**FS & BLM Chainsaw Operations**

**Handbook & OSHA References**

**For**

**SAWING ALONE**

**FSH 6709.11 - Health and Safety Code Handbook**

The first paragraph of the Heath & Safety Code Handbook under *[Zero
Code]{.underline}* states that the code is ***..... "In addition to the
standards and regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) (sec.01)"***

> **22.48 -- Chain Saw Operations.** Chain saw operations include, but
> are not limited to, felling, bucking, brushing, limbing, and
> specialized uses.
>
> **22.48a -- Standards** includes reference to *[29 CFR 1910.266
> Logging Operations]{.underline}*

**BLM Manual Handbook 1112-1 Safety and Health management**

The preface states that the Bureau of Land Management must ....
"***Comply with applicable program requirements of Executive Order
12196, 29 CFR 1960, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
and adopted national consensus standards***.

**Interagency Authorities**

-   The basic authority for safety and health standards is the
    *Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970*, Public Law 596,
    sections 6 and 19; specifically OSHA 1910 Standards for General
    Industry

-   Executive Order 12196, *Occupational Safety and Health Programs for
    Federal Employees*

-   Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1960, *Basic
    Program Elements for Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health
    Programs and Related Matters*

**29 CFR PART 1910.266 Logging Operations.**

**1910.266(b) *Scope and application***

**1910.266(b) (2)** this standard applies to all logging operations as
defined by this section

**1910.266(c) *Definitions applicable to this section*** (those
applicable to interagency work activities)

-   *[Backcut]{.underline} (felling cut).* The final cut in a felling
    operation.

-   *[Buck]{.underline}.* To cut a felled tree into logs.

-   *Danger tree.* A standing tree that presents a hazard to employees
    due to conditions such as , but not limited to, deterioration or
    physical damage to the root system, trunk, stem or limbs, and the
    direction and the of the tree.

-   *Fell (fall).* To cut down trees.

-   *Limbing*. To cut branches off felled trees.

-   *Log.* A segment sawed or split from a felled tree, such as but not
    limited to, a section, bolt, or tree length.

-   *Logging operations*. Operations associated with felling and moving
    trees and logs from the stump to point of delivery, such as, but not
    limited to, marking danger trees and trees/logs to be cut to length,
    felling, limbing, bucking, debarking, chipping, yarding, loading,
    unloading, storing, and transporting machines, equipment and
    personal to, from and between logging sites.

-   *Undercut.* A notch cut in a tree to guide the direction of the tree
    fall and to prevent splitting or kickback.

-   *Snag.* Any standing dead tree or portion thereof.

**1910.266(d) (6) (iii)** *States: - each employee performing a logging
operation at a logging work site shall work in a position or location
that is within visual or audible contact with another employee*

***This is the requirement indicating at least two employees to be
present while operating a chain saw.***

**Letter of interpretation for applicability of 1910.266 to**

Forest Service and/or Bureau of Land Management Work

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  **January 21, 2004\
  \
  Thomas J. Mills\
  Deputy Chief for Business Operations\
  USDA Forest Service - BUS OPS\
  Room 2 NW\
  1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.\
  Washington, DC 20250-1103\
  \
  Dear Mr. Mills:\
  \
  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently
  conducted a review of interpretive correspondence regarding the scope
  and application of the OSHA logging standard, 29 CFR 1910.266. During
  that review, we found correspondence addressed to Ms. Kathleen
  Connelly, Deputy Chief for Administration, dated October 25, 1996,
  which contained an incorrect interpretation of the scope of the
  standard.\
  \
  The scope of the standard is not dependent on whether logging
  operations are conducted for reasons other than \"for sale.\" The
  Logging Operations standard establishes safety practices, means,
  methods, and operations for all types of logging, regardless of the end
  use of the wood and regardless if the activity results in a commercial
  (for sale) product \-- 29 CFR 1910.266(b)(1).\
  \
  By this letter OSHA rescinds the October 25, 1996 letter. I regret any
  inconvenience the incorrect interpretation may have caused you. If you
  have any questions regarding this matter, please \[contact the
  Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP) at (202) 693-2100\].\
  \
  Sincerely,\
  \
  Richard E. Fairfax, Director\
  Directorate of Enforcement Programs**

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