Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders
Article 12. Pile Driving

§1601. Methods of Unloading Piles.

(a) Hand Unloading From Trucks and Trailers. The following method shall be used in unloading piles from a truck or trailer when the load is to be rolled off one side by hand. This method shall not be attempted unless trucks and trailers are equipped with bunk chocks arranged so as to be released from the side opposite that from which the load is to be dumped, and at least 2 binder chains encircle the load of piles. Binders shall be arranged so that their release is accomplished from the side opposite that from which the load is to be dumped.

(1) Piles shall be prevented from coming off on the wrong side of the vehicle by tilting the vehicle body so that the unloading side is approximately 10 inches below the opposite side or by securely bracing the load on one side with at least 2 timber shores, 4 inches by 6 inches in cross section, or material of equivalent strength. In tilting the vehicle, advantage may be taken of sloping ground or a special device may be used.

(2) Chocks and binders are to be released from a safe position after the requirements of Order 1601 (a) (1) have been complied with.

(3) If skids are used, they shall be in place before the binders or chocks are released.

(4) When it is necessary to use peaveys to remove the last piles from the truck or trailer, the workers shall work from the ends of the load and shall stand clear of the area exposed to rolling piles.

(b) Power Unloading From Trucks and Trailers. If power is to be used, the following method of rolling the load off one side shall be followed in unloading piles from a truck or trailer, unless an equally safe power method is used in which no individuals are exposed to the hazard of rolling or falling piles:

(1) Before the load is released, a bridle from the source of power shall be passed over the load from the unloading side, then passed under the load and the 2 ends secured at separate points to the unloading side of the vehicle or to dead men. After it is pulled taut, the chocks and binders may be released from a safe position, additional power being applied as necessary to complete unloading.

(2) All requirements and limitations for unloading by hand, as described under Order 1601 (a), shall be followed, with the exceptions of (1) and (2).

(c) Hand Unloading From Flat Cars. The following method shall be used in unloading piles from a flat car when the load is to be rolled off one side by hand:

(1) Skids shall be set on the unloading side of the car and secured to the car or to the bolsters under the piles. The upper end of the skids shall be below the lower layer of piles.

(2) At least 2 shores not smaller than 4-inch by 6-inch timbers shall be braced against the side opposite the unloading side of the load, with the upper end of the shores secured to car stakes or wedged against a pile in the second or third layer from the top. These shores shall be set near each bolster.

(3) Car stakes on the unloading side shall be notched approximately 1/4 of their thickness just above stake pockets.

(4) Binder wires or straps shall be cut on unloading side, with the exception of the top and bottom wires or straps which shall be cut from the opposite side after the other cutting is complete.

(5) When it is necessary to use peaveys to remove the last piles from the flatcar, the workers shall work from the ends of the load and shall stand clear of the area exposed to rolling piles.

(d) Power Unloading From Flat Car. The following method of rolling the load off 1 side shall be followed in unloading piles from a flat car, unless an equally safe power method is used in which no individuals are exposed to the hazard of rolling or falling piles:

(1) Skids shall be set on the unloading side and secured to the car or to the bolster under the load.

(2) A bridle from the source of power shall be passed over the load from the unloading side, then passed under the load and the ends secured to the unloading side of the car and a strain taken on the line.

(3) Car stakes on the unloading side shall be notched approximately 1/4 of their thickness just above the stake pockets.

(4) Binder wires or straps shall be cut on the unloading side with the exception of the top and bottom wires or straps which shall be cut from the opposite side after the other cutting is complete.

(5) Additional tension may thus be applied to the bridle from the power source so as to remove the load.

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

HISTORY

1. Amendment filed 9-9-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 37).