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Tree Surgery Risk Assessment — Arborist RA Generated Instantly
Describe the tree surgery operation — species, location, access, proximity to public and overhead lines. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant arborist risk assessment referencing AFAG and HSE guidance in minutes.
Used by arborists, tree surgeons and groundscare contractors across the UK
🌳 Working near overhead power lines, roads or properties? Mention it — we’ll include exclusion zones, public safety controls, electrical clearance distances and the relevant AFAG guidance.
Legal Requirements for Tree Surgery
Tree surgery is consistently ranked by the HSE as one of the highest-risk occupations in the UK, with chainsaw work, working at height, falling wood and proximity to the public all contributing to a high rate of serious injuries. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before any tree surgery operation.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to any climbing operation, aerial rescue or work from an elevated work platform. For chainsaw operations, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires that operators are competent (typically evidenced by NPTC/Lantra qualifications) and that the equipment is maintained and fit for purpose.
The Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) — a joint body including the HSE, Forestry Commission and industry bodies — publishes specific guidance for tree surgery operations. AFAG 501 (Chainsaws and cross-cutting), AFAG 701 (Arboriculture) and related documents set the standard for safe working practice that the HSE expects to be reflected in risk assessments.
The Legal Framework for Tree Surgery
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require that all work equipment — including chainsaws, woodchippers, and elevated work platforms — is suitable for the task, maintained in good condition, and used only by trained and competent operators. Under PUWER Regulation 9, operators must receive adequate training before using dangerous work equipment. For chainsaws, this means holding an NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) Level 2 or 3 qualification (or equivalent City & Guilds landbased certificate) for the specific chainsaw operation being carried out.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR 2005) apply fully to tree surgery operations including climbing, using MEWPs for tree access, and all work at height using ropes or ladders. Regulation 4 requires that all work at height is planned, supervised and carried out safely. Climbing tree surgeons must use appropriate rope systems, second anchor points for chainsaw use aloft, and follow the ARB Association and ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) industry standards for aerial operations.
BS 3998:2010 ‘Tree Work — Recommendations’ is the British Standard for arboricultural operations. It covers the specification and management of tree work including felling, pruning, crown reduction and removal, and provides the technical benchmark for the quality and method of tree work operations. Compliance with BS 3998 is a standard requirement for public sector and insurance-approved tree work.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 apply to tree surgeons using chainsaws, hedge cutters and woodchippers daily. Exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) must be assessed and monitored — chainsaws are among the highest-risk tools for HAV exposure, which can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), a permanent and disabling condition.
How It Works
1. Describe the Job
Tell us the species, operation (felling, pruning, stump removal, crown reduction), location, public proximity, overhead lines, and access method (climbing, MEWP, groundwork only).
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written arborist risk assessment referencing AFAG guidance, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and chainsaw-specific controls.
3. Instant Download and Use
Download as PDF and Word. Present to the client, use for briefing your crew, or produce it for an HSE inspection. £29, no subscription.
What It Covers
Every tree surgery risk assessment is written in full — covering the full scope of the operation and relevant AFAG guidance.
Chainsaw operation and maintenance (AFAG guidance)
Falling branch and debris control zones
Working at height: climbing, aerial rescue, MEWP use
Proximity to overhead power lines — electrical clearance distances
Public exclusion zones and pedestrian/traffic management
Manual handling of heavy logs and equipment
Lone working and emergency rescue procedures
Noise and vibration (HAVs) from chainsaw use
PPE requirements: helmet, visor, chainsaw trousers, gloves
Stump grinding: underground services, debris projection
Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and planning consent
Adverse weather — wind speed limits for climbing and felling
Works For
From domestic garden trees to large commercial or highway felling operations.
What Customers Say
“I’m a one-man band. Every client now asks for a risk assessment before I start. Anyrisks gives me something professional and compliant to hand over in minutes.”
Rob T.
Self-employed arborist, Kent
“We were doing a large felling job near a road. Anyrisks covered the exclusion zones, traffic management and overhead line clearance distances. Client accepted it on the spot.”
Mark H.
Tree surgery contractor, Shropshire
“HSE visited following a near-miss on a neighbouring site. Our Anyrisks assessments were the only documentation that was completely in order. Really glad we had them.”
Pete L.
Arboricultural company, Wales
Anyrisks vs DIY Templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| AFAG guidance referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005 included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Overhead power line clearance distances covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Chainsaw-specific controls included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Specific to your species, operation and site | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What NPTC/chainsaw qualifications are required for tree surgery?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require chainsaw operators to be trained and competent. In practice, this means holding an NPTC Level 2 qualification for the specific operation: NPTC CS30/31 for felling and processing, CS38 for aerial chainsaw use. Using a chainsaw without the appropriate NPTC qualification is a PUWER breach and invalidates insurance cover on most sites.
Does this reference BS 3998 arboricultural standards?
Yes. BS 3998:2010 ‘Tree Work — Recommendations’ is the British Standard for tree work operations. Anyrisks’ tree surgery assessments reference BS 3998 requirements for crown work, felling direction, root protection zones, and exclusion distances. Compliance with BS 3998 is typically required for public authority and insurance-approved contracts.
Does it cover AFAG and HSE chainsaw guidance?
Yes. Assessments reference the relevant AFAG (Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group) guidance documents, including chainsaw operations, aerial tree work, and arboricultural operations guidance. AFAG guidance is jointly produced by the HSE and the Forestry Commission and represents the regulatory standard for safe chainsaw and arboricultural operations.
Does it cover hand-arm vibration from chainsaw use?
Yes. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess and manage hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure. Chainsaws are among the highest-risk tools. Anyrisks’ assessments include HAV controls: exposure time limits, anti-vibration gloves, chainsaw maintenance, health surveillance obligations, and the action and limit values under the HAV regulations.
I’m working alone — is lone working covered?
Yes. Lone working is a specific risk for tree surgeons — particularly when felling or working at height. Anyrisks includes lone working controls: check-in procedures, communication protocols, emergency contacts, and the HSE recommendation that aerial chainsaw work should not be carried out by a lone worker.
How long does it take?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the operation — tree species, method, location, access equipment — and Anyrisks produces a complete tree surgery risk assessment. £29, no subscription.