Thread: Big log preparation....a few pics.

Hi all

I'm glad you find these big logs of interest. It certainly fires up the excitement when we have a monster log to deal with. As mentioned by a few, big logs like this can very dangerous, and a lot of careful planning goes into every cut.

I assess the log many times before taking a saw near it, looking for any hazard or potential hazard. Things I consider are:

-where the weight is laying, sometimes 20 plus tonnes.
-where the head logs will roll, and what effect their removal will have on the main trunk position.
-which is the 'danger' side of the cut, and my position for the final cut, including retreat paths, etc. Some of these big logs a 3' cut is merely the reduction cut on the difficult side.
-where rot holes and pipes exist that may compromise the strength of the log while making a cut.
-what saw I will need for the final cut, ie it's hard to dance around with an 090 and a 5' bar. If I can make the final cut with a smaller saw and bar, say a 066 and 3' bar I will, unless it places me too far 'under' the log.

I always use a spotter for every cut. Their job is to stand somewhere behind me and keep a careful eye on the process, looking for any unplanned movement, shift of weight, cracking, etc. They also become someone to throw ideas at too.

Wedges, and plenty of them. The wedges allow the cut to be made from top to bottom. I simply use self made redgum wedges, and they are placed about every 400mm around the cut. They act as little signals. By observing the wedges, you can see them stiffen or relax as the weight of the tree shifts.

Gut-feel is also important. No matter how much planning, if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't.

And just in case the worst was to happen, we have direct phone numbers of crane drivers and owners who form part of our 'emergency plan', who will leave a job and come directly to assist, as an SES inflation bag would not lift some of these logs. All my helpers are aware of the problems associated with crush injuries, and we have pre-determined meeting points for cranes, such as a local service station, and a worker will direct them to the farm and milling area.

I am fortunate that my career in mining has given me a good deal of training in emergency situations, but most importantly, hazard identification and elimination. I now relay this knowledge into my weekend passion of timber salvage and milling.

But I must stress, the most dangerous situations are the ones we know about and accept, like the unguarded belt drive on an saw, the broken guard, the high pile of logs precariously balanced in the corner, that tree that we knew we shouldn't drop while the wind was high but still do. I apologise if I sound like a Worksafe inspector, but....it becomes a way of thinking.

Enough of the serious stuff...there has been way too much rain to get a crane and truck on the paddock so we have postponed the log move for a month or so. I'll get a few pics when it happens. Off on a little hoilday to Townsville with the family...and still trying to convince the wife that I might need a take a chainsaw in my luggage just in case...I wouldn't dare!

Happy milling and...eliminate the hazard...for your kids sake!

Cheers

James

PS Forgot to mention a little testicular fortitude helps with these big ones also!!

Originally Posted by tassietimbers

Hi all

I'm glad you find these big logs of interest. It certainly fires up the excitement when we have a monster log to deal with. As mentioned by a few, big logs like this can very dangerous, and a lot of careful planning goes into every cut.

I assess the log many times before taking a saw near it, looking for any hazard or potential hazard. Things I consider are:

-where the weight is laying, sometimes 20 plus tonnes.
-where the head logs will roll, and what effect their removal will have on the main trunk position.
-which is the 'danger' side of the cut, and my position for the final cut, including retreat paths, etc. Some of these big logs a 3' cut is merely the reduction cut on the difficult side.
-where rot holes and pipes exist that may compromise the strength of the log while making a cut.
-what saw I will need for the final cut, ie it's hard to dance around with an 090 and a 5' bar. If I can make the final cut with a smaller saw and bar, say a 066 and 3' bar I will, unless it places me too far 'under' the log.

I always use a spotter for every cut. Their job is to stand somewhere behind me and keep a careful eye on the process, looking for any unplanned movement, shift of weight, cracking, etc. They also become someone to throw ideas at too.

Wedges, and plenty of them. The wedges allow the cut to be made from top to bottom. I simply use self made redgum wedges, and they are placed about every 400mm around the cut. They act as little signals. By observing the wedges, you can see them stiffen or relax as the weight of the tree shifts.

Gut-feel is also important. No matter how much planning, if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't.

And just in case the worst was to happen, we have direct phone numbers of crane drivers and owners who form part of our 'emergency plan', who will leave a job and come directly to assist, as an SES inflation bag would not lift some of these logs. All my helpers are aware of the problems associated with crush injuries, and we have pre-determined meeting points for cranes, such as a local service station, and a worker will direct them to the farm and milling area.

I am fortunate that my career in mining has given me a good deal of training in emergency situations, but most importantly, hazard identification and elimination. I now relay this knowledge into my weekend passion of timber salvage and milling.

But I must stress, the most dangerous situations are the ones we know about and accept, like the unguarded belt drive on an saw, the broken guard, the high pile of logs precariously balanced in the corner, that tree that we knew we shouldn't drop while the wind was high but still do. I apologise if I sound like a Worksafe inspector, but....it becomes a way of thinking.

Enough of the serious stuff...there has been way too much rain to get a crane and truck on the paddock so we have postponed the log move for a month or so. I'll get a few pics when it happens. Off on a little hoilday to Townsville with the family...and still trying to convince the wife that I might need a take a chainsaw in my luggage just in case...I wouldn't dare!

Happy milling and...eliminate the hazard...for your kids sake!

Cheers

James

PS Forgot to mention a little testicular fortitude helps with these big ones also!!

James

That is a really good post summing up the dangers of sawmilling. One of the best I've read. It's the timber that gets you not the saws . As I read the post I was confused as it was not the normal approach I would have expected from the lumberjack brigade and then you explained it all when you mentioned your mining background where it is difficult to pass wind without a job hazzard analysis. Actually that is a bad analogy as I can think of a few colleagues where that would be very worthwhile and the risk assessment would be full BA. (Sorry, I've lapsed into the jargon, "breathing apparatus.")

Seriously, I liked your approach, although when you got down to the SES arrangements I started to question the wisdom of the project. Like you said, it really helps tener grandes cojones .

I hope Townsville provides a good break from the weather, but I have to say it gets a little wet there too. About 1200mm a year, but that comes more in the hotter months.

I will look forward to the resumption of operations in the dry season .

Regards
Paul

Hi all

Thanks for your kind words Paul. I will note it down on my Work Place Inspection (WPI) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) while doing my Take 5, 2x2 and Stepback. I'll also include it in my Hot Work Permit (HWP) and Confined Spaces Entry Permit(CSEP) and may record some of the steps in my Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)! Now you know why gold is so expensive, it is to pay the wages of the massive Health & Safety Department!

But seriously, thanks. I may have confused you a little, as we do not have any arrangements with SES. It was just an analogy that equipment used in standard recovery situations would be of no help lifting a 20 tonne log off my foot. That is why we have a general understanding amounst the workers and the crane company that if we call for assistance of an urgent nature, they will come without delay. There is no actual 'emergency plan' written down, just a general understanding of what to do, who to call, etc, if something does go wrong.

I have first hand seen the benefits of having a well practiced emergency plan in the underground mining environment, and I have just relayed this idea in a very basic form to our timber persuits. Sometimes we are an hour or so from town, and to have the right gear on the way from the get go I feel would be helpful to any unforseen situation. But hey, lets all hope that the careful planning sees us all milling to the age of 95!

Cheers

James

Originally Posted by tassietimbers

Hi all

Thanks for your kind words Paul. I will note it down on my Work Place Inspection (WPI) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) while doing my Take 5, 2x2 and Stepback. I'll also include it in my Hot Work Permit (HWP) and Confined Spaces Entry Permit(CSEP) and may record some of the steps in my Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)! Now you know why gold is so expensive, it is to pay the wages of the massive Health & Safety Department!
.......

Cheers

James

You forgot the MOP .....

James

I think you missed "working at heights." Even standing on the butt end of your log would qualify for that let alone climbing a tree!

Regards
Paul

What a co-incidence James. I'm going towards Townsville for a week to get out of the rain too. With chainsaws. Won't be able to move up here for at least a week if it stopped raining tomorrow - and it don't look like stopping rain - so I might as well go cut me some decking.

A fabulous thread so far James - thanks for posting. A lot of pen blanks in that one!! Clive

Speaking of emergency contingencies, I was working with an old logger, some years ago, who managed to cut his leg rather badly with the axe. He told me there was a first aid kit under the seat in the truck. Upon finding same and opening, I was surprised to see a revolver among the bandages. When I asked its purpose, he said, "In case it's serious."
I opted for the tourniquet.