WAC 296-54-58110 Helicopter logging--Landing.

(1) The landing drop zone must be large enough for the longest logs to be landed without endangering the landing crew.

(2) Landing crew must remain in the clear until the load is placed flat on the ground and chokers are released from the hook.

(3) Landings must be constructed with minimal slope for drainage in the drop zone and a decking area to prevent logs from rolling.

(4) The approach to the landing must be kept clear and long enough to prevent tree tops from being pulled into the landing.

(5) Landing personnel must be notified when chokers are being picked up.

(6) If the load will not release from the hook, the hook must be on the ground or at eye level, whichever is safer, before employees approach to release the hook manually.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-58110, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-58120 Helicopter logging--Yarding.

(1) Helicopters must not work in areas near enough to cutters to cause the rotor wash to affect a cutter's ability to safely control a tree or to cause dislodging of limbs.

(2) The yarding helicopter must be equipped with a siren to warn employees of any hazardous situation.

(3) Log pickup must be arranged so that the hookup crew will not work on slopes below fell and bucked timber that appears unstable and likely to roll.

(4) If the load must be lightened by the hooker, the hooker must remain on the uphill side of the load and slack given to the entire load before releasing the hook.

(5) If the load must be aborted or lightened by the pilot, the hooker must be in the clear before releasing the hook.

(6) Employees must remain in the clear as chokers are being delivered. Under no circumstances can employees move under the chokers being delivered or take hold of the chokers before they are placed on the ground.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-58120, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-58130 Helicopter logging--Fueling area.

(1) Separate areas must be designated for landing logs and for fueling helicopter(s).

(2) Refueling any helicopter with either aviation gasoline or Jet B (turbine) type fuel while the engine is running is prohibited.

(3) Helicopters using Jet A (turbine-kerosene) type fuel may be refueled with engines running provided the following criteria are met:

(a) Unauthorized employees must not be allowed within fifty feet of the refueling operation or fueling equipment; and

(b) Fire extinguishers must be strategically located in the fueling area and must have a combined rating of at least 20A:120BC.

(4) All fueling employees must be thoroughly trained in the refueling operation and in the use of the available fire extinguishing equipment they may be expected to use.

(5) The following are prohibited within fifty feet of the fueling area or fueling equipment:

• Smoking;

• Open flames;

• Exposed flame heaters;

• Flare pots; and

• Open flame lights.

Exception: Aircraft preheaters are not prohibited. However, no fueling may be performed while the heaters are in operation.

(6) The fueling area must be posted with “no smoking” signs.

(7) Because there are many causes of static electricity, fueling employees must assume that it is present at all times. Before starting refueling operations, the fueling equipment and the helicopter must be bonded and the fueling nozzle must be electrically bonded to the helicopter. Using conductive hose is not an acceptable method of bonding. All grounding and bonding connections must be electrically and mechanically firm to clean unpainted metal parts.

(8) To control spills, fuel must be pumped either by hand or power; pouring or gravity flow is prohibited. Self-closing nozzles or deadman controls must be used and must not be blocked open. Nozzles must not be dragged along the ground.

(9) In case of a spill, the fueling operation must be immediately stopped until the person in charge determines that it is safe to resume.

(10) Helicopters with their engines stopped while being refueled with aviation gasoline or Jet B (turbine) type fuel, must comply with subsection (4) through (9) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-58130, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-583 Loading logs.

(1) A positive means of communication must be established and used between the truck driver and the employee loading logs to control the movement of the log truck being loaded.

(2) Employees must not be permitted alongside or underneath trucks being loaded or on the load until communication has been established with the loading machine operator and the truck driver, and the employee is assured that it is safe to be there.

(3) Logs being moved or loaded must not pass over any employee or an occupied vehicle, equipment or truck cab.

(4) Standing between a truck cab and a log being loaded or unloaded is prohibited.

(5) Logs must not be lowered to the bunk while bunk or block adjustments are being made or until the employee making these adjustments is in the clear.

(6) Standing underneath a suspended trailer or its reach is prohibited.

(7) Loads must be built up or loaded in a manner to be stable without the use of wrappers. Wrappers are considered only as precautionary measures to ensure stability of the load.

(8) Where there is a danger of the grapple slipping off of logs, straps must be used in loading logs that are too large for the grapple or tongs and must be hung in both eyes.

(9) Logs must be loaded in a manner to prevent excessive strain on wrappers, binders, bunk stakes, bunk chains or straps.

(10) Logs in any tier or layer unsecured by stakes or cheese blocks must be well saddled and have their diameter centers inside the diameter centers of the outer logs of the next lower tier or layer.

(11) Bunk and wing logs must extend at least twelve inches beyond the front and rear bunks or stakes. When fixed bunks are used, logs must extend at least six inches beyond the front and rear bunk or stake.

(12) Double-ended logs above the stakes must not be loaded on the side of the load from which the binders or wrappers are intended to be released.

(13) Logs must be loaded so that no more than one-third of the weight of any log extends beyond the end of the logs or bunk supporting it.

(14) Logs must be loaded in a manner that will not impair full and free movement of the truck.

(15) Each log not contained within the stakes must be secured with at least two wrappers before the truck leaves the vicinity of the landing/loading area.

(16) All of the required wrappers must be placed on the load within sight of the landing/loading area so immediate emergency assistance can be given if necessary.

(17) Loads or logs must not be moved or shifted while binders are being applied or adjusted.

(18) The transport vehicle must be positioned to provide working clearance between the vehicle and the deck.

(19) All limbs or knots that would project beyond the stakes or legal height must be removed before the log is loaded on the car or truck.

Note: This does not apply to incidental limbs/knots placed on loads during the normal loading process.

(20) Power saws must not be operated on top of loaded logging trucks.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-583, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-583, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-584 Tongs, hooks, grapples.

(1) Tongs must be maintained in good condition, properly aligned and with sharp points.

(2) Tongs must not be carried by being rested on both shoulders with the tong points around the neck.

(3) When loading logs, straps of sufficient size and length must be used where there is a danger of tongs or hooks pulling out of the log.

(4) When loading logs, tongs may be used on large logs if the logs are barked and notched to ensure a secure hold.

(5) The closing line must be securely attached to the grapple according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

(6) Loading hooks and tongs must be securely attached on the loading line with screw shackles or equivalent devices.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-584, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-585 Cross-haul systems.

(1) In cross-haul (parbuckle) or roll-on loading systems, the skid timbers must be strong enough to support the logs being loaded and long enough to remain in place while the log is being loaded.

(2) Loaders on cross-haul systems must work beyond the ends of the logs being loaded.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-585, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-585, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-587 Self-loading log trucks.

(1) A safe means of access and egress must be provided to the operator's loading work station.

(2) Self-loading log truck operators must not unload their own load unless a positive means of securing the logs is provided when binders and wrappers are removed.

(3) New self-loading log trucks purchased and put in operation after January 1, 1980, must be equipped with:

(a) A check valve installed on the jib boom; and

(b) A seat that is offset from the point of attachment of the boom. The seat and boom structure must rotate concurrently.

(4) The operator of a self-loading log truck must not heel the log over the operator's work station.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-587, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-587, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-589 Log trucks--General.

(1) Prior to use, the operator must make a complete daily inspection of the truck and trailer with particular attention to:

• Steering apparatus;

• Lights and reflectors;

• Brake boosters;

• Brake hoses and connections;

• Reaches;

• Hitches (couplings);

• Bunks;

• Stakes;

• Bunk blocks.

The brakes must be tested before and after movement of the vehicle. The operator must submit a written list of necessary repairs to a person designated by the employer.

(2) Any defective parts that would make the vehicle unsafe to operate, must be replaced or repaired before the vehicle is placed in service.

(3) Motor vehicles used on roads not under the control of the state department of transportation, counties, or cities must be equipped with accessories necessary for a safe operation including:

(a) Operable head lamps;

(b) At least two tail lamps and brake lamps that emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of one thousand feet to the rear; and

(c) Two reflectors visible at night from three hundred fifty feet when directly in front of properly adjusted motor vehicle head lamps.

(4) The driver must do everything reasonably possible to keep the truck under control at all times and must not operate in excess of a speed at which the driver can stop the truck in one-half the visible distance.

(5) The area between the truck frame members, extending from the cab rearward as far as necessary to provide a safe work area, must be covered with suitable nonslip type material.

(6) Log trucks that have logs scaled at stations must have a platform on each side extending outward from the frame members at least eighteen inches, and must be eighteen inches long or as near to eighteen inches as the design of the truck permits. The treading surface of the platforms must be of nonslip material and the platform must be able to safely support a five hundred pound load.

(7) To protect the operator of vehicles from loads, there must be a substantial bulkhead behind the cab that extends up to the height of the cab.

(8) When at the dump or reload or where logs are scaled or branded on the truck, the logs must be scaled or branded before the binders are released.

(9) All vehicles, where vision of the operator in the direction of travel is impaired by the load or vehicle, must be moved only on a signal from a worker who has a clear view in the direction in which the vehicle is to be moved.

(10) Where a bridge or other roadway structure is posted with a load limit sign, log truck drivers or operators of other heavy equipment are prohibited from driving a load in excess of the posted limit over such a structure.

(11) All passengers must ride in the cab of the log truck.

(12) All trucks must keep to the right side of the road except where the road is plainly and adequately posted for left side travel.

(13) A method must be provided to ensure that the trailer will remain mounted on the truck while driving on highways or logging roads.

(14) When trucks are towed on any road, the person guiding the vehicle being towed must, by prearranged signals, govern the speed of travel. Vehicles must be towed at a reasonable speed and in a prudent manner. A tow cable or chain over fifteen feet in length must have a white flag attached at the approximate center, however, it is recommended that a rigid tow bar be used for this purpose.

(15) All rubber-tired motor vehicles must be equipped with fenders. Mud flaps may be used instead of fenders whenever the motor vehicle is not designed for fenders.

(16) All trucks must be equipped with doors with operable latches, or a safety bar or strap.

(17) Log trucks must not approach a landing while there is danger from incoming logs.

(18) While en route, the operator must check and tighten the wrappers/binders whenever there is reason to believe that the wrappers/binders have loosened or the load has shifted.

(19) Persons must not enter the area below a suspended load of logs.

(20) All trucks must be equipped with a means to protect the operator from inclement weather.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-589, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-589, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-58910 Log trucks--Brakes.

(1) Motor logging trucks and trailers must be equipped with brakes or other control methods that will safely stop and hold the maximum load on the maximum grade.

(2) All trucks with air brakes must be equipped with a readily visual or audible low air pressure warning device in good working order.

(3) An air loss rate out-of-service condition exists if an air leak is discovered and the reservoir pressure is not maintained when:

(a) The governor is cut in;

(b) Reservoir pressure is between 80 and 90 psi;

(c) Engine is at idle; and

(d) Service brakes are fully applied.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-58910, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-58920 Log trucks--Trailer hitches and safety chains.

(1) All log truck and trailer combinations must be equipped with approved hitches (couplings) which must:

(a) Be capable of withstanding, in any direction, the potential stresses imposed;

(b) Be of a design which would not be rendered inoperative by dirt and debris and must be locked securely and positively; and

(c) Be attached to the truck frame or extension of the truck frame by means of not less than four machine bolts and nuts (120,000 psi material or better) inch diameter or larger, secured by lock nuts. Other means of attachment furnishing strength equal to or greater than the above may be accepted if of approved design and application.

(2) Hitches (couplings) or parts that are broken, cracked, excessively worn, or otherwise defective hitches must be repaired before use.

(3) Each log truck and trailer combination or log truck and independent trailer combination must be provided with two or more safety chains or cables with a rated breaking strength of at least the gross weight of the towed vehicle, and:

(a) Able to hold the trailer in line in case of failure of the hitch assembly;

(b) Permanently attached to the frame of the truck or an extension of the truck frame;

(c) Form a separate continuous connection between the truck frame or extension of the truck frame and the reach or trailer;

(d) Attached not more than twelve inches from the eye of the reach or trailer;

(e) Short enough to prevent the trailer reach or tongue from contacting the ground in the event of disengagement from the truck;

(f) Designed to provide a positive connection that cannot be made inoperative by any condition of use or exposure.

(4) Safety chains and cables must be replaced immediately if they contain cut, cracked, or excessively worn links, or frayed, stranded, or otherwise defective wire rope.

(5) Butt welding of safety chain links to reach truck frame, or extension of truck frame is prohibited.

(6) Repairs to safety chains, such as cold shuts, are prohibited.

(7) Frames must not be welded or drilled into if the manufacturer recommends against it.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-58920, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-58930 Log trucks--Reaches and bunks.

(1) Log trailers must be connected to tractors by reaches of a size and strength to withstand all normal imposed stresses.

(2) Hand-holds or other facilities must be installed on trailer tongues or trailer reaches if workers are required to manually assist in coupling them to their tractors or trucks.

(3) The reaches of unloaded trailers being towed must have and use a minimum one-inch pin near the end or an equally effective means to prevent pulling or stripping through the tunnel.

(4) Reach locks, clamps, or tighteners must be of the type that will securely lock the reach in the tunnel.

(5) All reaches must be the maximum size usable in the tunnel of a trailer.

(6) Altering a trailer tunnel to permit reduction of reach size is prohibited.

(7) Every truck or truck and trailer engaged in transporting logs loaded lengthwise must be equipped with bunks and chock blocks or stakes.

(8) Log bunks or any part of a bunk assembly bent enough to cause bunks to bind, must be straightened. Bunks must be sharp enough to prevent logs from slipping.

(9) All trucks with swivel bunks must have bunk locks or an equivalent system of holding the bunks in place while loading logs.

(10) The bunks or bolsters of any truck or trailer must be either curved upward or straight. Bunks with ends lower than their centers are prohibited.

(11) Enough clearance must be maintained between the bunk and the bunk rider to prevent bunk binding.

(12) Trailer bunks must have a false or tilt bunk. The channel of the bunk must be kept reasonably free of debris.

(13) Stakes and stake extensions must be installed and maintained so that the angle between bunks and stakes (and extensions if used) do not exceed ninety degrees when loaded.

(14) Frames, bunks, and running gear of log trucks must be maintained free of cracks, breaks and defects. If defects are found, they must be immediately repaired or the part replaced.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-58930, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-58940 Log trucks--Stakes, stake extensions and chock blocks.

(1) Trucks and trailers must be equipped with bunk stakes or chock blocks of strength and sized material to perform their intended function.

(2) All stakes, stake extensions, and bunks installed on log trucks and trailers, together with the means to secure and lock the stakes in hauling position, must be designed and constructed of materials of such size and dimension that will withstand operational stresses without yield or permanent set.

(3) Stake extensions made from axle shafts or other brittle material are prohibited.

(4) The linkage used to support the stakes or chocks must be of adequate size and strength to withstand the maximum imposed impact load. Molles or cold shuts are prohibited in chains or cables used for linkage.

(5) Stake chains or cables must be equal to or better than “high test” steel chain or “plow steel” wire rope, and of a size necessary to meet the requirements of a safe working load of at least six thousand six hundred pounds. (3/8-inch alloy chain, 7/16-inch high test chain of welded link construction, and 5/8 inch improved plow steel cable in 6x19 and 6x37 construction meet this requirement.)

(6) Bunk chains containing cut, cracked, excessively worn, or otherwise defective links, must be immediately removed from service. Molles, cold shuts (welded or otherwise), or bolts are not permitted in bunk chains.

(7) The use of frayed, stranded, or otherwise defective wire rope for chock block cable or stake straps is prohibited.

(8) Only chain links approved for welding (and properly welded) or approved repair links that will develop strength equivalent to the chain, are permissible for repairs or attachments to stake chains or binder chains.

(9) Chains or cables used to secure stakes or chock blocks must be secured in a way that does not require hammering directly on them to release the stakes or blocks. Keyhole slots and similar methods of securing chains are prohibited.

(10) Deformed or defective stakes, stake securing or stake locking devices, or bunks must be immediately repaired or removed from service.

(11) Each stake and chock used to trip loads must be constructed so that the tripping mechanism is activated on the side opposite the release of the load.

(12) Trip type stakes must be properly secured and locked in a manner that will prevent them from accidentally tripping or falling.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-58940, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-58950 Log trucks--Wrappers and binders.

(1) On log trucks equipped with stakes, the following requirements must apply:

(a) In the hauling of a one log load, one wrapper chain or cable must be required and secured to the rear bunk. The log must be properly blocked or secured in a manner which will prevent it from rolling or shifting. An additional wrapper secured to the front bunk is optional.

(b) In the hauling of two log loads, not less than two wrapper chains or cables must be used to secure the load. The logs must be properly blocked to prevent them from rolling or shifting.

(c) On loads consisting of three or four logs not over forty-four feet in length, the load must be secured by not less than two properly spaced wrapper chains or cables. Ends of short logs not secured by such wrappers must be secured with extra wrappers. If any log is over forty-four feet in length, the load must be secured by not less than three properly spaced wrappers.

(d) Loads consisting of five or more logs, when the logs are all seventeen feet or less in length, must be secured by not less than two properly spaced wrappers. Loads consisting of five or more logs, when any log is over seventeen feet in length, must be secured by not less than three properly spaced wrappers.

(2) On log trucks equipped with chock blocks the following requirements must apply:

(a) In the hauling of a one log load, one wrapper chain or cable shall be required and secured to the rear bunk and the log must be properly blocked in a manner to prevent it from rolling or shifting.

(b) One additional wrapper chain or cable shall be required on log trucks using chock blocks over and above the requirements in subsection (1)(c) and (d) of this section.

(3) In the case of short logs loaded crosswise, the following method of securing the load must be used if the truck or trailer is not provided with solid ends of a height sufficient to prevent any log in the load from rolling off:

Not less than two chock blocks must be used at each open end of the vehicle and the load must be held with at least two wrapper chains or cables. The wrappers must be firmly attached to the end of the truck or trailer. Rigid standards or stakes may be used in lieu of chock blocks but each such standard or stake must be either rigidly connected to the bed of the truck or trailer or must be placed in a tight-fitting socket at least 12 inches in depth. Other means furnishing equivalent security may be acceptable.

(4) When two wrappers are required, they must be applied within six feet of the front and rear bunks. When more than two wrappers are required, the front and back binder must be applied within six feet of the front and rear bunks.

(5) To properly secure short logs, binders must be placed near the end, not less than twelve inches from the end of the log.

(6) Log(s) loaded on top or in outside saddles of a load must not be transported unless secured by at least two wrapper chains or cables, one of which must be placed near each end of such log.

(7) All wrappers and binders must be fastened in place prior to tightening to prevent the displacement of logs on the top of the load.

(8) All wrapper chains or cables, except in the case of one log load, must entirely surround the load. This does not apply to gut-wrappers.

(9) Gut-wrappers, when used, must be adjusted so as to be tightened by, but not carry the weight of the logs above them.

(10) A warning must be given before throwing wrappers over the load and care must be taken to avoid striking other persons with the wrapper.

(11) Each log not contained within the stakes must be secured with at least two wrappers before the truck leaves the vicinity of the landing/loading area.

(12) While moving logs, poles, or log chunks within sorting or mill yards, that could roll or slide off the truck due to snow or ice conditions, or the logs or log chunks do not extend beyond the stakes, at least two wrappers and binders must be used regardless of the height of the load.

(13) Wrapper chains or cables, binders, fasteners, or attachments thereof, used for any purpose as required by these standards must have a minimum breaking strength of not less than fifteen thousand pounds and must be rigged so that it can be safely released.

Note: 3/8-inch hi-test steel chain, 7/16-inch improved plow steel wire rope of 6x19 or 6x37 construction, or materials having equivalent strength, when in compliance with the requirements herein contained, will be acceptable. (The diameter of the wire rope is immaterial as long as it meets the minimum breaking strength requirements.)

Note: Nylon straps and ratchet binders having an equivalent breaking strength may be used when securing loads on (hay rack) log hauling systems.

(14) A loaded logging truck required to have wrappers by this section, may be moved within the loading area without wrappers only if such movement does not present a hazard to workers.

(15) For the purposes of this standard, applied bundle straps or banding are not acceptable as wrappers and binders.

(16) All loose ends of wrapper chains or cables must be securely fastened so as to prevent their swinging free in a manner that will create a hazard.

(17) Binders for securing wrappers on logging trucks must be fitted with hooks of proper size and design for the wrapper chain being used.

(18) Wrappers must be removed from service when any of the following conditions exist:

(a) Excessively worn links on chains;

(b) Deformed or stretched chain links;

(c) Cracked chain links; or

(d) Frayed, stranded, knotted, or otherwise defective wire rope.

(19) Pipe extension handles (swedes) for tightening or securing binders must be no longer than thirty-six inches. Care must be taken that a sufficient amount of the pipe extends over the binder handle.

(20) Defective binders must be immediately removed from service.

Note: See Figures 25 through 35 for illustrations of placement and number of wrappers.

PLACEMENT AND NUMBER OF WRAPPERS

Figure 25: One Log Load

Figure 26: Two Log Load

Figure 27: Three or Four Log Load 44 Feet or Less

Figure 28: Three or Four Log Loads More Than 44 Feet

Figure 29: Five or Six Log Load-All Logs 17 Feet or Less

Figure 30: Seven or More Log Load-All Logs 17 Feet or Less

Figure 31: Five or More Log Load if any Logs are More Than 17 Feet

Figure 32: Proper Support for Logs

Figure 33: Outside Logs or Top Logs

Figure 34: A Wrapper Must be Near Each Bunk

Figure 35: Short Logs Loaded Crosswise

Note: All loads of logs on logging trucks equipped with chock blocks instead of stakes, must have at least one additional wrapper over and above the requirements for trucks equipped with stakes, except on one and two log loads and trucks with short logs loaded crosswise.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040 and .050. 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-58950, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54 (Continued)