Tree Trimming Workshop

Date:	October 17-19, 2023
Time:	Day 1: Oct 17, 2023 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Day 2: Oct 18, 2023 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Day 3: Oct 19, 2023 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location:	Brainerd Public Utilities Wastewater Treatment Facility, 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 any municipal employee responsible for tree work; it’s not just for lineworkers. The course will include classroom and hands-on field work and will take place rain or shine.

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.

Training will be led by Jake Stoll and Devin Lee of Detroit Lakes Public Utilities, along with Cody Raveling and Jay Reading of MMUA. Jake and Devin work on Detroit Lakes' tree crew and bring years of experience to the workshop. Cody and Jay recently completed a 4-day arborist training covering chainsaw usage and maintenance, rigging, felling, proper pruning techniques, and applicable safety standards (OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910, ANSI Z133 Safety Standard, ANSI A300 Pruning Standard).

Topics

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 17
12:00-1:00  Registration/check-in
1:00  Welcome
1:15-4:00  Classroom instruction covering:

Accident review
Safety standards
Hazard recognition
Chainsaw maintenance
Wood chipper safety and proper use

Wednesday, October 18
8:00-12:00  Hands-on tree work
12:00-1:00  Lunch
1:00-4:00  Hands-on tree work

Thursday, October 19
8:00-10:00 Rigging techniques and proper application
10:00-11:30 Overview of tree species and 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 and 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 work for a municipal utility that is a member of MMUA
Limited to the first 50 participants

Member Rate: $425 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 Friday, September 29 or when registration sold out (maximum 50).

Cancellations/refunds

Cancellations are subject to a $35 charge per person if received by 4:30 pm on September 29, 2023. No refunds issued after September 29.

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 23, 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.