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 6289 - Spar Trees

(a) All trees from which rigging is hung shall be carefully examined for defects before being rigged. All trees shall be selected to withstand the anticipated strains.

(b) Tree plates shall be used on spar trees when necessary.

(c) All trees, except lift trees, used for loading or yarding shall be limbed and topped short enough to be rigid when guyed. Limbs shall be cut off close to the trunk. Climbers shall select the place for hanging rigging before the tree is topped. No more than 12 feet nor less than 6 feet of the tree shall extend above the top guylines.

(d) Spar trees, except redwood or cedar, shall be barked where guylines are to be placed. Rub trees around landings shall be topped and guyed if necessary. Spikes used by the climber to aid in hanging rigging shall be removed before the tree is used for logging. Loose material shall be removed or securely fastened.

(e) Lift trees shall be adequately guyed to withstand any anticipated stresses.

(f) When using a live, standing, or running skyline, the lift tree need not be topped, provided that the lines pass through a tree-jack or block hung on the tree before the skyline is anchored to a tail hold.