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Text from the OSHA Logging Standard Amendment issued September 8, 1995 in the Federal Register Text from the OSHA Logging Standard Amendment issued September 8, 1995 in the Federal Register

Paragraph (e)(2)(iv) -- Refueling Chain Saws

The final rule required that chain saws be fueled at least 20 feet from any open flame or other source of ignition and started at least 10 feet from the fueling area. The purpose of these provisions is to assure that chain-saw fuel was kept a minimum safe distance from any potential source of ignition.

After publication of the final rule, some parties pointed out that OSHA had established two different minimum safe distances between fuel and ignition sources -- 20 feet between fueling areas and ignition sources, and 10 feet between fueling areas and chain saw startup, which is another potential source of ignition. They urged OSHA to establish a uniform safe distance and recommended that OSHA adopt a 10-foot minimum safe distance. While OSHA believes that an open fire is a much more likely source of ignition than a chain saw being started, nonetheless OSHA believes that a 10-foot distance is adequate in both situations. This is because in the out-of-doors, where constant air movement dissipates vapors, it would be unlikely there could be a concentration of flammable vapors sufficient to cause an increased potential for fire at a distance greater than 10 feet. Therefore OSHA is revising the final rule and compliance directive to establish a 10-foot minimum safe distance between fueling areas and potential sources of ignition.

Paragraph (e)(2)(vi) -- Starting Chain Saws

The final rule requires that chain saws be started on the ground or where otherwise firmly supported. OSHA was requested to clarify expressly in the regulatory text whether "drop starting" a chain saw is prohibited under the final rule, and whether operators are allowed to start the chain saw while standing in an upright stance.

In the preamble to the final rule, OSHA explained that the purpose of this requirement was to assure that employees did not attempt to drop start chain saws. As noted in that discussion, an employee could lose his grip when drop starting a chain saw and the saw could fly upward and cut the employee. Nonetheless, OSHA is amending the final rule to emphasize the Agency's intention that drop starting of chain saws is prohibited.

With regard to employee position during chain-saw start up, nothing in the final rule prohibits an employee from standing in upright when starting a chain saw, provided that the employee has firmly supported or secured the chain saw. For example, a chain saw operator would be in compliance with the final rule if he rested the chain saw firmly on a log or other stationary item and started the chain saw while standing upright. OSHA notes that such a starting position is a safe technique because it provides protection both from chain saw kickback and from overexertion of the back.

Paragraph (e)(2)(xii) -- Carrying Chain Saws

The final rule requires that chain saws be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler. OSHA's intention is to assure that chain-saw operators are not cut by the saw or burned by the hot muffler when carrying the chain saw between felling points.

The record indicates there are certain devices currently available and used in the logging industry to prevent cuts and burns (Ex. 5-21, 5-36, 5-63), including leather and felt shoulder pads. By citing these examples, OSHA did not intend to imply that these particular devices are required by the final rule. In fact, OSHA expressly stated in the preamble that "any other method of carrying the chain saw that prevents these hazards would also meet this requirement" (59 FR 51713). OSHA is including this clarification in the revised compliance directive.

Paragraph (e)(2)(xiii) -- Retreating With Chain Saws

The final rule required that after cutting a tree the feller must shut off or idle the chain saw before beginning his retreat. OSHA's intention was to help assure that employees are not cut by a running chain saw when they are moving quickly to a safe distance from the falling tree. As discussed in the preamble, a significant number of chain-saw injuries result from falling on the saw or losing the grip on a running saw (Ex. 2-1). As a result, any time a feller moves with a chain saw, precautions must be taken to prevent contact with the moving chain. These precautions include shutting off the saw, engaging the chain brake, or idling the engine by releasing pressure on the throttle and grasping the front handle.

It has been pointed out to OSHA that it takes a moment's delay for a saw to idle down once the throttle is released. As was noted in the rulemaking record "[t]he cutter may lose precious seconds worrying about compliance with the * * * standard, meanwhile a life could be in danger" (Ex. 5-50). It is not OSHA's intention that the feller be required to remain next to the tree waiting for the chain saw to idle down before retreating a safe distance from the falling tree. Rather, OSHA's intention is that as soon as the feller releases the throttle, placing the machine into idle, he should immediately move on the retreat path a safe distance from the falling tree. Once the throttle is released, it should only take a brief moment a properly maintained chain saw to stop. OSHA is revising the final rule and compliance directive to more accurately express OSHA's intention.

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