WAC 296-127-01387   Power line clearance tree trimming.  For the purpose of the Washington state public works law, chapter 39.12 RCW, the scope of work for power line clearance tree trimmers, chippermen and power line clearance tree trimmer apprentices is as follows:

     (1) Power line clearance tree trimmer.

     • Trims trees to clean right of way for electrical power lines to minimize storm and short-circuit hazards.

     • Climbs trees to reach branches interfering with wires and transmission towers, using climbing equipment, or may work from bucket of extended truck boom to reach limbs.

     • Prunes treetops, limbs and branches, using saws or pruning shears.

     • Falls trees interfering with power service, using chainsaw.

     • Repairs trees damaged by storms or lighting, by trimming jagged stumps and painting them to prevent bleeding of sap.

     • Removes broken limbs from wires, using hooked extension pole.

     (2) Chipperman.

     • Assists tree trimmer in clearing trees, branches and brush interfering with electrical power lines. He performs all this work on the ground.

     • Hoists tools and equipment to tree trimmers and lowers tree tops, limbs and branches with rope or block and tackle. Positions and steadies ladders. Operates the wood chipper (turns on and off). Saws and chops up tree trunks, tree tops, limbs, branches, and brush and leads them into the chipper. Drives the truck which tows the chipper.

     • This classification is being phased out. To be used only for employees hired as "chippermen" prior to July 1, 1985.

     (3) Power line clearance tree trimmer apprentice.

     • Assist tree trimmer in clearing trees, branches and brush interfering with electrical power lines. He performs all his work on the ground.

     • Hoists tools and equipment to tree trimmer and lowers tree tops, limbs and branches with rope of block and tackle. Positions and steadies ladders. Operates the wood chipper (turns it on and off). Saws and chips up tree trunks, tree tops, limbs, branches, and brush and feeds them into the chipper. Drives the truck which tows the chipper.

     • Drags tree trunks, limbs, branches, and brush to the chipper, when the chipper is stationed a considerable distance from the location where the tree trimming is done.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 39.12 RCW, RCW 43.22.270 and 43.22.051. 00-15-077, § 296-127-01387, filed 7/19/00, effective 7/19/00.]