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(a) Every employer engaged in tree work shall have and employees shall be instructed in a set of operating rules, including but not limited to, the appropriate rules below:
(1) All equipment shall be operated by qualified personnel.
(2) No part of the body shall be used to locate or attempt to stop a hydraulic leak.
(3) Rotary drum or disk-type brush chippers shall be fed from the side of the center line, and the operator shall immediately turn away from the feed table when the brush is taken into the rotor.
(4) Employees shall never place hands, arms, feet, legs, or any other part of the body on the feed table when the brush chipper is in operation or the rotor is turning.
(5) The brush chipper chute shall not be raised while rotor is turning.
(6) Material such as stones, nails, sweepings, etc., shall not be fed into the brush chipper.
(7) Vehicles shall not be operated at speeds which will endanger the driver or workers.
(8) Power saw engines shall be stopped when carrying for a distance greater than 100 feet, or in hazardous conditions such as slippery surfaces or heavy underbrush. Saw shall be at idle speed when carried short distances.
(9) The engine shall be stopped for all cleaning, refueling, adjustments, and repairs to the saw or engine where practical, except where manufacturer's procedures require otherwise.
(10) When using back power units for pruning or clearing, the operator shall heed the position of all personnel while the unit is running.
(11) Tree workers shall not carry tools in their hands while climbing.
(12) Employees shall maintain a safe working distance from other employees when using hand tools.
(13) Employees shall not throw or drop tools from trees unless warning has been given and the ground area is clear, and the act of dropping will not endanger personnel.
(14) Pole pruners and pole saws shall be hung securely in a vertical position to prevent dislodging. Pole pruners or pole saws shall not be hung on utility wires or cables, or left in the tree overnight. Pole saws shall be hung so that the sharp edge is away from the employee.
(15) Climbers shall inspect the ropes for cuts or abrasions before starting work. If any cuts or serious abrasions are found, the rope shall be immediately repaired or removed from service.
(16) Chopping tools shall be swung away from the feet, legs, and body.
(17) Chopping tools shall not be driven as wedges or used to drive metal wedges.
(18) The employee shall work from the uphill side whenever possible when doing limbing or bucking.
(19) The employee shall block the log to prevent rolling, when necessary.
(20) When bucking up trunks of trees, wedges shall be used so that the tree will not bind the guide bar or chain.
NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.
HISTORY
1. Amendment filed 8-8-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 32).
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