WAC 296-54-523 Inspection and repair of equipment and vehicles. Defective equipment.

(1) Equipment in need of repair must be reported to management as soon as possible and such equipment must not be used until repairs are completed if there is a possible hazard to safety of the operator or other employees.

(2) Each vehicle used to perform any logging operation must be inspected before initial use during each workshift. Defects or damage must be repaired or the unserviceable vehicle must be replaced before work is commenced.

(3) Each vehicle, machine and piece of equipment used to perform any logging operation must be maintained in serviceable condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-523, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-523, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040,.150 and.240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-523, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-527 Seat belts. 

Each machine equipped with ROPS and each vehicle (whether provided by the employee or the employer) must meet the following requirements:

(1) A seat belt must be provided for each vehicle, vehicle occupant, and all machines equipped with ROPS.

Note: An employer is not required to retrofit a machine or vehicle that was not equipped with seat belts at the time of manufacture.

(2) Each employee must use the available seat belt while the vehicle or machine is being operated.

Exception: During road construction operations only, when road building machine operators are faced with a significant steep and deep cliff on the side, a seat belt is not required to be worn, if the employee's immediate supervisor approves of such action.

(3) Each employee must securely and tightly fasten the seat belt to restrain the employee within the vehicle or machine cab.

(4) Each machine seat belt must meet the requirements of the Society of Automotive Engineers Standard SAE J386, June 1985, “Operator Restraint Systems for Off-Road Work Machines.” Seat belts need not be provided for equipment that is designed for stand-up operations.

(5) Seat belts must not be removed from any vehicle or machine. The employer must replace each seat belt that was removed from any vehicle or machine that was equipped with seat belts at the time of manufacture.

(6) Each seat belt must be maintained in a serviceable condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-527, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. . Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-527, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-527, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-529 Overhead electrical lines clearance. 

One of the following conditions must exist in work areas where equipment or machines are operated near electrical distribution and transmission lines:

(1) The lines have been de-energized and visibly grounded at the point of work;

(2) Insulating barriers that are not a part of or an attachment to the equipment or machinery are erected to prevent physical contact with the lines; or

All of the following requirements are met:

(4) Someone must be designated to observe proper clearance and to give timely warning for all operations where it is difficult for the operator to see well enough to maintain the clearance.

(5) All overhead wires shall be considered energized unless the line owner or the electrical utility authorities ensure that it is not an energized line and has been visibly grounded.

(6) Special precautions must be taken to prevent trees from falling into power lines. The employer must notify the power company immediately if a felled tree makes contact with any power line. Before falling any tree that appears will hit a power line, the employer must notify the power company. If a tree does contact a power line, all employees must remain clear of the area until the power company ensures that there is no electrical hazard.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-529, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-529, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-529, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-529, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-531 Truck roads.

(1) Haul road grades must not exceed 20 percent unless:

• (a) Special equipment and safety measures are used to accommodate the steep grade; or

• (b) The logging equipment or truck is specifically designed and approved by the manufacturer for operation on grades over twenty percent.

(2) Truck road surfaces must meet the following requirements:

(a) Truck roads are wide enough and even to ensure the safe operation of equipment.

Hazards such as broken planking, deep holes, large rocks, logs, etc., that make equipment operation unsafe, must be immediately corrected.

On blind curves, one of the following must be implemented:

(i) Truck roads are wide enough for two trucks to pass;

(ii) A signal system is maintained; or

(iii) Speed is limited so that the vehicle can be stopped in one-half the visible distance.

(3) For all portions of roads under the direct control of the employer, the employer must ensure that:

(a) All danger trees are fell a safe distance back from the roadway;

(b) Rocks that present a hazard are cleared from banks; and

(c) Brush and other materials that obstruct the view at intersections or on sharp curves are cleared.

(4) All bridge structures used in the logging operation must meet the following requirements:

(a) Structures are adequate to support the maximum imposed loads without exceeding the maximum safe working unit stresses;

(b) Bridges have an adequate number of reflectors to clearly define the entrance to the bridge;

(c) Structures are maintained in good condition and repair;

(d) Structures are inspected at least annually by a qualified authorized person; and

(e) A record maintained of each inspection must be available to a representative of the department on request.

(5) Shear rails must be installed on both outside edges of bridges. The shear rails must be securely fastened and made of material able to withstand the impact generated by contact with the wheels of a loaded vehicle. The top of shear rails must be at least fifteen inches above the bridge surface. Bridges in use before 1980 with outside shear rails a minimum of ten inches high or center shear rails at least five inches high are permissible until repairs are needed.

(6) The employer must implement measures that minimize dust to the degree that visibility is sufficient to allow an operator to safely operate a vehicle. Vehicle operators must travel at a speed consistent with road conditions.

(7) Pneumatic-tired equipment must have fenders as described in the Society of Automotive Engineers Technical Report J321a.

(8) Employee(s) must be assigned to flag on roads or provide other equivalent protection where hazardous conditions are created from logging such as but not limited to:

(a) Running wire rope lines or rigging across road grades, excluding guylines and standing skylines if lines remain a safe distance above the road to allow a vehicle to pass under; or

(b) The movement of logs, chunks, or debris across or suspended over road grades.

Exception: Where there is no through traffic, such as on a dead end road or where the property owner's permission or proper authority is granted to close a section of road, warning signs and barricades may be used instead of flagger(s).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-531, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-531, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-531, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-531, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-533 Road pioneering and earthwork.

(1) Banks at the borrow area must be sloped to prevent slides.

(2) Backfill must be firmly compacted.

(3) Roadside banks must be sloped or stabilized to prevent slides.

(4) Overhanging banks, large rocks and debris must be removed or secured.

(5) Where riprap is used, the material and design must ensure containment of material.

(6) Trees or snags that may fall into the road must be fell.

(7) Root wads, logs, and other unstable debris must not be placed against standing timber or otherwise placed so as to create a hazard for timber falling or other logging operations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-533, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-533, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-535 Hand and portable powered tools.

(1) Each hand and portable powered tool, including any tool provided by an employee, must be maintained in serviceable condition.

(2) Each tool, including any tool provided by an employee, must be inspected before initial use during each workshift. The inspection must include at least the following:

(a) Handles and guards, to ensure that they are sound and tight-fitting, (properly shaped, free of splinters and sharp edges, and in place);

(b) Controls, to ensure proper function;

(c) Chain saw chains, to ensure proper adjustment;

(d) Chain saw mufflers, to ensure that they are operational and in place;

(e) Chain brakes and/or nose shielding devices, to ensure that they are in place and function properly;

(f) Heads of shock, impact-driven and driving tools, to ensure that there is no mushrooming.

(3) Each tool must be used and maintained according to the following requirements:

(a) Each tool is used only for purposes for which it was designed.

(b) Any shock, impact-driven or driving tool is repaired or removed from service when the head begins to chip.

(c) The cutting edge of each tool is sharpened according to manufacturer's specifications whenever it becomes dull during the workshift.

(d) Each tool is stored in the provided location when not being used at a worksite.

Note: See WAC 296-24-650 for rules on the use and maintenance of tools and other equipment not covered by this chapter.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-535, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-535, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-535, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-535, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-537 Chain saws.

(1) Operators must inspect chain saws daily to ensure that handles and guards are in place, and controls and other moving parts are functional.

(a) Each chain saw placed into initial service after February 9, 1995, must be equipped with a chain brake and, shall otherwise meet the requirements of ANSI B175.1-1991 “Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws” and the requirements of this chapter;

(b) Each chain saw placed into service before February 9, 1995, must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback, i.e., reduced kick back bar, chains, bar tip guard, or chain brake; and

(c) No chain saw kick back device shall be removed or otherwise disabled.

(2) Saw pinching and subsequent chain saw kickback must be prevented by using wedges, levers, guidelines, and saw placement, or by undercutting.

(3) Chain saws must be:

(a) Shutoff while fueling;

(b) Fueled outdoors at least ten feet from anyone smoking or from other potential sources of ignition; and

(c) Started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.

(4) Chain saws must have a positive means of stopping the engine.

(5) Unless the carburetor is being adjusted, the chain saw must be shut off before any adjustments or repairs are made to the saw, chain, or bar.

(6) Using a chain saw with a faulty clutch is prohibited.

(7) The bar must be handled only when the chain saw motor is shut off.

(8) The drive end of the chain saw bar must be guarded.

(9) The chain saw must have an automatic throttle control that will return the engine to idle speed when the throttle is released.

Note: Idle speed is when the engine is running and the chain does not rotate on the bar.

(10) The chain saw must be started on the ground, log or where otherwise firmly supported. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.

(11) A chain saw must be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation unless the employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by keeping both hands on the chain saw in a specific situation.

(12) The chain saw must be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.

(13) The chain saw must be shut off or at idle before the faller starts to retreat.

(14) The chain saw must be shut down or the chain brake engaged whenever a saw is carried:

(a) Further than 50 feet (15.2 m); or

(b) Less than 50 feet if conditions such as, but not limited to, the terrain, underbrush, and slippery surfaces, may create a hazard for an employee.

(15) Using a chain saw to cut directly over head is prohibited.

(16) The chain saw operator must be certain of footing before starting to cut. The chain saw must not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the operator to become off-balance, to have unsteady footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on the saw.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-537, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050 and .060. 96-22-013, § 296-54-537, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040,.150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-537, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-539 Falling and bucking--General.

(1) The employer must assign work areas so that:

(a) Trees cannot fall into an adjacent occupied work area;

(b) The distance between work areas is at least two tree lengths of the trees being fell (see Figure 1: Distance Between Work Areas);

Figure 1: Distance Between Work Areas

(c) The distance between work areas reflects the degree of slope, the density of the growth, the height of the trees, the soil structure and other hazards reasonably anticipated at the worksite; and

(d) A distance of more than two tree lengths is maintained between work areas on any slope where rolling or sliding of trees or logs is reasonably foreseeable.

Exception: This rule does not apply to a team of cutters working on the same tree.

(2) Before falling or bucking, conditions such as, but not limited to, snow and ice accumulation, the wind, the lean of tree, dead limbs, and the location of other trees, must be evaluated by the cutter and precautions taken so a hazard is not created for an employee. Accumulations of snow and ice that may create a hazard for an employee must be removed before beginning falling in the area, or the area must be avoided.

(3) Employees must not approach a cutter closer than two tree lengths of trees being felled until the cutter has acknowledged that it is safe to do so.

(4) A competent person, properly experienced in this type of work, must be placed in charge of falling and bucking operations. Inexperienced workers must not be allowed to fall timber, buck logs or windfalls unless working under the direct supervision of an experienced cutter.

(5) Trees must not be fell if the falling tree can strike any line in the logging operation and endanger workers.

(6) Before an employee falls or bucks any tree:

(a) A sufficient work area must be swamped;

(b) The cutter must plan and clear an escape path; and

(i) The escape path must extend diagonally away from the expected felling line unless such an escape path poses a greater hazard than an alternate escape path; and

(ii) An escape path must be used as soon as the tree or snag is committed to fall, roll, or slide.

(7) If a cutter has determined a tree cannot be safely fell, the work must stop until the cutter has conferred with a supervisor or an experienced cutter and determined the safest possible work method or procedure.

(8) The person in charge of cutting crews must regularly inspect the work of the cutting crews and is responsible to ensure the work is performed in a proper and safe manner.

(9) All cutters must carry or have in near proximity at all times:

(a) An axe or suitable tool for driving wedges;

(b) A minimum of two wedges;

(c) A whistle carried on the person; and

(d) A first-aid kit.

(i) The first-aid kit must contain at least two trauma bandages or equivalent absorbent gauze material and a means to secure the material in place.

(ii) First aid supplies must be kept clean and dry.

(10) A flagperson(s) must be assigned on roads where hazardous conditions are created from falling trees. Where there is no through traffic, such as on a dead end road, warning signs or barricades may be used instead of a flagperson(s).

(11) A cutter must not fall a tree or danger tree alone when at least two cutters are necessary to minimize hazards.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-539, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-539, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-539, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-539, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-53910 Falling and bucking--Falling.

(1) Where felled trees are likely to roll and endanger workers, cutting must proceed from the bottom toward the top of the slope, and uphill from previously fell timber.

(2) A cutter must not be placed on a hillside immediately below another cutter or below other logging operations where there is probable danger.

(3) Cutters must be informed of the movement and location of other employees placed, passing, or approaching the vicinity of trees being fell.

(4) Cutters must give audible warning when falling trees, and:

(a) Indicate the direction of fall;

(b) Ensure that all employees are out of reach of the tree; and

(c) Ensure that all employees are in clear of logs, fallen trees, snags, or other trees that may be struck by the falling tree.

Exception: Audible warnings are not required when falling trees less than 18 inches DBH, if the cutter has an unobstructed view of the entire area that could be affected by the tree being fell and is assured there is no one within the area.

(5) While manual falling is in progress, all logging machines must be operated at least two lengths away from trees being manually fell.

Exception: This provision does not apply to logging machines performing tree pulling operations or logging machines called upon by the cutter to ground hazard trees. All cutters must be notified of the logging machine's entrance into the area and all falling within two tree lengths of the logging machine must stop.

(6) Trees must be fell into the open whenever conditions permit.

(7) Cutters must not fall into another strip; trade leaners on the line.

(8) Knocking over trees larger than six inches in diameter in lieu of cutting is prohibited, except as provided in WAC 296-54-53910(9).

(9) Domino falling of trees, including danger trees, is prohibited. Domino falling does not include the falling of a single danger tree by falling another single tree into it.

(10) Undercuts large enough to safely guide trees and eliminate the possibility of splitting must be used on all trees over 6 inches DBH.

For example: A tree with no perceptible lean, having an undercut depth of one-fourth of the diameter of the tree and a face opening equal to one-fifth of the diameter of the tree would meet the requirement.

(11) A cutter must place an adequate undercut and leave enough holding wood to ensure the tree will fall in the intended direction.

(12) The two cuts that form the undercut must not cross where they meet, except where a dutchman is required on either side of the cut.

(13) The undercut must not be made while other workers are in an area into which the tree could fall.

(14) A backcut must be made in each tree being fell.

(a) The backcut must be as level as possible;

(b) The backcut must leave enough hinge wood to hold the tree to the stump during most of its fall so that the hinge is able to guide the tree's fall in the intended direction; and

(c) The backcut must be above the level of the horizontal facecut to provide an adequate platform to prevent kickback.

Exception: This requirement does not apply to open-faced falling where two angled facecuts are used instead of a horizontal facecut.

(d) In tree-pulling operations the backcut may be at or below the undercut hinge point.

(15) Cutting holding wood instead of using wedges is prohibited. Swing cuts are prohibited except by an experienced person.

(16) Trees with face cuts and/or backcuts must not be left standing unless all the following conditions are met:

(a) The cutter clearly marks the tree;

(b) Discontinues work in the hazardous area;

(c) Notifies all workers who might be endangered; and

(d) Takes appropriate measures to ensure that the tree is safely fell before other work is undertaken in the hazardous area.

(17) Undercuts and backcuts must be made at a height above the highest ground level to enable the cutter to safely begin the cut, control the tree, and have freedom of movement for a quick escape from a falling tree.

(18) Lodged trees must be clearly marked and identified by a predetermined method and all persons in the area must be instructed not to pass or work within two tree lengths of the trees except to ground them.

Note: See Figure No. 2, for illustrations of undercuts.

Figure 2: Undercuts

(A) Conventional undercut. Can be made with parallel saw cut and axe diagonal cut or both cuts with the saw. Generally used on trees of small diameter.

(B) Humboldt undercut. Leaves square-end log. Same as (A), except that waste is put on the stump.

(C) Two parallel cuts with the saw. The material between the cuts is chipped out with an axe-adz (pulaski) combination. Used on trees over 30 inches in diameter.

(D) Three parallel cuts with the saw, leaving a step. Same in principle as (C). Used on trees of very large diameter

Item

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-53910, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-53920 Falling and bucking--Bucking.

(1) The tree (and root wad if applicable) must be carefully examined to determine which way the logs (and root wad) will roll, drop, or swing when the cut is completed. No worker shall be allowed in this danger zone during cutting. The cut must be made from a position that will not expose the cutter to potential injury.

(2) Logs must be completely bucked through whenever possible. If it becomes hazardous to complete a cut, then the log must be marked and identified by a predetermined method. Rigging crews must be instructed to recognize such marks and when possible, cutters must warn the rigging crew of locations where unfinished cuts remain.

(3) Cutters must give timely warning to all persons within range of any log that may have a tendency to roll after being cut off.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-53920, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-53930 Falling and bucking--Danger trees.

(1) Each danger tree must be carefully checked for signs of loose bark, broken branches and limbs, or other damage before they are fell or removed. Accessible loose bark and other damage that may create a hazard for an employee must be removed or held in place before falling or removing the tree. When a danger tree has elevated loose bark that cannot be removed, the buddy system must be used to watch for and give warning of falling bark or other hazards.

(2) Danger trees that are unsafe to cut must be blown down with explosives or fell by other safe methods.

(3) To avoid use of wedges, which might dislodge loose bark or other material, danger trees must be fell in the direction of lean unless other means (mechanical or dynamite) are used.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-53930, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-53940 Falling and bucking--Springboards and tree jacking.

(1) Springboards must be:

(a) Made of clear, straight grained sound stock;

(b) Long enough, wide enough, and strong enough; and

(c) Replaced when they will no longer safely support the expected load at the extreme end.

(2) Springboard irons must be well lipped and firmly attached with bolts or other equally strong attachment.

(3) Saw chains must be stopped while shifting springboards.

(4) Jack plates must be used with hydraulic tree jacks and the base plate must be seated on solid wood inside the bark ring as close to level as possible.

(5) When necessary, two workers must be present at the tree during hydraulic tree jacking to lend assistance.

(6) Wedges must be used as a follow-up method while using tree jacks, and continuously moved in as the tree is jacked.

(7) All hydraulic tree jacks must be equipped with a check valve and the pump must be equipped with an operable pressure gauge.

(8) Jacking a tree straight uphill is prohibited when the tree may slide back past the stump.

(9) On slopes over 50% grade, tree(s) must at least be quartered to a degree that prevents employees from being exposed to the possibility of sliding or rolling trees or logs.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-53940, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-541 Tree pulling.

(1) The cutter must be responsible for determining if a tree can be safely pulled. If, for any reason, the cutter believes the tree pulling cannot be completed safely, the tree must be conventionally fell.

(2) When using a radio, positive radio communications must be maintained at all times between the tree pulling machine and cutter when tree pulling. An audible signal must be blown when the initial pull is made on the tree and the line is tightened. Hand signals, instead of radio communications and an audible signal, may be used only if the cutter is clearly visible to the tree puller operator.

(3) A choker with bell, or a line and sleeve shackle must be used as the means of attachment around the tree when tree pulling. (See also WAC 296-54-54710(4).) The bight on the line must be the minimum necessary to hold the choker or line around the tree.

(4) The tree pulling machine must be equipped with a torque converter, fluid coupler, or an equivalent device to ensure a steady even pull on the line attached around the tree.

(5) The tree pulling line must have as straight and direct path from the machine to the tree as possible. Physical obstructions that prevent a steady even pull on the tree pulling line must be removed or the line must be rerouted.

(6) Siwashing, in lieu of a block, in order to change tree pulling lead, is prohibited.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-541, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-541, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-543 Mechanized falling.

(1) A flagger(s) must be assigned on roads where hazardous conditions are created from falling trees. Where there is no through traffic, such as on a dead end road, warning signs or barricades may be used instead of a flagger(s).

(2) Self-propelled mobile falling equipment used for falling trees must be designed, or have auxiliary equipment installed, that will cause the tree to fall in the intended direction.

(3) Until the machine operator has acknowledged that it is safe to do so, no employee shall approach a mechanical falling operation closer than a minimum of two tree lengths of the trees being fell.

(4) Mechanized falling must be conducted in a way that does not endanger people or equipment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-543, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-543, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-543, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-545 Climbing equipment and passline.

(1) Standard climbing equipment must be furnished by the employer. However, the climber may use personal equipment, if it meets the requirements of this section and is permitted by the employer.

(a) The climber may fasten climbing rope by passing it through “D” rings fastened to the belt and around his body before tying it to itself.

(b) An extra set of climbing equipment must be kept at the jobsite and another person with climbing experience must be present.

(2) The climber must be equipped with a climbing equipment assembly that includes:

(a) A safety belt with double “D” rings;

(b) Steel spurs long and sharp enough to hold in any tree in which they are used; and

(c) A climbing rope made of wire-core hemp, wire or chain construction.

(3) All climbing equipment must be maintained in good condition.

(4) Defective climbing equipment must be immediately removed from service.

(5) Going up a raised portable spar or tower without suitable equipment is prohibited.

(6) Only an employee directed by the climber may work directly under a tree. The climber must give warning before intentionally dropping any objects or when objects are accidentally dropped.

(7) Running lines must not be moved while the climber is working in the tree, except such “pulls” as climber directs and are necessary for the work.

(8) One experienced person must be assigned to transmit the climber's signals to the machine operator.

(a) This signal person must not otherwise be occupied while the climber is in the tree.

(b) The machine operator must not be distracted while the climber is using the passline.

(c) The designated signal person must be positioned clear of hazards from falling, flying, or thrown objects.

(9) The climber must be an experienced logger with proper knowledge of logging methods and the safety of rigging spar and tail trees.

(10) Noisy equipment such as power saws, tractors, and shovels must not be operated near where a climber is working when such noise will interfere with the climber's signals.

(11) Climbing and passline equipment must not be used for other purposes.

(12) Lineman hooks must not be used as spurs.

(13) Tools used by the climber, except the chain saw, must be safely secured to climbers belt when not in use.

(14) Using snaps on a climber's rope is prohibited unless a secondary safety device between the belt and snap is used.

(15) A climber's rope must encircle the tree before the climber leaves the ground, except when the climber is riding the passline.

(16) While the climber is working in the tree, persons must keep at sufficient distance from the tree to be clear of falling objects.

(17) When used, passline blocks must be kept in alignment and free from fouling.

(18) Loose equipment, rigging, or material must either be removed from the tree or securely fastened.

(19) Drums used for passlines must have enough flange depth to prevent the passline from running off the drum at any time.

(20) Passlines must:

(a) Be at least 5/16-inch and not over 1/2-inch in diameter;

(b) Not be subjected to sawing on other lines or rigging, and kept clear of all moving lines and rigging;

(c) Be one continuous length and in good condition with no splices, knots, molles, or eye-to-eye splices between the ends;

(d) Long enough to provide three wraps on the drum before the climber leaves the ground.

(21) Passline chains must be:

(a) At least 5/16-inch alloy or 3/8-inch high test chain and must not contain cold shuts or wire strands;

(b) Attached to the end of the passline with a screw-pin shackle, a slip-pin shackle with a nut and molle, or a ring large enough to prevent going through the pass block; and

(c) Fitted with links or rings to prevent workers from being pulled into the passline block.

(22) Pass blocks must:

(a) Be inspected before placing in each spar and the necessary replacements or repairs made before they are hung;

(b) Have the shells bolted under the sheaves;

(c) Have the bearing pin securely locked and nuts keyed, or the block positively secures the nut and pin;

(d) Be equipped with sheaves at least six inches in diameter; and

(e) Comply with WAC 296-54-54750.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-545, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-545, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-547 Rigging--General.

(1) Rigging must be arranged and operated so that rigging and loads will not foul or saw against lines, straps, blocks, or other equipment or material.

(2) When not in use, rigging must be stored so that it does not present a hazard to employees.

(3) Tongs, grapples, logs and materials must not be swung or suspended over employees.

(4) All employees must be in the clear of running lines, standing skylines, moving rigging, or suspended loads until the rigging or loads have completely stopped.

(5) Riding on a turn of logs or rigging is prohibited, except on the passline. Holding on to moving rigging or chokers to be pulled uphill is prohibited.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-547, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-547, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-54710 Rigging--Inspection.

(1) An authorized, qualified person must thoroughly inspect all blocks, straps, guylines, butt rigging, and other rigging before they are used.

(2) The inspections must include examining for:

(a) Damaged, cracked, or worn parts;

(b) Loose nuts and bolts;

(c) Need for lubrication; and

(d) The condition of straps and guylines.

(3) All necessary repairs or replacements for safe operation must be made before the rigging is used.

(4) All rigging elements must be large and strong enough to safely withstand the stress that can be imposed by the maximum pull of the power unit against the equipment or devices as rigged or used in that particular logging operation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-54710, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-54720 Rigging--Molles.

(1) Molles must not be used as a temporary connection between two spliced eyes of a load-supporting running line. Double molles may be used on droplines only and single molles may be used on strawline.

(2) Molles must be as large as the pinhole will accommodate and have the loose ends rolled in.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-54720, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-54730 Rigging--Shackles.

(1) Shackles used to hang blocks, jacks, or rigging on spars, must have the pins secured with a nut and cotter key or a nut and molle.

(2) Flush pin, straight-sided shackles must be used for mainline, slackline and skyline extensions.

(3) Shackles with screw pins, knockout or slip pins may be used to anchor skylines, slackline, guyline, and/or guyline extensions.

(4) All other shackles must be screw pin type or have the pin secured with a nut and cotter key or a nut and molle, except as specified elsewhere for specific purposes.

(5) The opening between the jaws of shackles used to hang blocks, jacks, and rigging and to join or attach lines, must be a maximum of one inch greater than the size of the rope, swivel, or shackle to which it is attached.

(6) All shackles must be one size larger than the lines they connect and made of forged steel or material of equivalent strength.

(7) Shackles used to join lines must be hung with the pin and “U” part of the shackle through the eyes of the lines.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-54730, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

Figure 2-2 Shackles

WAC 296-54-54740 Rigging--Straps. 

Straps must be used according to the following requirements:

(1) Straps or chokers used to hang corner or tail blocks and straps used to anchor skylines/slacklines must be the size required by Table 1: Strap/Choker Size in Inches.

Note: Both strap ends must be under equal tension.

(2) When a single choker or single part strap is used to support lift blocks, jacks and tree shoes they must be adequately sized to support the applied loads.

(3) When a two part strap or two chokers are used to hang a block, jack, tree shoe, or rigging, both eyes or ends must be under equal tension.

(4) Where two equal length chokers are used instead of one choker to gain extra breaking strength, they must be arranged in a swede connection.

(5) Straps or chokers used to hang or support blocks, jacks, tree shoes, or rigging must be replaced when there is evidence of damaged or broken wires. They must:

(a) Be made of new wire rope; or

(b) Meet the pull test strength of new wire rope.

(6) Threading wire rope straps eye through eye is prohibited.

(7) Synthetic straps must be used as recommended by the manufacturer and only at a flat or downward angle unless wrapped one full turn around the tree support to prevent the strap from riding up on the support.

(8) Synthetic straps must be removed from service when wear reaches the limits prescribed by the manufacturer or when deterioration is evident.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-54740, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-54750 Rigging--Blocks.

(1) Load-bearing blocks must:

(a) Not be used for heavier strains or lines than those for which they are constructed;

(b) Be fitted with line guards;

(c) Be designed and used to prevent fouling;

(d) Be kept in proper alignment when in use;

(e) Be equipped with bearing and yoke pins that will safely withstand the strains imposed, and are securely fastened; and

(f) Be equipped with sheaves designed for the size of the wire rope used.

Exception: Subsections (b), and (f) do not apply to rig-up (“Tommy Moore”) blocks.

(2) Blocks with cracked or excessively worn sheaves or shells must not be used.

(3) Block bearings must be kept well lubricated.

(4) All pins in blocks must be properly secured by “Molle Hogans” or keys of the largest size the pin hole will accommodate. When blocks are hung in spars, pins must be secured with a nut and cotter pin or nut and molle.

(5) Lead blocks used for yarding, swinging, loading and unloading used in wood spars shall:

(a) Be of the type and construction designed for this purpose;

(b) Be bolted with not less than two bolts through the shells below the sheaves in a manner that will retain the sheave and line in case of bearing pin failure (this does not apply to haulback lead blocks); and

(c) Mainline blocks shall have a sheave diameter of not less than twenty times the diameter of the mainline.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-54750, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-54760 Rigging--Hanging blocks.

(1) All logging systems must use enough corner or tail blocks to distribute the stress on anchors and attachments.

(2) Blocks (other than passline or haywire) must be hung by one of the following methods:

(a) Hanging the block in both eyes or Ds of the straps (threaded straps are prohibited); or

(b) If chokers are used, the ferrule must be properly seated in the socket of the bell or hook to prevent the ferrule from coming unbuttoned. The chokers must be the size required in WAC 296-54-54740(1); or

(c) If single part straps are used, the straps must be secured with a shackle and be the size required in WAC 296-54-54740(1).

(3) The yoke pin of haulback blocks shall be inserted with the head facing the direction from which the rigging approaches.

(4) When there is danger of tail block straps slipping up or off the stump or tree, the stump or tree must be adequately notched or the line properly wrapped and secured. When the tail tree or stump is not secure, it must be tied back.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-54760, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-54770 Chokers and butt rigging.

(1) Chokers must be at least one size smaller than the mainline. If a dropline is used it must have a breaking strength equal to a line one size smaller than the mainline.

(2) All butt hook rigging must be used in a manner to prevent loss of the choker.

(3) Molles or cold shuts are prohibited in butt rigging as a load bearing connection.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-54770, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-549 Selecting spar, tail and intermediate support trees.

(1) Spar, tail and intermediate support trees must be examined carefully for defects before being selected. They must be sound, straight, green and of sufficient diameter to withstand the strains to be imposed.

(2) Trees having defects that impair their strength must not be used for spar, tail or intermediate support trees. Raised trees must be identified and marked as such.

(3) Douglas fir or spruce must be used as spar trees when available. If other species must be used, additional guylines, tree plates or other precautions must be taken to ensure that the tree will withstand the strains to be imposed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-549, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040,.050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-549, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-549, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-551 Raising and lowering portable spars or towers.

(1) A qualified, authorized person must direct each raising and lowering of a portable spar or tower.

(2) All employees not engaged in the raising or lowering of portable spars must stay in the clear during these operations.

(3) Portable spars must be leveled to provide proper line spooling and avoid excessive stress on component parts. 

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-551, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-551, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-551, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-551, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54 (Continued)