Tree Trimming Workshop

Date:	October 18-20, 2022
Time:	Day 1: Oct 18, 2022 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Day 2: Oct 19, 2022 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Day 3: Oct 20, 2022 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location:	Brainerd Public Utilities, 8027 Highland Scenic Road, Brainerd, MN 56401 Get Directions
This event is now closed for online registration

Maintaining your electric lines often includes some degree of tree care. And following a storm or strong winds, clearing trees from power lines may be necessary to restore service. This workshop is intended for lineworkers and will include classroom and hands-on instruction in the field.

It's vital that crews are properly trained and comply with applicable Safety Standards, including OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.268, 1910.269 and 1910.333, and ANSI Z133.1-2000.

This workshop offers lineworkers a thorough overview of electrical line tree trimming. This course will stress the importance of the job briefing and planning for the job. Safety hazards will be identified and the precautions to take will be covered.

James Monroe, MMUA's Apprenticeship and Job Training & Safety Instructor, will lead the instruction. James worked for Carr's Tree Service as a Climber doing tree trimming/clearing/removal for more than 4 years prior to joining MMUA.

Additional Instructors: Cody Raveling, MMUA Training Center Coordinator and JT&S Instructor; Mark Rieckhoff, RDO Equipment - Vermeer

Topics To Be Covered

Review of OSHA and ANSI Safety Standards
Chainsaw safety and maintenance
Wood chipper safety and proper use
Overview of tree species; best time of year to cut them
Proper way to trim a tree and how much to trim
Rigging techniques and proper application
Tree cuts for clearing trees and tree limbs from power lines
Proper techniques on felling trees
How to be an effective team and work safely on the ground and in the bucket

Schedule*

Tuesday, October 18
12:00-1:00  Registration/Check In
1:00  Welcome & Cover Rules, James Monroe, MMUA and Trent Hawkinson, Brainerd Public Utilities
1:15-4:00  Classroom Instruction Covering:

Accident Review
Safety Standards
Hazard Recognition
Chainsaw Maintenance

Wednesday, October 19
8:00-12:00  Hands-On Tree Work
12:00-1:00  Lunch Served at Brainerd Public Utilities
1:00-4:00  Hands-On Tree Work

Thursday, October 20
8:00-10:00 Rigging Techniques and Proper Application
10:00-11:30 Overview of Tree Species & Tree Trimming/Cutting Recommendations
11:30-12:00 Q&A and Wrap Up

*Schedule subject to change without notice.

What to Bring

Each participant is required to bring personal protective equipment (PPE) and a chainsaw:

Work Gloves/Gauntlets
Work Boots
Hard Hat
Safety Glasses/Face Protection
Hearing Protection
Long Sleeve Shirt
Appropriate High Visibility Equipment (Vest/Jacket)
Chaps
Chainsaw in Protective Case & Extra Chain
Mixed Gas, In Approved Container

Certificate of Achievement

Attendees earn a certificate of achievement for their participation. Watch for an email notification from MMUA with the certificate, upon completion of the course.

Registration Fee

Registration for this course is limited:

Must be a lineworker
Must work for a municipal utility that is a member of MMUA
Limited to the first 50 lineworkers who register

Member Rate: $300 per person

Registration fee includes workshop tuition, materials, Wednesday lunch, refreshment breaks and a certificate of achievement.

Registration fee increases $50 on September 19.

Deadline to register is Thursday, September 29 or when registration sold out (maximum 50).

Cancellations / Refunds

MMUA charges a $30 processing fee per person for registrations cancelled on/by September 29. MMUA must be notified by 4:30 pm on September 29 to qualify for a refund. Sorry, no refunds issued for cancellations after September 29, 2022.

Hotel / Motel Information

Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes
6967 Lake Forest Road
Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: 218.822.5634

MMUA has negotiated reduced room rates starting at $109/night, plus tax. To obtain MMUA's reduced rate, please call Arrowwood Lodge directly to make a reservation (be sure to ask for MMUA's room block rate).

NOTE: Reduced rate expires on September 29, however, because availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed we recommend you make your reservation as soon as possible.

Photographs

By registering for this event I/we, the registered attendee(s), authorize Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) to photograph me at this event and use such photographs in MMUA marketing materials (both electronic and print). I understand that I will not be paid for giving this consent. Likewise, anyone who attends as a substitute for a registered individual understands MMUA may take their photograph and utilize the photograph in marketing materials, and the individual(s) grants consent to MMUA with the understanding that they will not be paid.