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 6 - Climbing and Preparation of Spar Trees
Section 6287 - High Climber

(a) Spar trees shall not be topped during windy weather.

(b) The high climber shall be an experienced logger and have a thorough knowledge of all phases of the work.

(c) The climber shall be equipped with a safety belt, steel spurs (long enough to hold in any tree on which they are used), and a steel-cored, hemp climbing rope or 3/16 -inch high-test chain. The equipment shall be kept in good condition and tools used by the climber shall be securely fastened to the belt or person.

(d) The climber's rope shall be long enough to encircle the tree and be secured before the climber leaves the ground. Snaps shall not be used on the climber's rope, unless a secondary safety device between the belt and snap is used.

(e) An extra set of climbing equipment shall be available.

(f) While the climber is working in the tree, employees shall keep a safe distance from the tree. The climber shall give warning if a tool, piece of equipment, or any material is in danger of dropping.

(g) Running lines to the tree shall not be moved while the climber is working in the tree, except such pulls as the climber directs.

(h) An experienced employee, stationed out of danger of falling objects, shall be assigned to transmit the climber's signals. Neither this employee nor the machine operator shall be otherwise engaged while the climber is using the pass line.

(i) An employee shall be stationed at the drum to insure even spooling when the climber is riding the pass line.

(j) When the topping of trees is ahead of operations, another employee shall be assigned to stay in sight of the climber at all times.