Or. Admin. Code § 437-007-0405 - Chain Saws

(1) Chain saws must be inspected before use.

(2) Chain saws must not be used if they have cracked or loose handle bars or defective vital parts.

(3) Chain saws must be operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

(4) Chain saws must not be fueled with the engine running.

(5) Chain saws must be fueled at least 10 feet (3 m) from open flames or other source of ignition.

(6) Chain saws must not be started within 10 feet (3 m) of the fueling area.

(7) Chain saws must have an operable chain brake, if originally designed and equipped with a chain brake.

(8) Chain brakes and other manufacturer's safety features must be operational at all times.

(9) Chain saws must be equipped with an automatic throttle control which will return the engine to idling speed upon release of the throttle.

NOTE: "Idling" is when the chain is not moving while the engine is running.

(10) Each chain saw must meet all applicable requirements of American National Standard, ANSI B175.1-1991, Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws, except where exempt by these rules.

(11) Chain saws must be started on the ground if they are not otherwise firmly supported.

NOTE: This does not apply to personnel working aloft in trees when supported by climbing spurs and climbing belt.

(12) Chain brakes must be engaged when feasible, while chain saws are being started, unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.

(13) Chain saw operators must be certain of footing before starting to cut.

(14) Chain saws must be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation unless the employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by keeping both hands on the chain saw in that particular situation.

(15) Personnel must not use a chain saw:

(a) To cut directly overhead in a manner that would cause limbs, chunks of bark or pieces of wood to fall on the operator.

(b) At a distance that would require them to relinquish a safe grip on the saw.

(c) In a position or at a distance that could cause them to:

(A) Become off balance, or

(B) Have insecure footing.

(16) Chain saws must be carried in a manner that will not create a hazard for the operator.

(17) Where terrain or brush creates a hazardous condition, the chain saw engine must be shut off while the operator is walking.

(18) The chain saw must be shut down or the chain brake must be engaged whenever a saw is carried farther than 50 feet.

Notes

Or. Admin. Code § 437-007-0405

OSHA 5-2003, f. 6-2-03, cert. ef. 12-1-03

Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) & ORS 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 - ORS 654.295