issue with excess noise). The minimum distance from fence to carving will ideally be 8m or more.
Onlookers will be warned if there are problems with sawdust drift due to wind issues. |
PROCESS |
Site visit to be made before commencement of works, where possible. Site specific requirements discussed with client or representative.
On commencement of work: Vehicle to be parked in most advantageous position. Area to be fenced off at appropriate distance.
Points to be raised and procedures to be discussed with client.
Equipment and fuel to be moved from vehicle to carving area.
Scaffolding towers erected if required.
Preparatory work such as fuelling, saw sharpening etc. carried out.
Initial roughing out of timber carried out with large to medium chainsaws equipped with industry standard cutting attachments.
Most of further carving carried out with smaller chainsaws equipped with specialised guide bars and chains. These are also a lot safer to use than standard chainsaws as they are far more controllable and have no kickback issues.
Further refinement of carving carried out using angle grinders with abrasive discs, power files with abrasive belt, power carving tools utilising reciprocating cutters and chisels, hi-speed rotary tools such as die grinder with cutting or abrasive bit. Perhaps also utilising hand cutting tools like carving chisels.
Some hi-lighting of deep cuts made by either charring with a plumber’s gas blowtorch, or with a paint sprayer or airbrush.
In some circumstances a finish may be applied by brush or paint sprayer. The finish could be proprietary preservative, varnish, or oil (eg. decking oil).
When finished the equipment is packed away, scaffold dismantled, area made safe.
Depart. |
MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT& LIFTING |
Large transit van/mobile workshop, or a smaller vehicle where a limited range of equipment and facilities are required.
Range of different chainsaws of varying power outputs with range of different cutting attachments both standard and non standard, likely all with petrol engines.
Possible scaffolding towers, industry standard.
Small generator 240v (number of carving tools have no 110v equivalent)
Various angle grinders, power files, power carving tools, die grinder, small rotary tools, hand tools, spray equipment. |
COSHH |
Only relevant if hazardous finishes are used. |
ENVIRONMENT |
The work involves the use of chainsaws. Chainsaws are very noisy, this should be considered by the client with respect to other nearby, noise sensitive activities. All onlookers are required to be at least 5m or more away from the carver operating a chainsaw to be under the legal permitted occupational sound level.
Chainsaws utilise a total loss lubricating system. This should be considered when operating near environmentally sensitive areas (eg. beside ponds) or situations where sawdust and oil can cause nuisance to other nearby users of the space (e.g. cars parked closely down-wind).
Trees or stumps with holes or forks should be checked for nesting birds, bats etc..before commencing work. |
PRODUCTS |
The finished carving should be suitable for its intended siting.
If in a public area it should not be at any risk of falling over or unexpectedly shedding components from height due to issues of rot or other structural degradation. It may be appropriate to design it in such a way to discourage climbing. If this is not possible, it should be robust enough to support anyone climbing on it without it collapsing or breaking.
Consideration should also be given to the possibility of damage caused by it falling over unexpectedly at the end of its life, due to lack of monitoring of its structural integrity.
If in a private setting, the client should be made aware of the possibility of any of the above occurrences. |
OTHER RELEVANT DETAILS |
The removal of sawdust and timber waste is not automatically part of the undertaking on the part of the Sculptor. |
