Glossary term
What is ANSI Z133?
Short answer
ANSI Z133 is the American national safety standard for tree care operations, such as climbing, rigging, chipping and working near power lines.
ANSI Z133, explained for tree service owners
The ANSI Z133 standard sets safe work rules for tree care. It covers things like personal protective gear, aerial lifts, chain saws, chippers, rigging and electrical hazards. It is a voluntary consensus standard, but many insurers and large customers refer to it when they judge tree care safety. A tree company that trains its crew on it can show customers a real safety culture. Ask for the current edition and read it with your crew. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Related terms
- Rigging
Rigging is the use of ropes, blocks, slings and friction devices to lower cut tree pieces to the ground in a controlled way.
- Back cut
A back cut is the final cut made on the opposite side of the notch that frees the tree to fall, leaving the hinge intact.
- Chainsaw chaps
Chainsaw chaps are cut-resistant leg guards that clog a saw chain if it touches the leg, giving time to stop.
- Chipper feed rollers
Chipper feed rollers are the powered rollers at the chute that pull branches into the blades at a steady pace.
- Climbing spikes
Climbing spikes are sharp metal points strapped to a climber's boots that bite into the trunk, used mainly on trees being removed.
- Conventional notch
A conventional notch is a wedge cut with a flat bottom and a sloped top that guides a tree to fall in a set direction.
- Drop zone
A drop zone is the marked area on the ground where cut branches and wood are expected to fall, kept clear of people.
- Experience modification rate
An experience modification rate (EMR) is a number that raises or lowers your workers' comp cost based on your past claims compared with…
More terms, A to Z
All 199 glossary terms This term in the A-Z list Learn by topic Our services Pricing
Want to know how your company does on this?
Get a free 5-minute audit of your phone, website and Google profile. We check what you can see from the outside, in plain English. No call needed.
Get my free 5-minute audit