Heard at the February 17, 2000
Adopted on August 17, 2000
Approved by OAL on September 19, 2000
Effective October 18, 2000
Amend Section 3441 to read:
§3441. Operation of Agricultural Equipment.
(a) Operating Instructions. At the time of initial assignment and at least
annually thereafter, the employer shall instruct every employee in the safe
operation and servicing of all equipment with which the employee is, or will
be involved including at least the following safe operating practices:
(1) Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operation;
(2) Permit no riders on agricultural equipment other than persons required for
instruction or assistance in machine operation;
(3) Stop engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement
to stop before servicing, adjusting, cleaning, or unclogging the equipment,
except where the machine must be running to be properly serviced or maintained,
in which case the employer shall instruct employees as to all steps and procedures
which are necessary to safely service or maintain the equipment;
(4) Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging
power, or operating the machine;
(5) Lock out electrical power before performing maintenance or service on agricultural
equipment. (See Article 3 of the Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders.)
NOTE: For overhead electrical hazards see Section 3455 of this article.
(6) Watch for electric power lines and maintain clearances as required by
the High Voltage Electrical Safety Orders.
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NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.
Amend Section 3455 to read:
§ 3455. Metal Fruit Picking Poles. Overhead Electrical Hazards.
(a) Where high-voltage electrical lines pass over, through or along planted areas or orchards, the supervisor or person in charge of work crews shall inspect the work area to determine if the high-voltage lines are located in areas that may expose employees to electrical hazards.
(b) Metal or any other e Electrically conductive poles shall
not be used for fruit picking, or
nut-knocking, or any other similar agricultural operations. Employees
using other conductive tools or equipment to perform duties such as pruning,
harvesting and the handling of irrigation pipe in areas where such tools or
equipment could come into contact with overhead high-voltage electrical lines
shall not be assigned such work until they are instructed in the hazards associated
with working in proximity to energized high-voltage electrical lines (i.e.,
serious bodily injury or death from accidental contact or near-contact with
energized electrical lines). The instruction shall include the use of tools,
equipment and work practices necessary to perform work safely and maintain the
appropriate clearances specified in subsection (c).
(c) The clearance distances contained in Article 37, Tables 1 and 2 of the
High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders shall be maintained when placing or moving
irrigation piping, and when employees use tools, ladders, machinery, or other
equipment and materials that could come into contact with high-voltage lines.
NOTE: Article 37, Table 1 pertains to general clearances required from energized
overhead conductors and Table 2 pertains to boom-type lifting or hoisting equipment
clearances.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: 142.3, Labor Code.