Michigan Administrative Code
Department - Labor and Economic Opportunity
MIOSHA
General Industry and Construction Safety and Occupational Health Standards
General Industry Safety Standards
Part 51 - LOGGING
FELLING, LIMBING, BUCKING, AND SKIDDING
Section R. 408.15158 - Skidding; yarding
Current through Vol. 24-16, September 15, 2024
Rule 5158.
(1) A person shall not ride on a log being skidded.
(2) A skidder operator shall use caution if operating near another person.
(3) If on a hill, a skidder shall not be operated parallel to the contour of the slope.
(4) If skidding equipment equipped with blades is moving, then the blades shall be carried high enough to avoid objects. If skidding equipment is parked, the blades on the skidding equipment shall be lowered to the ground.
(5) A person shall not hook, adjust, or cross winch lines that are under tension.
(6) A choker setter shall do both of the following:
(7) A knot shall not be allowed in a wire rope; however, looping the wire rope around the log for purposes of skidding is not considered a knot.
(8) Only the loading or unloading machine operator and other employees the employer demonstrates are essential shall be in the loading or unloading area during the skidding operation.
(9) A yarding line shall not be moved unless the yarder operator has clearly received and understood the signal to do so. When in doubt, the yarder operator shall repeat the signal and wait for a confirming signal before moving any line.
(10) A load shall not exceed the rated capacity of the pallet, trailer, or other carrier.
(11) Towed equipment shall be attached as specified in R 408.15146(4).
(12) The yarding machine or vehicle, including its load, shall be operated at a safe distance from all obstructions that may create a hazard for an employee.
(13) Each yarded tree shall be placed in a location that does not create a hazard for an employee and in an orderly manner so that the trees are stable before bucking or limbing is commenced.