(1)
Falling cuts must not be made in a standing tree while anybody is in the area
where the tree could fall.
(2)
Trees must not be felled if the wind is strong enough to prevent the tree from
falling in the desired direction.
(3) Domino falling is prohibited.
EXCEPTION: A lodged tree can be dislodged by
falling another tree into it.
(4) A worker must not:
(a) Work under a lodged tree.
(b) Cut a tree that another tree is lodged
in.
(5) When any lodged
or standing tree with undercuts or back cuts is left unattended, the hazardous
area must be distinctly marked by hazard identification ribbon as specified in
OAR
437-007-0205.
(6) Only qualified workers may fall danger
trees.
(7) When falling danger
trees:
(a) Use extra caution.
(b) Remove loose bark within reach from the
ground before starting to fall the tree.
(c) Use a deep undercut with a wide face
opening, and fall the danger tree in the direction of lean whenever possible to
avoid vibration caused by wedging.
(8) One worker must not fall a tree or danger
tree when the assistance of another worker is necessary to minimize the risk of
injury caused by overhead hazards, loose bark, loose or interlocked limbs,
conditions of the tree, terrain or cutting conditions.
(9) An escape route must be determined and
arranged before a tree is fallen so the worker(s) falling the tree can move at
least 25 feet away from and to the side of the base of the tree.
(10) The escape route must be clear of brush,
snow, tools and other material that would impede a quick escape.
(11) Workers must not remain at the stump as
the tree falls unless it is necessary to complete the backcut. Once the backcut
is completed, the worker must immediately release the throttle and move a safe
distance away from the tree.
(12)
Trees must be felled into the open whenever practical.
(13) When manual falling or tree jacking,
trees must not be felled directly uphill when the probability of the tree
sliding back past the stump is likely.
(14) When manual falling or tree jacking,
trees felled uphill must be quartered to the slope, to minimize exposure to
sliding or rolling trees.
(15) When
trees or snags are over 6 inches DBH:
(a)
Undercuts must not be less than 1/4 the diameter of the tree.
(b) Face openings must not be less than 1/5
the diameter of the tree.
EXAMPLE: Acceptable undercuts:
A. Conventional undercut. Can be made with
parallel saw cut and axe diagonal cut or both cuts with the saw. Generally used
on trees of small diameter.
Figure 7-35 -- Falling -- Conventional Face
B. Humbolt cut. Both cuts made with the saw.
Same as "A" except that waste is put on the stump.
Figure 7-36 -- Falling -- Humbolt Face
C. Open face cut. Both cuts made with the
saw. The top and bottom face cuts generally form a 90 degree angle when
completed. Works best on small diameter trees.
Figure 7-37 -- Falling -- Open Face [Figures not included.
See ED. NOTE.]
(16) Undercuts must be completely removed and
cleaned out unless it is necessary to use a Dutchman on either side of the
cut.
(17) Undercuts and back cuts
must be made at a sufficient height above the highest ground level to enable
the person falling the tree to:
(a) Safely
make the cut.
(b) Control the
tree.
(c) Have freedom of movement
for a quick escape.
(18)
Back cuts must be made above and on a horizontal plane with the face
cut.
(19) Holding wood must not be
completely cut through.
NOTE: When completing a swing cut, sufficient
holding wood must be maintained to guide the tree during most of its
fall.
