Text from
the OSHA Logging Standard Amendment issued September 8, 1995 in the Federal RegisterParagraph
(f)(7)(ii) -- Machine Brakes
In the final rule, OSHA required that logging machines be equipped with service brakes
(primary brakes) (paragraph (f)(7)(i)), and a secondary braking system, such as emergency
brakes or parking brakes (paragraph (f)(7)(ii)). The final rule specified that the
secondary braking system be sufficient to stop the machine, in the event that the service
brakes fail, and to maintain parking performance.
OSHA stayed paragraph (f)(7)(ii) insofar as it implied that parking brakes were
adequate secondary brakes for stopping a moving logging machine if the service brakes
failed. Primary brakes (service brakes), secondary stopping brakes (backup brakes), and
parking brakes are all necessary devices for logging machines. OSHA is correcting
paragraph (f)(7)(ii) to clarify that logging machines placed into initial service after
September 8, 1995, must be equipped with three braking systems -- service brakes,
secondary brakes and parking brakes.
Some older machines were manufactured with primary brakes, but without secondary or
backup brakes, and OSHA has learned that retrofitting these machines may not be feasible.
OSHA is permitting these older machines to remain in use, provided that the employer
assures the service brakes are inspected and maintained at their designed level of
effectiveness. Therefore, OSHA is correcting paragraph (f)(7)(ii) to specify that only
machines placed into initial service on or after September 8, 1995 must be equipped with
secondary and parking brakes.(8)
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Footnote(8) OSHA is noting in the revised compliance directive that logging machines
with braking systems meeting the Society of Automotive Engineers standards for forestry
(SAE J1178, June 1987, "Braking Performance -- Rubber Tired Skidders") or
earthmoving (SAE J1026, April 1990, "Brake Performance -- Crawler Tractors and
Crawler Loaders") equipment are deemed to be in compliance with the final rule,
provided that the employer assures that such braking systems are maintained in a
serviceable condition.
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