Text from
the OSHA Logging Standard Amendment issued September 8, 1995 in the Federal RegisterParagraph
(h)(5)(v) -- Yarding
The final rule requires that yarding lines not be moved unless the yarder operator has
clearly received and understood the signal. This provision also specifies that when in
doubt, the machine operator must repeat the signal and wait for a confirming signal before
moving the line. OSHA intended the term "yarder operator" to be a generic
reference to any employee operating a machine used for yarding, including a yarder or
skidder. However, since a yarder is also a specific kind of yarding machine, the provision
could be read as applying only to the operator of that particular type of machine. Because
of the potential for misinterpretation, OSHA is correcting the final rule to more clearly
express the Agency's intention that the provision apply to all machines used for yarding
felled trees.
Paragraph (h)(5)(viii) -- Hazardous Obstructions in Yarding
The final rule requires that yarding machines or vehicles and their loads must be
operated with safe clearance from all obstructions. This provision was included in the
proposed rule and there were no comments opposing it. However, after publication of the
final rule, OSHA received requests for clarification of the language and scope of this
provision.
OSHA is revising the final rule and compliance directive to more clearly define the
hazards being addressed by this provision. OSHA intended that yarding machines and their
loads be operated in a manner that prevents contact with "hazardous"
obstructions. The types of obstructions which the record shows to be hazardous include,
but are not limited to, boulders, danger trees, stumps, log piles, power lines, and cable
rigging (Ex. 2-1, 4-61, 4-64, 26A). OSHA is also revising the compliance directive to
include examples of hazardous obstacles that have resulted in employee death and injury.
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