California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders
Group 3 - General Plant Equipment and Special Operations
Article 12 - Tree Work, Maintenance or Removal
Section 3426 - Hand Tools

Universal Citation: 8 CA Code of Regs 3426

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

(a) General.

(1) Hand tools shall be used in accordance with Section 3556 of these Orders.

(2) When climbing into a tree, tree workers shall not carry hand tools and equipment in their hands unless they are tools used to assist them in their climbing. Tools other than ropes or throwlines shall not be thrown into a tree, out of a tree or between workers aloft.

(3) Employees shall maintain a safe working distance from other employees when using hand tools.

(4) Chopping tools shall be swung away from the feet, legs, and body.

(5) Chopping tools shall not be driven as wedges or used to drive metal wedges unless specifically designed to be driven or to be used to drive wedges.

(6) Hand tools and equipment shall be properly stored or placed in plain sight out of the immediate work area when not in use.

(b) Pruners and Saws.

(1) Pole pruners, pole saws, and other similar tools shall be equipped with non-conducting poles and actuating cords.

(2) Pole pruners and pole saws shall be hung securely in a vertical position to prevent dislodging. Pole pruners or pole saws shall not be hung on utility wires or cables, or left in the tree overnight. Pole saws shall be hung so that the sharp edge is away from the employee.

1. Amendment filed 8-8-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 32).
2. Amendment filed 9-25-2012; operative 10-25-2012 (Register 2012, No. 39).

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

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