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TRAINING & EDUCATION ANSI Z133-2012: By Tree Folk, For Tree Folk By Michael "House" Tain T he American National Standards Institute Z133-2012, hereafter referred to as Z133, is a standard that provides general tree care work and operations' safety requirements for the tree care industry.Although it is not technically a regulation but rather a guide, it has been adopted by many municipal, state, and federal organizations in the production of their specific regulations.Thus, it can provide tree companies and personnel with an excellent idea of the safety requirements of their chosen profession. The standard committee was originally organized in the late 1960s at the urging of a mother who had lost her son to a tree care accident.The first standard was produced by that committee in 1971, and approved as an American National Standard in 1972.The Z133 is under constant review by members of the committee, with revisions released periodically — the most recent of which happened in 2012.When questioning the wisdom of safety regulations or requirements, climbing arborists and tree folk should bear in mind that the committee is made up of tree industry professionals, including members from professional organizations, tree care companies, training companies, utilities, rope/gear manufacturers, and arborist equipment retailers. In short, each member of the tree care industry has the ability to play a role in suggesting changes or revisions in the regulations that govern their work, and participating in the important, though often thankless, task of helping keep tree folk safe as they move about in and beneath the canopy. General The Z133 consists of several specific guidelines for various common work activities in the tree care industry including general information on subjects such as traffic control, PPE (personal protective equipment), electrical hazards, rigging, climbing and removals, along with a number of informational appendices that are intended to help users better follow the guidelines.Among the specific guidelines, readers will find references to other standards that may apply such as the ANSI Z89.1 for helmets/hardhats or the MUTCD (Manual on 10 Arbor Age / October 2013 Uniform Traffic Control Devices) for traffic control situations. In any case, not only should every tree care company have a copy of the Z133 available, it is imperative that both workers and management be familiar with its guidelines; and make these standards part of the daily work practices and culture. Personal protective equipment (PPE) One of the most immediately applicable sections of the Z133, but sadly most often ignored, is the section on PPE.As has been discussed in Tree crews would be well advised to wear chaps or chain saw pants at all times during tree care operations regardless of location or elevation. www.arborage.com