Text
from the OSHA Logging Standard1910.266(e)...
Required Chain Saw Features
(e)(2)(i) Each chain saw placed into initial service after the effective date of this
section shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise meet the requirements of
the ANSI B175.1-1991 "Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws",
which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6. Each chain saw placed into
service before the effective date of this section shall be equipped with a protective
device that minimizes chain-saw kickback. No chain-saw kickback device shall be removed or
otherwise disabled.
(e)(2)(ii) Each gasoline-powered chain saw shall be equipped with a continuous pressure
throttle control system which will stop the chain when pressure on the throttle is
released.
Required Chain Saw Work Practices
(e) Hand and portable power tools;
(e)(1)(ii)(B) Controls, to assure proper function;
(e)(1)(ii)(C) Chain-saw chains, to assure proper adjustment;
(e)(1)(ii)(D) Chain-saw mufflers, to assure that they are operational and in place;
(e)(1)(ii)(E) Chain brakes and nose shielding devices, to assure that they are in place
and function properly;
(e)(1)(ii)(G) Cutting edges, to assure that they are sharp and properly shaped;
(e)(1)(ii)(H) All other safety devices, to assure they are in place and function
properly;
(e)(1)(v) The cutting edge of each tool shall be sharpened in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions whenever it becomes dull during the workshift.
(e)(2)(iii) The chain saw shall be operated and
adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(e)(2)(iv) The chain saw shall be fueled at least 10 feet (3 m) from any open flame or
other source of ignition.
(e)(2)(v) The chain saw shall be started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.
(e)(2)(vi) The chain saw shall be started on the ground or where otherwise firmly
supported. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.
(e)(2)(vii) The chain saw shall be started with the chain brake engaged.
(e)(2)(viii) The chain saw shall be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands
encircling the handles during operation unless the employer demonstrates that a greater
hazard is posed by keeping both hands on the chain saw in that particular situation.
(e)(2)(ix) The chain-saw operator shall be certain of footing before starting to cut.
The chain saw shall not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the
operator to become off-balance, to have insecure footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on
the saw.
(e)(2)(x) Prior to felling any tree, the chain-saw operator shall clear away brush or
other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat
path.
(e)(2)(xi) The chain saw shall not be used to cut directly overhead.
(e)(2)(xii) The chain saw shall be carried in a manner that will prevent operator
contact with the cutting chain and muffler.
(e)(2)(xiii) The chain saw shall be shut off or the throttle released before the feller
starts his retreat.
(e)(2)(xiv) The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged
whenever a saw is carried further than 50 feet (15.2 m). The chain saw shall be shut down
or the chain brake shall be engaged when a saw is carried less than 50 feet if conditions
such as, but not limited to, the terrain, underbrush and slippery surfaces, may create a
hazard for an employee.
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