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Subchapter 13. Logging and Sawmill Safety Orders
Article 9. Tractors (Including Rubber-Tired)
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§6308. Tractors and Arches.


(a) When blades afford overturning protection, they shall be used on all tractors that are used for yarding.

(b) Tractor brakes shall be sufficient to hold the machine on any grade over which it is being operated, and shall be kept in good repair. The braking system shall be effective whether or not the engine is running, and regardless of the direction of travel. A parking brake or a device to hold the service brakes in the applied position shall be provided.

(c) Running boards or fenders used to enter or leave the tractor shall be of nonslip-type metal or covered with nonslip-type material.

(d) Approved respirators or dust masks shall be provide for tractor operators during dusty operating conditions.

(e) The guiding of lines by hand onto tractor drums is prohibited, except when new lines are installed.

(f) Arches shall be equipped with line guards. These shall be arranged to prevent a whipping action if the line breaks. When a coupling is attached above the drum, it shall be secured by a safety strap to prevent the arch from running forward if the coupling breaks.

(g) Riding on arches, reaches, or logs, or on any part of a tractor, except in the driver's compartment is prohibited.

(h) Employees shall not stand upon the track of a logging tractor or arch unless they are required to do so by the nature of the work they are doing, and then only when there is no danger of the tractor moving.

(i) Movements of tractors used around employees shall be regulated by hand signals. Signaling by means of throwing objects in the air is prohibited.

NOTE: See Appendix A for recommended tractor hand signals.

(j) Ball hooting is prohibited.

(k) Knots shall not be used for connecting separate lengths of drum line.

(l) If a tractor is equipped with multiple drums and operated as a logging machine, it shall have a roof and comply with Section 6303.

(m) Winch lines on logging tractors or skidders shall be attached to the drums with a breakaway device.

(n) Where knots are permitted, the strand ends shall not be over 2 inches long.

(o) Chokers shall be positioned near the end of the log or tree length to allow turning of the tractor preventing the penetration of the operator station and reducing the possibility of striking the wheel or track.

(p) Provisions shall be made to securely fasten and protect all tools and material on the carrier.

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. Amendment of subsections (d), (e), (h) and (i) filed 2-6-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 6).

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