Is That Tree Safe?

All trees pose a risk of falling

Given the numerous storms and the wet and wild weather we have experienced on the east coast of Australia in recent months, specialists tell us we should expect more trees to drop large branches and fall, even as the weather improves into summer.

Apparently, trees which have suffered many years of prior drought, as we have in Victoria, reduce their root system and when heavy rain weakens the soil and increase the weight of the canopy, they fall over or drop branches, often without any warning.

Another problem is we tend to under-estimate the significant weight (and danger) of branches over-head, or stability of solid looking trees.

WorkSafe Victoria have published a Safety Alert following another fatal accident involving falling trees.

A man set up camp in his allocated camping spot but located his tent under the tree canopy. Tragically a large branch fell on his tent as he slept.

Signage to deter people from camping under dangerous trees should not be solely relied upon.

WorkSafe point out that all trees pose a risk of falling over or dropping branches.

Tree Safety at Work:

1.    Employer to inspect all designated work areas under trees.

2.    Increase inspections if circumstances change eg storms.

3.    Inspections to consider circumstances of work usage, and alternative.

4.    Staff to be briefed on the circumstances that require escalation to a qualified arborist.

… and that other tree?

Before you start decorating, there are some important safety tips to be aware of to ensure your Christmas doesn't end in disaster.

• Check old Christmas lights for damage before re-using them.

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• Don't alter or modify lights.

• Ensure all lights, extension leads and power boards are suitable for the intended use (e.g external or internal).

• Test your safety switch and smoke detector to make sure they are working.

• Keep Christmas lights out of reach of children.

• If you have a living Christmas tree, switch off and unplug lights when watering the tree.

• Always turn off decorative lighting before going to bed or leaving your house.

Buying Christmas lights

As with all electrical equipment and appliances, Christmas lights must meet safety standards and are required to have an Australian certificate of approval before they can be sold. Non-compliant lights are often sold on the internet from overseas

Buy your lights from a reputable dealer who will know the electrical equipment safety requirements for selling Christmas lights.

Look for an approval number (e.g. Q12345; V12345; N12345; NSW12345) or the regulatory compliance mark logo. These indicate compliance with Australian Standards. These marks must be on the Christmas lights and are normally found on the packaging, plastic tag near the plug, or on the transformer body if it is an extra low voltage type.

Regulatory compliance mark

Click here for further information on ensuring a safe Christmas.