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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 (f)(3)(vii) and (viii) -- Machine Cab Enclosures

OSHA stayed two provisions in the final rule dealing with cab enclosures.(5) Paragraph (f)(3)(vii) required that the lower portion of machine cabs, up to the top of the instrument panel or 24 inches, be enclosed with solid material, except at entrances. Paragraph (f)(3)(viii) required that the upper portion of cabs be enclosed with mesh material (no greater than 2 inches at its least dimension) or with other material(s) that provide equivalent protection and visibility. The intention of these provisions was to ensure that the cab enclosure provided the machine operator with protection from objects penetrating the cab, without impeding the operator's vision.

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Footnote(5) OSHA intends the term "cab" to include any machine operator station, even if it is not a total enclosure providing weather and other protection.

OSHA stayed these provisions because it was concerned that this language could be misconstrued in ways that would reduce protection for machine operators. OSHA is revising the final rule to require that logging machines manufactured after August 1, 1996, have cabs which are completely enclosed, including at entrances (paragraph (f)(3)(vii)). The revised provision also clarifies that the enclosure must be constructed with mesh material (with openings no greater than 2 inches at its least dimension), or with other material(s) which the employer demonstrates will provide equivalent visibility and protection from penetrating objects.(6)

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Footnote(6) OSHA is noting in the revised compliance directive that material(s) that satisfy the performance criteria of the Society of Automotive Engineers SAE J1084, April 1980, "Operator Protective Structure Performance Criteria for Certain Forestry Equipment" are deemed to comply with the revised provision.

While some logging machines currently manufactured do meet this requirement, others do not. For those logging machines manufactured on or before August 1, 1996, OSHA is clarifying in paragraph (f)(3)(viii) that such machines may either comply with revised paragraph (f)(3)(vii) or continue to meet the protective canopy requirements specified in the 1971 pulpwood logging standard.(7)

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Footnote(7) OSHA notes and is clarifying the compliance directive to indicate that extended compliance time and exceptions to compliance apply only where specifically indicated. With regard to all other provisions, the extensions and exceptions do not apply for machinery already in use. The employer must assure that any machine used for logging operations is in compliance with the other provisions of paragraph (f)(3). For example, all machines used in logging operations, whether initially placed in service before or after the effective date, must have two means of egress. To the extent that any machine in service does not have a second means of egress, the machine must be retrofitted (e.g., replacing the stationary windowshield with a hinged window to allow egress) or removed from service.

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