California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 13 - Logging and Sawmill Safety Orders
Article 5 - Falling and Bucking
Section 6283 - Portable Chain Saw Operations

Universal Citation: 8 CA Code of Regs 6283

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Employees, such as fallers, buckers, limbers, choppers, landing chasers, and others performing similar operations, who operate chain saws, shall use leg protection such as chaps, pads, inserts, or other protective garments or devices that are labeled as meeting the specifications of ASTM F 1897-98, Standard Specification for Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users.

EXCEPTIONS:

1) High climbers described in Section 6287.

2) Employees, with employer's concurrence, who use a chain saw incidental to their normal assigned tasks.

(b) Each chain saw placed in service on or after May 5, 1995 shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise be provided with a label or plate stating that it meets the requirements of the ANSI B175.1-1991 "Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws". Chain saws placed in service before May 5, 1995 shall be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain-saw kickback. No chain-saw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled.

(c) Chain saws shall be stopped and employees shall use the escape path when the tree starts to fall.

(d) All chain saws shall be equipped with a control that when released returns the saw to idling speed.

(e) Power saw motors shall be stopped when carried for a distance greater than from tree to tree, not to exceed 100 feet, or in hazardous conditions such as slippery surfaces or heavy underbrush. The saw shall be at idle speed when carried short distances.

(f) Exhaust manifolds on gasoline motors shall be constructed and maintained so that exhaust fumes are directed away from the operator.

(g) Power saws shall be equipped with a clutch so adjusted that at idling speed it will not engage the chain drive.

(h) Loose material that may catch the saw shall be removed.

(i) All power saws shall be equipped with a positive off-and-on switch.

(j) Power cables on electric units shall be properly insulated. Care shall be taken to see that cables are in the clear at all times.

(k) Electric saw and generator units shall be bonded together and grounded.

(l) The cable on electric units shall be disconnected while moving the saw through brush and thickets, or where the character of the ground obstructs the free movement of the fallers.

(m) Every employer shall instruct and enforce a safe practice procedure including the rules listed below:

(1) Inspect the saw daily to assure that all handles and guards are in place and tight, all controls function properly, and the muffler is operative.

(2) Properly instruct operators on safe operation and adjustment.

(3) Always keep a firm grip on the saw.

(4) Fuel the saw only in conditions not conducive to fire hazards.

(5) Start the saw at least 10 feet away from fueling area.

(6) Start the saw only when firmly supported.

(7) Do not use chain saw or other engine fuels for starting fires or for use as a cleaning solvent.

EXCEPTION: When approved by the fire authority, diesel fuel may be used to start warming fires provided the employer assures that in the particular situation it does not create a hazard for employees.

(8) Use proper methods to avoid kickbacks.

1. Amendment of section heading, subsections (a) and (l) filed 2-6-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 6).
2. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 4-11-94; operative 5-11-94 (Register 94, No. 15).
3. New subsection (b) and subsection relettering filed 5-5-95; operative 5-5-95 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(d) (Register 95, No. 18).
4. Amendment of subsection (m)(7) filed 10-24-01; operative 11-23-01 (Register 2001, No. 43).
5. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 8-2-2004; operative 9-1-2004 (Register 2004, No. 32).

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

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. California may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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