Rules & Policies

Safety Standards for Logging Operations
Chapter 296-54, WAC

WAC 296-800-150 in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) formatFor printing

 

New Rule Activity Related Policies

ADMINISTRATIVE

296-54-501 Scope and application

296-54-503 Variance

296-54-505 Definitions

296-54-507 Employer's responsibilities

296-54-509 Employee's responsibility

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

296-54-511 Personal protective equipment (PPE)

296-54-51110 Head protection

296-54-51120 Eye and face protection

296-54-51130 Hearing protection

296-54-51140 Hand protection

296-54-51150 Respiratory protection

296-54-51160 Leg protection

296-54-51170 Foot protection

296-54-51190 Highly visible clothing

SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS/FIRST-AID/LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

296-54-513 Arrangement of work areas and emergency contact

296-54-515 Accident prevention program

296-54-51510 Safety and health meetings

296-54-51520 First-aid training

296-54-51530 First-aid kits

296-54-517 Lockout/tagout procedures

296-54-519 Miscellaneous requirements

VEHICLES, POWER LINES AND ROADS

296-54-521 Motor vehicles

296-54-523 Inspection and repair of equipment and vehicles

296-54-527 Seat belts

296-54-529 Overhead electrical lines clearance

296-54-531 Truck roads

296-54-533 Road pioneering and earthwork

POWERED TOOLS AND CHAIN SAWS

296-54-535 Hand and portable powered tools

296-54-537 Chain saws

FALLING AND BUCKING

296-54-539 Falling and bucking - General

296-54-53910 Falling and bucking - Falling

296-54-53920 Falling and bucking - Bucking

296-54-53930 Falling and bucking - Danger trees

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

TREE PULLING. MECHANIZED FALLING, CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

296-54-541 Tree pulling

296-54-543 Mechanized falling

296-54-545 Climbing equipment and passline

RIGGING

296-54-547 Rigging - General

296-54-54710 Rigging - Inspection

296-54-54720 Rigging - Molles

296-54-54730 Rigging - Shackles

296-54-54740 Rigging - Straps

296-54-54750 Rigging - Blocks

296-54-54760 Rigging - Hanging blocks

296-54-54770 Chokers and butt rigging

SPARS

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

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

296-54-553 Metal spars

296-54-555 Metal spar guyline safety straps

WIRE ROPE

296-54-557 Wire rope

296-54-55710 Wire rope - Cutting

296-54-55720 Wire rope - Splicing

296-54-55730 Wire rope - Attaching and fastenings

GUYLINES, TAIL/LIFT TREES AND ANCHORS

296-54-561 Guylines

296-54-563 Guying tail/lift trees

296-54-565 Intermediate support trees

296-54-567 Rigging skylines

296-54-569 Anchoring

296-54-571 Releasing spiked guylines and spiked skylines from anchors

LOGGING MACHINES

296-54-573 Logging machines - General

296-54-57310 Logging machines - Chipping in woods location

296-54-57315 Logging machines - Exhaust pipes

296-54-57320 Logging machines - Glass

296-54-57325 Logging machines - Brakes

296-54-57330 Logging machines - Outriggers

296-54-57335 Logging machines - Hydraulics

296-54-57340 Logging machines - A-frames

296-54-57345 Logging machines - Moving

296-54-57350 Logging machines - Tractors and skidders

296-54-57355 Logging machines - Protective structures for operators

YARDING, SKIDDING AND LANDING

296-54-575 Landing area

296-54-577 Yarding, skidding, landing

296-54-579 Log decks

HELICOPTER LOGGING

296-54-581 Helicopter logging - General

296-54-58110 Helicopter logging - Landing

296-54-58120 Helicopter logging - Yarding

296-54-58130 Helicopter logging - Fueling area

LOADING LOGS AND SELF-LOADERS

296-54-583 Loading logs

296-54-584 Tongs, hooks, grapples

296-54-585 Cross-haul systems

296-54-587 Self-loading log trucks

TRANSPORTATION OF LOGS AND STATIONARY TRAILER LOADERS

296-54-589 Log trucks - General

296-54-58910 Log trucks - Brakes

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

296-54-58930 Log trucks - Reaches and bunks

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

296-54-58950 Log trucks - Wrappers and binders

296-54-58960 Log trucks - Miscellaneous requirements

296-54-58970 Log trucks - Steered trailers

296-54-591 Stationary log truck trailer loading

LOG UNLOADING, BOOMS, AND RAFTING GROUNDS

296-54-593 Log unloading, booms, and rafting grounds -Storage and

sorting areas - General

296-54-59310 Log unloading, booms, and rafting grounds - Water dumps

296-54-59320 Log unloading, booms, and rafting grounds - Boom and

rafting grounds

296-54-59330 Log unloading, booms, and rafting grounds - Boats and

mechanical devices on waters

296-54-59340 Log unloading, booms, and rafting grounds - Dry land

sorting and storage

TRANSPORTING CREWS

296-54-595 Transporting crews

296-54-59510 Speeders used to transport crews

296-54-59520 Trailers used to transport crews

RAILROADS

296-54-597 Railroads

296-54-59710 Railroad construction and maintenance

296-54-59720 Railroad operations

296-54-59730 Railroad maintenance - Loading or unloading

SIGNALING

296-54-601 Signals and signal systems

296-54-603 Electric signal systems

296-54-604 Radio signaling permits

296-54-605 Radio systems used for voice communication, activation of audible

signals, or controls of equipment

296-54-607 Radio signal systems - Specifications and test procedures

WOOD SPAR TREES

296-54-701 Wood spar trees

296-54-70110 Wood spar trees - Guylines

296-54-70120 Wood spar trees - Passlines

296-54-70130 Wood spar trees - Straps

MAINTENANCE SHOPS AND LABOR CAMPS

296-54-705 Truck and equipment maintenance shops

296-54-707 Labor camps

APPENDICES

296-54-99002 Appendix 1 - Signals

296-54-99003 Appendix 2 - Sample minimum lockout/tagout procedure

296-54-99004 Appendix 3 - Industry consensus standards

296-54-99013 Appendix 4 - Various types of cable logging systems

296-54-99014 Appendix 5 - Wooden tree yarding and loading systems

TITLES OF FIGURES AND TABLES

296-54-505 Figure of “Twister”

296-54-539 Figure 1: Distance Between Work Area

296-54-53910 Figure 2: Undercuts

296-54-54730 Figure 2-2: Shackles

296-54-54740 Table 1: Strap/Choker Size in Inches

296-54-557 Figure: Wire Rope

296-54-55720 Table 2: Length of Line Strand

296-54-55730 Table 3: U-bolt Cable Clips to Form Eyes

Figure 3: Eyes Formed with U-bolt Cable Clips

 

296-54-561 Table 4: Guyline Positioning

Figure 4: 1 Guyline Case

Figure 5: 2 Guyline Case

Figure 6: 3 Guyline Case

Figure 7: 3 Guyline Case (2)

Figure 8: 4 Guyline Case

Figure 9: 5 Guyline Case

Figure 10: 5 Guyline Case (2)

Figure 11: 6 Guyline Case

Figure 12: 6 Guyline Case (2)

Figure 13: 7 Guyline Case

Figure 14: 8 Guyline Case

Figure 15: 8 Guyline Case (2)

Figure 16: Positioning Guylines in Back of Tree

Figure 17: Positioning Guylines in Front of Tree

Figure 18: Maximum Angle for Load Bearing Guylines and Skyline

Figure 19: 4 Guyline Case - Tail/Lift Tree Guying

Figure 20: 2 Guyline Case - Tail/Lift Tree Guying

 

296-54-565 Figure 21: Critical Measurements of the Double Tree Intermediate

Support System

Figure 22: Double Tree Intermediate Support System

 

296-54-567 Figure 23: Skyline Positioning Limits Tail/Lift Tree

Figure 24: Rigging Illustrations

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

 

296-54-605 Figure 36: Areas for Use of Radio Signaling Systems

for Logging Operations

Figure 37: Application for Permit to Operate Radio Signal System

in Designated Area

Figure 38: Radio Permit

 

296-54-99002 Figure 39: Standard Hand Signals

Figure 40: Standard Hand Signals

Figure 41: Standard Hand Signals

Figure 42: Standard Hand Signals for Loading Logs

 

296-54-99013 Figure 43: Shovel Load Jammer

Figure 44: Mobile Shovel Yarder

Figure 45: Highlead

Figure 46: Live Skyline - Shotgun or Flyer System

Figure 47: Slack Line System

Figure 48: Skidder System

Figure 49: North Bend System

Figure 50: South Bend System

Figure 51: Standing Skyline - Radio Controlled Carriage - Mobile Tower

Figure 52: Side Mount Tower with Mechanical Slack Pulling Carriage

Figure 53: Partial Cutting with Running Skyline

Figure 54: Running Skyline with Chokers (Grabinski)

Figure 55: Running Skyline with Mechanical Grapple

Figure 56: Multi-span Skyline

Figure 57: Balloon Logging - Inverted Skyline Configuration

Figure 58: Balloon Logging - Haulback Configuration

 

296-54-99014 Figure 59: High Lead Yarding System

Figure 60: North Bend Yarding System

Figure 61: Slack Skyline Yarding System

Figure 62: Heel Boom Loading

Figure 63: Guy Line Loading

Figure 64: Hayrack Boom Loading

Figure 65: Spreader Bar Loading

WAC 296-54-501 Scope and application. 

This chapter establishes safety practices for all types of logging, log road construction and other forest activities using logging machinery and/or power saws regardless of the end use of the wood. This chapter does not apply to log handling at sawmills, plywood mills, pulp mills, or other manufacturing operations governed by specific safety standards. This chapter provides minimum safety requirements for the logging industry. The logging industry is also covered by the general safety standards, chapter 296-24 WAC; occupational health standards, chapter 296-62 WAC; the safety and health core rules, chapter 296-800 WAC; or others that may apply. Chapter 296-52 WAC, which covers the possession, handling and use of explosives, applies when explosives are used in logging operations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .010. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-54-501, filed 05/09/01, effective 09.01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-501, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-501, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-23-054 (Order 88-25), § 296-54-501, filed 11/14/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-501, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-503 Variance. 

If an employer finds it impractical to comply with specific requirements of this chapter, the department may permit a variation from the requirements. However, the employer must still provide equal protection by substitute means. To request a variance, write to:

WISHA Services Division--Variance Request

Department of Labor & Industries

P.O. Box 44648

Olympia, WA 98504-4648

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-503, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-503, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-505 Definitions.

A-frame - a structure made of two independent columns fastened together at the top and separated by a reasonable width at the bottom to stabilize the unit from tipping sideways.

An operation - any place where logging or log related activities are taking place.

Approved - approved by the department of Labor & Industries.

Arch - any device attached to the back of a vehicle and used for raising one end of logs to facilitate movement.

Authorized person - a person approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific type of duty(s) or to be at a specific location at a certain time(s).

Backcut (felling cut) - the cut in a felling operation made on the opposite side from the undercut.

Backline - the portion of the haulback that runs between the spar/spar tree and the corner block.

Ballistic nylon - a nylon fabric of high tensile properties designed to provide protection from lacerations.

Barrier - a fence, wall or railing to prevent passage or approach.

Base of tree - that portion of a natural tree not more than three feet above ground level.

Bight of the line - a hazardous zone created by running lines under tension. Any section of a line between the ends.

Binder - a hinged lever assembly for connecting the ends of a wrapper to tighten the wrapper around the load of logs or materials.

Boomboat - any boat used to push or pull logs, booms, bundles, or bags, in booming ground operations.

Boomscooter - a small boat, usually less than fourteen feet in length, equipped with an outboard motor, having directional pushing capabilities of 360 degrees.

Brailing - when tiers of logs, poles, or piles are fastened together with a type of dogline and the ends of the side members are then fastened together for towing.

Brow log - a log or a suitable substitute placed parallel to any roadway at a landing or dump to protect the carrier and facilitate the safe loading or unloading of logs, timber products, or materials.

Buck - means the process of severing a tree into sections (logs or bolts).

Butt - the bottom of the felled part of a tree.

Butt welding - the practice of welding something end to end.

Cable tree thinning - the selective thinning of a timber stand using mobile yarding equipment specifically designed or adapted for the purpose. Cable tree thinning includes skyline, slackline, or modified slackline, overhead cable systems.

Cable yarding - the movement of felled trees or logs from the area where they are felled to the landing on a system composed of a cable suspended from spars and/or towers. The trees or logs may be either dragged across the ground on the cable or carried while suspended from the cable.

Chock - a block, often wedge shaped, which is used to prevent movement; e.g., a log from rolling, a wheel from turning.

Choker - a length of wire rope with attachments for encircling the end of a log to be yarded.

Chunking - to clear nonusable material from a specified area.

Cold deck - a pile of yarded logs left for future removal.

Competent person - one who is capable of identifying hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous.

Corner block - the first block the haulback passes through on its way to the tail block.

Crotch line - two short lines attached to the same ring or shackle, used for loading or unloading.

Cutter - an employee whose primary job is to fall, buck, or limb trees before they are moved to the landing area.

Danger trees - any tree of any height, dead or alive, that presents a hazard to workers because of rot, root, stem or limb damage, lean, or any other observable condition created by natural process or man-made activity.

Dapped - a notch in a timber for receiving part of another timber.

DBH - diameter at breast height.

Deadman - buried log or other object used as an anchor.

Debark - to remove bark from trees or logs. Debark generally denotes mechanical means as opposed to manual peeling.

Deck - a stack of trees or logs.

Designated person - an employee who has the requisite knowledge, training, and experience to perform specific duties.

Directional falling - a mechanical means to control the direction of falling timber.

Dog line - type of line used to fasten logs or timber products together by the use of dogs.

Domino felling - the partial cutting of multiple trees which are left standing and then pushed over with a pusher tree.

Donkey - any machine with a series of drums used to yard logs.

Double ended logs - two logs end to end on the same lay.

Drop zone - the area where the helicopter delivers logs from the logging site.

Droplines - a short line attached to the carriage or carriage block which is used as an extension to the main line.

Drum - a mechanical device on which line is spooled or unspooled.

Dry land storage - decks of logs stored for future removal or use.

Dutchman -

  • a block used to change direction of line lead (sideblocking).

  • a method used to pull a tree against its lean by leaving a section of the undercut on one corner of the face.

The portion left consists of a single saw kerf in one side of the face, with the face completely removed on the opposite side of the face cut. A single saw kerf must never extend completely across the stump.

Experienced person - a person who has been trained and has participated in the subject process for a period of time long enough to thoroughly acquaint the person with all facets of the process.

F.O.P.S. - falling object protective structure.

Fair lead - sheaves, rolls, or a combination thereof arranged to receive a line coming from any direction for proper line spooling on to a drum.

Fell (fall) - to cut down trees.

Feller (faller) - an employee who fells trees.

Front end loader - a mobile machine mounted on a wheeled or tracked chassis, equipped with a grapple, tusk, bucket, or fork-lift device, and employed in the loading, unloading, stacking, or sorting of logs or materials.

Grounded - the placement of a component of a machine on the ground or on a device where it is firmly supported. Grounded may also relate to the placement of a tree on the ground or a method to dissipate static or electrical charges.

Guarded - covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable enclosures, covers, casings, shields, troughs, railings, screens, mats, or platforms, or by location, to prevent injury.

Guard rail - a railing to restrain a person.

Guyline - a line used to support or stabilize a spar, tail/lift tree, intermediate support tree or equipment. A guyline is considered a standing line.

Gypsy drum - a mechanical device wherein the line is not attached to the drum and is manually spooled to control the line movement on and off the drum.

Haulback - a line used to pull the buttrigging and mainline to the logs to be yarded.

Haulback block - any block the haulback line passes through including the corner block and tailblock.

Hay rack -

  • a type of loading boom where two tongs are used and logs are suspended.

  • a transporting vehicle with multiple sets of bunks attached to a rigid frame usually used for hauling logs.

Haywire - see strawline.

Hazardous falling area - the area within a circle centered on the tree being felled and having a radius not less than twice the height of that tree.

Head tree - the tree where yarding and/or loading takes place. (See spar)

Heel boom - a type of loading boom where one tong is used and one end of the log is pulled up against the boom.

High lead - a system of logging wherein the main line is threaded through the main line block, which is attached near the top of the spar, to obtain a lift of the logs being yarded.

High visibility colors - white, bright, or fluorescent colors that stand out from the surrounding background color so they are easily seen.

Hobo log and/or hitchhiker - a free or unattached log that is picked up by a turn and is transported with the turn.

Hooktender - the worker that supervises the method of moving the logs from the woods to the landing.

Hot deck - a landing where logs are being moved.

Hydraulic jack - a mechanical device, powered by internal pressure, used to control the direction in which a tree is to be felled.

In the clear - a position within the work area where the probability of hazardous contact with falling trees, moving logs, rootwads, chunks, material, rigging and equipment is minimized by distance from the hazards and/or use of physical barriers, such as stumps, trees, terrain or other objects providing protection.

Examples:

  • Back behind on the uphill side of the turn and out of reach of any upending logs.

  • Out of the bight.

  • In the logged off area.

  • In a position where movement will not be obstructed.

Intermediate support system - a system for supporting a loaded skyline in a support jack by one of the two following methods:

  • Double tree support - the skyline is suspended on a single piece of wire rope supported by two trees so that the load is shared between the two trees.

  • Single tree support - the skyline is suspended on a single piece of wire rope, single-eyed choker or double-eyed strap supported by a single tree. The support tree may be vertical or leaning.

Jackstrawed - trees or logs piled in an unorderly manner.

Jaggers - any projecting broken wire in a strand of cable.

Kerf - the part of timber products taken out by the saw teeth.

Knob - a metal ferrule attached to the end of a line.

Landing - any place where logs are laid after being yarded, awaiting subsequent handling, loading, and hauling.

Landing chute - the head of the skid trail or road where the logs are temporarily placed before handling, loading and hauling.

Lay -

  • the straight-line distance it takes a strand of wire rope to make one complete spiral around the core of a rope.

  • the position of a log in a pile, on a load, or in the fell and bucked.

Limbing - to cut branches off felled or standing trees.

Loading boom - any structure projecting from a pivot point to guide a log when lifted.

Lodged tree (hung tree) - a tree leaning against another tree or object which prevents it from falling to the ground.

Log - a tree segment suitable for subsequent processing into lumber, pulpwood, or other wood products, including, but not limited to, poles, piling, peeler blocks, sections and/or bolts.

Log bronco - a sturdily built boat usually from twelve to twenty feet in length, used to push logs or bundles of logs in a generally forward direction in booming and rafting operations.

Log dump - a place where logs are removed from transporting equipment. It may be either dry land or water, parbuckled over a brow log or removed by machine.

Log stacker - a mobile machine mounted on a wheeled or tracked chassis, equipped with a frontally mounted grapple, tusk, or forklift device, and employed in the loading, unloading, stacking, or sorting of logs.

Logging machine - a machine used or intended for use to yard, move, or handle logs, trees, chunks, trailers, and related materials or equipment.

Note: A self-loading log truck is only considered a logging machine when in use for loading and unloading.

Note: A helicopter is not considered a logging machine.

Logging operations - operations associated with felling and/or moving trees, logs, veneer bolts, poles, pilings, and other forest products from the stump to the point of delivery. Such operations are such, but not limited to, marking, felling, bucking, limbing, debarking, chipping, yarding, loading, unloading, storing, and the transporting of machines, equipment and personnel from one site to another.

Long sticks - an overlength log or tree length that creates a hazard by exceeding the safe perimeters of the landing.

Machine - a piece of stationary or mobile equipment having a self-contained power plant, that is operated off-road and used for the movement of material. Machines include but are not limited to tractors, skidders, front-end loaders, scrapers, graders, bulldozers, rough terrain logging shovels, log stackers and mechanical felling devices, such as tree shears and feller-bunchers.

Mainline - the line attached to the buttrigging used to pull logs to the landing.

Mainline block - the block hung in the portable spar or tower through which the mainline passes.

Mainline train - any train that is made up for travel between the woods and log dump.

Matchcutting - the felling of trees without using an undercut.

Mechanized falling - falling of standing timber by a self-propelled mobile wheeled or tracked machine equipped with a shear or other powered cutting device.

Mechanized feller - any such machine as described in WAC 296-54-541 and 296-54-543, and includes feller/bunchers and similar machines performing multiple functions.

Mechanized logging machine - a feller-buncher, single-grip harvester, processor, forwarder, clambunk, or log loader.

Mobile log loader - a self-propelled log loading machine mounted on wheels or tracks, incorporating a boom and employed in the loading or unloading of logs by means of grapples or tongs.

Mobile yarder - a logging machine mounted on wheels, tracks, or skids, incorporating a vertical or inclined spar, tower, or boom, employed in skyline, slackline, high lead or grapple overhead cable logging systems.

Molle - a single strand of wire rope rolled into a circle with six wraps. A molle can be used as a temporary method of connecting the eye splices of two lines. A molle is used in most pin shackles in place of a cotter key.

Must - the same as “shall” and is mandatory.

New job site - a location of operations when the loading station and/or the yarder or cutting operations are moved to a new area outside of the current sale or contracted unit.

Pass line - a small line threaded through a block at the top of the spar to assist the high climber.

Permissible (as applied to any device, equipment or appliance) - such device, equipment, or appliance has the formal approval of the United States Bureau of Mines, American Standards Association, or National Board of Fire Underwriters.

Portable spar or tower - a movable engineered structure designed to be used in a manner similar to which a wood spar tree would be used.

Qualified person - a person, who by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Rated capacity - the maximum load a system, vehicle, machine or piece of equipment was designed by the manufacturer to handle.

Reach - a steel tube or wood timber or pole connected to the truck and inserted through a tunnel on the trailer. It steers the trailer when loaded and pulls the trailer when empty.

Reload - an area where logs are dumped and reloaded or transferred as a unit to another mode of transportation.

Rollway - any place where logs are dumped and they roll or slide to their resting place.

Root wad - the ball of a tree root and dirt that is pulled from the ground when a tree is uprooted.

R.O.P.S. - roll over protection structure.

Rub tree - a tree used to guide a turn around an area.

Running line/running rope - any moving line directly involved with the yarding of logs.

Safety factor - the ratio of breaking strength to a safe working strength or loading.

Safety glass - a type of glass that will not shatter when broken.

Sail block - a block hung inverted on the sail guy to hold the tong block in proper position.

Scaler - the person who measures the diameter and length of the logs, determines specie and grade, and makes deductions for footage calculations.

Serviceable condition - a state or ability of a tool, machine, vehicle or other device to operate as it was intended by the manufacturer to operate.

Shall - a requirement that is mandatory.

Shear log - a log placed in a strategic location to divert passage of objects.

Shore skids - any group of timbers spaced a short distance apart on which logs are rolled.

Should - means recommended.

Signal person - the person designated to give signals to the machine operator.

Siwash - to change the lead of a line with a physical object such as a stump or tree instead of a block.

Skidder - a machine or animal used to move logs or trees to a landing.

Skidding - movement of logs or trees on the surface of the ground to the place where they are to be loaded.

Skidding line - the main haulage line from a carriage to which chokers are attached. Sometimes referred to a mainline.

Skyline - the line suspended between two points on which a block or carriage travels.

Slackline - a form of skyline where the skyline cable is spooled on a donkey drum and can be raised or lowered.

Slack puller - any weight or mechanical device used to increase the movement of a line when its own weight is inadequate.

Slope (grade) - the increase or decrease in altitude over a horizontal distance expressed as a percentage. For example, change of altitude of 20 feet (6 m) over a horizontal distance of 100 feet (30 m) is expressed as a 20 percent slope.

Snag - a dead standing tree or a portion thereof. (See Danger tree)

Snorkel - a loading boom modified to extend its limitations for yarding.

Spar/spar tree - a tree or device (rigged for highlead, skyline or slackline yarding) used to yard logs by any method of logging.

Speeder - a small self-powered vehicle that runs on a railroad track.

Spike - a long heavy nail similar to a railroad spike.

Springboard - a board with an iron tip used by fallers to stand on while working above ground level.

Spring pole - a tree, segment of a tree, limb, or sapling which is under stress or tension due to the pressure or weight of another object.

Square lead - the angle of 90 degrees.

Squirrel - a weight used to swing a boom when the power unit does not have enough drums to do it mechanically.

Squirrel tree - a topped tree, guyed if necessary, near the spar tree in which the counter balance (squirrel) of a tree rigged boom is hung.

Standing line -

  • guyline

  • a nonoperating rope with end terminations to support a boom or mast.

Stiff boom - two or more boom sticks wrapped together on which boom persons walk or work.

Strap - any short piece of line with an eye or “D” in each end.

Strap socket or D - a socket with a closed loop arranged to be attached to the end of a line by the molten zinc, or an equivalent method. It is used in place of a spliced eye.

Strawline - a light cable used in rigging up, or in moving other cables or blocks. The smallest line on the yarder. (Mainline - haulback line - strawline.)

Strip - a definite location of timber on which one or more cutting crews work.

Swamping - the falling or cutting of brush around or along a specified place.

Swede connection - a line configuration made by wrapping two choker lines in the same direction around a tree or log connecting the line knobs to opposite line bells.

Swifter - a piece of equipment used to tie the side sticks of a log raft together to keep the raft from spreading.

Swing cut - an intentional dutchman left on one corner of an undercut or a backcut in which the holding wood on one side is cut through in conjunction with an intentional dutchman to achieve a desired lay for the tree being fell.

Tail block - a block used to guide the haulback line at the back corner of the yarding area.

Tail hold - an anchor used for making fast any line or block.

Tail/lift tree - the tree at the opposite end from the head tree on which the skyline or other type rigging is hung.

Tie back - to use a twister(s) (or similar system/device) that has a breaking strength equal to fifty percent of the breaking strength of the mainline or skyline whichever is greater. To secure or support one anchor by securing it to a second anchor(s) such as wrapping one stump and choking another.

Tie down - a chain, cable, steel strips or fiber webbing and binders attached to a truck, trailer or other conveyance as a means to secure loads and to prevent them from shifting or moving when they are being transported.

Tight line - when either the mainline or haulback are held and power is exerted on the other or when power is exerted on both at the same time.

Tong line block - the block hung in a boom through which the tong line operates.

Tongue - a device used to pull and/or steer a trailer.

Topping - cutting off the top section of a standing tree.

Tower - (see portable spar or tower).

Tractor - a machine of wheel or track design used in logging.

Tractor logging - the use of any wheeled or tracked vehicle in the skidding or yarding of logs.

Transfer (as used in loading) - changing of logs in a unit from one mode of transportation to another.

Tree jack - a grooved saddle of wood or metal rollers contained within two steel plates, attached to a tree with a strap, used as a guide for skyline, sail guy, or similar static line. It is also formed to prevent a sharp bend in the line.

Tree plates - steel bars sometimes shaped as elongated J's, which are fastened near the top of a tree to hold guylines and prevent them from cutting into the tree when tightened. The hooks of the J are also used to prevent the mainline block strap from sliding down the tree.

Tree pulling - a method of falling trees in which the tree is pulled down with a line.

Tug - a boat, usually over twenty feet in length, used primarily to pull barges, booms of logs, bags of debris, or log rafts.

Turn - any log or group of logs attached by some means to power and moved from a point of rest to a landing.

Twister - a line (usually small diameter wire rope “haywire”) that supports a tailhold stump, guyline stump, or tree that does not appear to be strong enough. This is done by connecting the tailhold to another stump or tree opposite by wrapping the two with a line. This line is then tightened by placing a piece of large-diameter limb between the wrappings and twisting them together.

TWISTER ROPE

Undercut - a notch cut in a tree to guide the direction of the tree fall and to prevent splitting or kickback.

V-lead - a horizontal angle of less than ninety degrees formed by the projected lines of the mainline from the drum of the logging machine through the block or fairlead and the yarding log or turn.

Vehicle/crew bus - a car, bus, truck, trailer or semi-trailer owned, leased, or rented by the employer that is used for transportation of employees or movement of material.

WAC - Washington Administrative Code.

Waistline - that portion of the haulback running between the corner block and the tail block.

Winching - the winding of cable or rope onto a spool or drum.

Within the stakes - when one-half the log diameter is below the stake top.

Work areas - any area frequented by employees in the performance of assigned or related duties.Wrapper - a cable assembly or chain used to contain a load of logs.

Wrapper rack - barrier used to protect a person while removing binders and wrappers from a loaded logging truck.

Yarder (donkey) - a machine with a series of drums used to yard logs.

Yarding - the movement of logs from the place they are felled to a landing.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-505, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-505, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 87-24-051 (Order 87-24), § 296-54-505, filed 11/30/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-505, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-505, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-507 Employer's responsibilities. 

The employer must comply with the requirements of all safety and health regulations and must:

(1) Provide safety training for each employee.

(2) Take additional precautions to ensure safe logging operations when extreme weather or other extreme conditions create hazards. If the logging operation cannot be made safe, the work must be discontinued until safe to resume.

(3) Ensure that danger trees within reach of landings, rigging, buildings, or work areas are either fell before regular logging operations begin, or arrange work so that employees are not exposed to the related hazards.

(4) Develop and maintain a chemical hazard communication program as required by WAC 296-800-170. The program must provide information to all employees about hazardous chemicals or substances to which they are exposed, or may become exposed, in the course of their employment.

(5) Ensure that intoxicating beverages and narcotics are prohibited on or near the worksite. The employer must remove from the worksite any employee under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

Note: Narcotics do not include prescription drugs taken under a doctor's direction if the use does not endanger any employee.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-07-142 (Order 05-50), § 296-54-507, filed 03/21/06, effective 05/01/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .010. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-54-507, filed 05/09/01, effective 09.01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-507, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-16-145, § 296-54-507, filed 8/3/94, effective 9/12/94; 89-11-035 (Order 89-03), § 296-54-507, filed 5/15/89, effective 6/30/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-507, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040,.150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-507, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-509 Employee's responsibility.

(1) Employees must coordinate and cooperate with the employer and other employees in an attempt to eliminate accidents.

(2) Employees must be aware of and follow all safe practices that apply to their work.

(3) Employees should offer safety suggestions that may contribute to a safer work environment.

(4) Intoxicating beverages and narcotics must not be permitted or used by employees in or around the worksites. Employees under the influence of alcohol or narcotics must not be permitted on the worksite.

Exception: This rule does not apply to employees taking prescription drugs and/or narcotics as directed by a physician if the use does not endanger the employee or others.(5) Employees must conduct themselves in a workmanlike manner while on the worksite.

(6) Employees must make prompt report to their immediate supervisor of each industrial injury or occupational illness, regardless of the degree of severity.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-509, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-509, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-511 Personal protective equipment (PPE).

(1) Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, hearing and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices and protective shields and barriers, must be used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

(2) Personal protective equipment, including any personal protective equipment provided by an employee, must be maintained in a serviceable condition.

(3) Design. All personal protective equipment must be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed. All safety belts and attachments must meet the requirements of section 3 of ANSI A10.14-1975.

(4) Personal protective equipment, including any personal protective equipment provided by an employee, must be inspected before initial use during each workshift. Defects or damage must be repaired or the unserviceable personal protective equipment must be replaced before work is commenced.

(5) Personal protective equipment required by this standard shall be provided at no cost to the employees.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 09-05-071 (Order 08-35), §296-54-511, filed 02/17/09, effective 04/01/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-511, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-511, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), § 296-54-511, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and .050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-54-511, filed 11/30/83. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, and .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-511, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-511, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-51110 Head protection. 

The employer must provide, at no cost to the employee, and ensure that all employees involved in the logging operation or any of its related activities wear head protection, unless the employees are protected by FOPS, cabs, or canopies meeting the requirements of this chapter.

(1) Hard hats purchased after February 20, 1995, must meet the requirements of ANSI Z89.1-1986, “American National Standard for Personnel Protection--Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers--Requirements,” or the employer must demonstrate that they are equally effective.

(2) Hard hats purchased before February 20, 1995, must meet the requirements of ANSI Z89.1-1969, “American National Standard Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection,” or the employer must demonstrate that they are equally effective.

(3) Hard hats must be maintained in serviceable condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51110, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51120 Eye and face protection. 

The employer must provide, at no cost to the employee, and ensure that each employee wears:

(1) Eye protection meeting the requirements of WAC 296-800-160, where there is potential for eye injury from falling or flying objects; and

(2) Face protection meeting the requirements of WAC 296-800-160, where there is potential for facial injury such as, but not limited to, operating a chipper. An employee using a chain saw may use either eye or face protection.

Note: The employee does not have to wear separate eye protection when the face protection also covers the eyes.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .010. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-54-51120, filed 05/09/01, effective 09.01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51120, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51130 Hearing protection. 

The employer must provide hearing protection when required by chapter 296-817 WAC, Hearing loss prevention (noise).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 00-11-060 (Order 02-16), § 296-54-51130, filed 05/19/03, effective 08/01/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51130, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51140 Hand protection.

(1) The employer must provide, and make sure that each employee handling wire rope uses hand protection that provides adequate protection from puncture wounds, cuts, and lacerations.

(2) Hand protection must be maintained in serviceable condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51140, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51150 Respiratory protection. 

The employer must provide respiratory protection when required by chapter 296-842 WAC, Respirators.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-07-142 (Order 05-50), § 296-54-51140, filed 03/21/06, effective 05/01/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-03-093 (Order 04-41), § 296-54-51150, filed 01/18/05, effective 03/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51150, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51160 Leg protection.

(1) The employer must provide, at no cost to the employee, and ensure that each employee who operates a chain saw wears leg protection constructed with cut-resistant material, such as ballistic nylon. The leg protection must cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg to protect against contact with a moving chain saw.

Exception: This requirement does not apply to an employee working aloft in trees when supported by climbing spurs and climbing belt, or when an employee is working from a vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platform meeting the requirements of chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-3, Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms.

(2) Leg protection must be maintained in serviceable condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .010. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-54-51160, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51160, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51170 Foot protection.

(1) Each employee must wear foot protection that covers and supports the ankle, such as heavy-duty logging boots.

(2) Each employee who operates a chain saw must wear cut resistant foot protection that will protect the employee against contact with a running chain saw.

For example: Leather logging boots, insulated rubber pacs, and rubber boots with cut protection will meet the cut-resistant requirement of this section.

(3) All employees whose duties require them to walk on logs or boomsticks must wear sharp-calked boots, or the equivalent.

Exception 1: When calks are ineffective because of ice, snow, or other conditions and other footwear does not provide suitable protection, employees must be prohibited from working on logs or boomsticks.

Exception 2: The employer may allow employees to wear nonslip boots instead of calks when the nonslip boots provide greater employee protection than calks (such as at scaling stations, log sorting yards, etc.). The nonslip boots must still provide firm ankle support and secure footing.

(4) Foot protection must be maintained in serviceable condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51170, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51190 Highly visible clothing.

(1) Employees working on landings or in log sorting yards on or from the ground, must wear highly visible hard hats, yellow or orange vests, or other similarly colored garments, to make employees more visible to equipment operators.

Note: The department recommends that hard hats and vests or outer garments be luminous or reflective.

(2) An employee working as a flagger must wear a hard hat and vest or other garment of high visibility colors. Warning vests and hard hats worn at night must be reflective.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51190, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-513 Arrangement of work areas and emergency contact.

(1) Employee work areas must be spaced and employee duties organized so the actions of one employee do not create a hazard for any other employee.

(2) Work areas must be assigned 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;

(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.

(3) Each employee must be within visual, audible, or radio/telephone contact with another person who can assist in case of emergency.

(4) In any logging operation where cutting, yarding, or loading are performed, there must be at least two employees working as a team.

(5) Each employee must have visual or audible signal contact with another employee as often as this schedule requires:

(a) Cutters - 30 minutes.

(b) All other employees - 2 hours, which allows for making layouts, notching guyline stumps, etc., during normal work hours.

Exception: The requirements for a two-person team and check-in schedule do not apply to operators of motor vehicles, mechanized logging machines, watchpersons or certain other jobs which, by their nature, are singular employee assignments. However, a procedure for checking the welfare of these employees during their working hours must be instituted and all employees so advised.

(6) Mechanics or other employees must not be assigned to work on equipment by themselves when there is a probability of a fall from elevated work locations or equipment. Also, if the work is of such nature that heavy parts require moving, or there is a probability that anything heavy could fall on the person, there must be another person in the immediate area to render assistance.

(7) The employer must establish a method of checking the employees in from the woods at the end of each shift, including operators of all movable equipment. Each immediate supervisor must account for their crew.

(8) Each worksite must have at least one serviceable and operable two-way radio, phone, or radio/phone combination available to reach emergency service. Citizen band radios are permitted only as a secondary means of communication.

(9) Each worksite must have an emergency medical plan to ensure rapid emergency medical care for employees with major illnesses and injuries. The plan must be in writing and include the following:

(a) Township, range, and section numbers or latitude and longitude or UMS Grid System coordinates;

(b) Directions by road, or escort provisions to the site;

(c) Telephone number of emergency medical services; and

(d) Provisions for emergency vehicle(s) access, when working behind locked gate(s).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117 (Order 97-09), § 296-54-513, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-513, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-513, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-515 Accident prevention program.

(1) The employer must develop a formal accident prevention program, tailored to the needs of the particular logging operation and to the type of hazards involved.
The program must be implemented in a mnner that is effective in practice.

(2) The accident prevention program must be in writing.

(3) The accident prevention program must cover at least the following elements:

(a) A safety training program that describes the employer's total safety program.

(a) How and when to report injuries;

(c) The location of first aid supplies;

(d) Safe use, operation and maintenance of tools, machines and vehicles the employee uses or operates;

(e) How to report unsafe conditions and practices;

(f) The use and care of required personal protective equipment;

(g) An on-the-job review of the practices necessary to perform job assignments safely; and

(h) Recognition of safety and health hazards associated with the employee's specific work tasks, including using measures and work practices to prevent or control those hazards.

(4) The employer must document and maintain current records of required training, including:

  • Who was trained;

  • The date(s) of the training; and

The signature of the trainer or the employer.

[[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-07-142 (Order 05-50), § 296-54-515, filed 03/21/06, effective 05/01/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-515, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-515, 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), § 296-54-515, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150, and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-515, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-51510 Safety and health meetings.

(1) The employer must hold safety and health meetings at the following intervals:

(a) Each time the employer moves to a new jobsite; and

(b) Monthly after the initial jobsite meeting.

(2) Safety and health meetings may be conducted individually, in crew meetings, in larger groups, or as part of other staff meetings.

(3) Attendance and subject(s) must be documented.

Note: When moving to a new jobsite, site specific hazards should be identified and discussed during the prejob safety meeting.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51510, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51520 First-aid training.

(1) Each employee, including supervisors, must receive or have received first-aid and CPR training. New employees not holding a valid first-aid card must be trained within a reasonable time, not to exceed six months from hiring.

Exception: Log truck drivers are not required to receive first-aid and CPR training if they are not involved with falling, yarding, loading, or processing logs.

(2) Each employee's first-aid and CPR training and/or certificate of training must be current.

(3) At least two persons holding a valid certificate of first aid training must be present or available at all times in sorting yard operations.

(4) First-aid and CPR training must cover at least the following:

(a) The definition of first aid.

(b) Legal issues of applying first aid (Good Samaritan Laws).

(c) Basic anatomy.

(d) Patient assessment and first aid for the following:

  • Respiratory arrest.

  • Cardiac arrest.

  • Hemorrhage.

  • Lacerations/abrasions.

  • Amputations.

  • Musculoskeletal injuries.

  • Shock.

  • Eye injuries.

  • Burns.

  • Loss of consciousness.

  • Extreme temperature exposure (hypothermia/hyperthermia).

  • Paralysis.

  • Poisoning.

  • Artificial ventilation.

(e) CPR.

(f) Applying dressings and slings.

(g) Treating strains, sprains, and fractures.

(h) Immobilizing injured persons.

(i) Handling and transporting injured persons.

(j) Treating bites, stings, or contact with poisonous plants or animals.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51520, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-51530 First-aid kits.

(1) The employer must provide first-aid kits:

(a) At each worksite where trees are being cut (e.g., falling, bucking, limbing);

(b) At each active landing/logging site; and

(c) In the absence of readily accessible first-aid supplies such as first-aid kits, first-aid stations, first-aid rooms or their equivalent, all transport vehicles, log trucks, speeders, road graders and similar equipment must be equipped with not less than a ten package first-aid kit; and

(d) The number of first-aid kits and the content of each kit must reflect the degree of isolation, the number of employees, and the hazards reasonably anticipated at the worksite.

(2) Following is the minimally acceptable number and type of required first-aid supplies to meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section.

Note: The contents of the first-aid kit listed should be adequate for small worksites of two or three employees. For larger or multiple logging operations conducted at the same location, the employer should provide additional first-aid kits or additional quantities of supplies in the first-aid kits.

(a) Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).

(b) Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).

(c) Box adhesive bandages (band-aids).

(d) One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.

(e) Two triangular bandages.

(f) Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.

(g) Scissors.

(h) At least one blanket.

(i) Tweezers.

(j) Adhesive tape.

(k) Latex gloves.

(l) Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask.

(m) Two elastic wraps.

(n) Splint.

(o) Stretcher.

(3) Transport vehicles, log trucks, speeders and road graders must have at least the following number and type of first-aid supplies:

10 package kit.

1 pkg. adhesive bandages, 1” (16 per pkg.).

1 pkg. bandage compress, 4” (1 per pkg.).

1 pkg. scissors and tweezers (1 each per pkg.).

1 pkg. triangular bandage, 40” (1 per pkg.).

1 pkg. antiseptic soap or pads (3 per pkg.).

5 pkgs. employer's choice.

(4) When six or more employees are generally being transported on any one trip, the first-aid kit must be increased in size following the requirements of subsection (2) of this section. Subsection (2)(h), (n) and (o) are optional.

(5) The employer must maintain the contents of each first-aid kit in a serviceable condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-51530, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99.]

WAC 296-54-517 Lockout/tagout procedures.

(1) The employer must establish and implement written procedures for lockout/tagout to prevent the accidental start up or release of stored energy of logging machinery that is shut down for repairs, maintenance, or adjustments.

(2) Lockout/tagout procedures must contain specific steps for:

(a) Shutting down, blocking, and securing machines to control hazardous energy;

(b) Locking and/or tagging out machinery; and

(c) Release from lockout/tagout.

(3) Lockout/tagout procedure details must include at least the following:

(a) Employees performing maintenance, repairs, or adjustments have knowledge of the hazardous energy to be controlled and the means to control the energy.

(b) Logging machine shutdown.

  • Apply brakes, swing locks, etc.

  • Place the transmission in the manufacturer's specified park position.

  • Lower to the ground or secure each moving element such as, but not limited to, blades, booms, grapples, buckets, saws, and shears to prevent a release of stored energy.

  • Shut down machinery and ensure that a responsible person removes and maintains possession of the ignition/master key.

  • Engage hydraulic safety locks when applicable.

  • Before working on hydraulic or air systems, relieve pressure by bleeding tanks or lines and operate controls to dissipate residual stored energy (pressure).

  • Place lockout and/or tagout device.

(4) Release from lockout/tagout. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and machinery is started, the work area must be inspected to ensure that all tools have been removed, guards are replaced, and employees are in the clear.

(5) The employer must provide padlocks and/or tags for locking and/or tagging out logging machinery that are durable enough to withstand the environment.

(6) Tags must have a legend such as “do not start” or “do not operate.” Tags must be placed so they are obvious to anyone attempting to operate the machinery.

Note: In lockout, padlocks are commonly used to prevent access to ignition/master switches or battery disconnects.

(7) Energy sources. Stored or residual energy such as that in elevated machine members, rotating saws, hydraulic systems, air pressure and springs, must be dissipated or restrained by methods such as grounding, repositioning, blocking, chaining, bleeding down, etc.

(8) The employer must provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the lockout/tagout program are understood by employees performing maintenance, repairs, or adjustments covered by this section. This program must be reviewed at least annually and training provided as needed. This training may be accomplished through safety meetings.

Note: See appendix 2 for a sample lockout/tagout program (energy control program).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-517, 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), § 296-54-517, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-517, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-519 Miscellaneous requirements.

(1) Spikes, drift bolts, nails, or other metal must not be left in any recoverable log.

(2) The employer must provide and maintain portable fire extinguishers on each machine and vehicle.

(3) Machines, vehicles, and portable powered tools (unless diesel powered) must not be fueled while the motors are running.

Note: See WAC 296-54-58130(3) for exceptions related to helicopters.

(4) Flammable and combustible liquids must be stored, handled, transported, and used according to the requirements of chapter 296-24 WAC, Part E, and the following:

(a) Flammable and combustible liquids must not be transported in the driver compartment or in any passenger-occupied area of a machine or vehicle.

(b) Flammable or combustible liquids, including chain-saw and diesel fuel, may be used to start a fire, if the employer ensures that in the particular situation its use does not create a hazard for an employee.

(5) Smoking is prohibited in battery charging areas and within fifty feet of all refueling operations. Precautions must be taken to prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging or refueling areas.

(6) When charging batteries:

(a) The vent caps must be kept in place to avoid electrolyte spray;

(b) Caps must be functioning; and

(c) The battery (or compartment) cover(s) must be open to dissipate heat.

(7) Tools and other metallic objects must be kept away from the tops of uncovered batteries.

(8) Explosives and blasting agents must be stored, handled, transported, and used according to the requirements of chapter 296-52 WAC, Possession and handling of explosives.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-519, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-519, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-11-057 (Order 80-15), § 296-54-519, filed 8/20/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-519, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54-521 Motor vehicles.

(1) The seats of each vehicle must be securely fastened.

(2) Each school bus type vehicle that will transport nine or more passengers must have a substantial barricade behind the driver. The barricade must extend from the floor to at least a level even with the top of the driver's head.

(3) Adequate provision must be made for safe entrance and exits. Each vehicle must have mounting steps and handholds wherever it is necessary to prevent an employee injury when entering or leaving the vehicle.

(4) When equipment or tools are carried inside the vehicle, the employer must provide and use racks, boxes, holsters or other means to transport tools so that a hazard is not created for any vehicle operator or passenger.

(5) No one may enter or exit any vehicle until the vehicle is completely stopped.

(6) Employees must keep all parts of the body within the vehicle.

(7) Heat and light must be available in the passenger area of the vehicle. Use of stoves in vehicles is prohibited.

(8) Vehicles designed to transport nine or more passengers must have an emergency exit that:

(a) Is at least six and one-half square feet in area, with the smallest dimension being at least 18 inches;

(b) Is placed at the back of the vehicle or near the back on the side opposite the regular entrance; and

(c) Has an unobstructed route to and from the exit.

(9) When no fuel is transported in the crew vehicle, a minimum rated 5/BC dry chemical fire extinguisher must be kept in the passenger compartment. When fuel is transported on the crew vehicle according to subsection (12) of this section, a minimum rated 10/BC dry chemical fire extinguisher must be kept in the passenger compartment. The extinguishing agent must be nontoxic and preferably noncorrosive.

Note: For additional requirements relating to portable fire extinguishers see WAC 296-800-300.

(10) Exhaust systems must be designed and maintained to eliminate the exposure of passengers to toxic agents.

(11) Operating and maintenance instructions must be available in each vehicle. Each vehicle operator and maintenance employee must comply with the operating and maintenance instructions.

(12) Fuel must be transported or stored only in approved safety containers. Enclosed areas where fuels are carried or stored must be vented so that a hazardous concentration of fumes cannot accumulate. All containers or drums must be properly secured to the vehicle while being transported. Commercially built pick-up or flatbed trucks with a maximum seating capacity of six persons may be used to carry fuel in or on the bed of such vehicles, if the fuel is not carried in the crew compartment. Van-type vehicles may be used to carry fuel only when a vapor-proof bulkhead is installed between the passenger compartment and storage compartment. A maximum of forty-two gallons of gasoline may be carried or stored in the compartment and each container must have a maximum capacity seven gallons.

(13) Motor vehicles used regularly to transport employees must be covered against the weather and equipped and operated according to applicable state of Washington motor vehicle laws.

(14) All operators of crew vehicles must be experienced drivers and have a valid operator's license for the class of vehicle being operated.

(15) Dump trucks must only be used in an emergency to transport workers and have adequate safety chains or locking devices that eliminate the possibility of the body of the truck being raised while employees are riding in the truck. “Emergency” means any unforeseen circumstances that call for immediate action when danger to life or danger from fire exists.

(16) An effective means of signaling must be provided for communication between the driver and the passengers being transported when they are in separate compartments.

(17) The passenger load limit of a crew vehicle must not exceed the seating capacity of the vehicle.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050 99-17-117, (Order 97-09), § 296-54-521, filed 08/18/99, effective 12/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .050, .060 96-22-013, § 296-54-521, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, .150 and .240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-521, filed 9/21/79.]

WAC 296-54 (Continued)

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