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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 (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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