Many potential hazards and situational concerns exist while felling operations are being conducted. These hazards and situational concerns are not solely limited to the actual faller but also to those assisting or in the general area. The following are examples of specific items to consider when working on or in the vicinity of felling operations. Additional items may be included.

• Is the faller and swamper aware of my position and the position of all others in the vicinity?
  
  
• Have escape routes been discussed and located?
  
  
• Conduct a “size-up” of the tree being felled and consider:
  • The height and distance that would be required to ensure no possibility of being hit as the tree falls
  • What are the possibilities that something may fall from the tree or break?
  • Is the tree sound and healthy, dead or rotten?
  • Is the tree leaning or heavily limbed on one side?
    
    
• Are there weather conditions such as wind that would effect how the tree falls
  
  
• Conduct a survey of the surrounding area and consider
  • -What are the factors that would impede my escape?(terrain, vegetation, wetness, slope)
  • Is there a possibility that the tree will roll once it hits the ground?
    
    
• Consider the possible actions that may occur as the tree falls
  • Are there other trees or obstacles that may impede the tree falling?.
  • Is there the potential for the tree to break off pieces and propel them in various directions?
    
    
• Maintain visual contact with the tree being felled.
  
  
• Do not approach until the tree has stopped moving and the all clear is given.

Always be aware of your surroundings when felling operations are being conducted and expect the unexpected.