Limited Specialty (D-Series) (C-61) · Lesson 6 of 6

D-49 Tree Service: Felling Notch, Climbing Line and Power-Line Limits

"D-49 Tree Service: Felling Notch, Climbing Line and Power-Line Limits" is lesson 6 of 6 in the Limited Specialty (D-Series) (C-61) Learning Hub. It opens with "What D-49 Covers and Which Order Governs It" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. What D-49 Covers and Which Order Governs It
  2. Felling Cuts - 8 CCR 3427(c)
  3. Climbing Line and Gear - 8 CCR 3422
  4. Working Aloft - 8 CCR 3427(a) and (b)
  5. Power-Line Distances - 8 CCR 3423(b)

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 6 steps.

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "D-49 Tree Service: Felling Notch, Climbing Line and Power-Line Limits" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Climbing Line and Gear - 8 CCR 3422".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Working Aloft - 8 CCR 3427(a) and (b)".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Power-Line Distances - 8 CCR 3423(b)".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
D-49 TREE FELLING AND CLIMBING LIMITSFelling a 30 in oak near a 240 V service drop, climber at 35 ft30 IN OAK: NOTCH AND BACK CUTdirection of fallback cuthinge (uncut)30 in10 in max(1/3 of 30 in)SIDE VIEWback cut 1-2 inabove apexCHECK THE PLAN (8 CCR 3420-3428)1) 30 in is over 5 in: notch + back cut Notch depth max = 30 / 3 = 10 in2) Conventional/Humboldt: back cut 1-2 in above apex; open-face: level3) 100 ft line: 7% x 100 = 7 ft stretch max at 500 lb; 5,000 lb, 1/2 in min4) Climber at 35 ft is over 12 ft: second worker present, 2 tie-ins5) 240 V drop (600 V or less): trained worker, no closer than 1 ft Over 600 V: 10 ft, line clearance onlyStump grinder: guards and PPE (3428)RESULT: notch 10 in max, back cut 1-2 in above apexSource: 8 CCR 3420(b), 3421, 3422(a)(c), 3423(b), 3427(b)(9), 3427(c)(3); CSLB Get Licensed to Build, D-49.CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: What D-49 Covers and Which Order Governs It

CSLB defines D-49 Tree Service as pruning trees, removing trees, limbs or stumps (including grinding) and tree or limb guying; CSLB notes that as of January 1, 2024 the classification is re-established as a C classification under 16 CCR Section 832.49 (CSLB, Get Licensed to Build, D-49). The safety numbers come from Cal/OSHA General Industry Safety Orders, Title 8, Article 12 Tree Work, Maintenance or Removal, Sections 3420 through 3428. Every work location must be under the direction of a qualified tree worker (8 CCR 3421(b)), a job briefing is held before each assignment (3421(f)), and for field work with two or more employees at least two persons trained in first aid and CPR must be available (3421(m)).

Step 2: Felling Cuts - 8 CCR 3427(c)

A notch and back cut must be used to establish a hinge when felling trees over 5 inches in diameter. The notch may be a conventional, open-faced or Humboldt notch (defined in 3420(b)); the notch depth shall not exceed one-third of the diameter of the tree; the back cut shall not penetrate into the predetermined hinge area; and the two saw cuts that form the notch shall not cross where they meet. With a conventional or Humboldt notch the back cut is 1 to 2 inches above the apex of the notch; with an open-face notch (greater than 70 degrees) the back cut is at the same level as the apex. The work area must be cleared and an escape route planned before cutting (3427(c)(1)-(2)), and an audible warning is given just before the tree falls (3427(c)(4)).

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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